Teresa Szkodzinski

Teresa M. Szkodzinski, age 70, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2026, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer beginning in 2019. Her strength was not loud, but steady, steadfast, and strong – a resilience that carried her through life’s greatest challenges with grace.
Born on January 23, 1956, in Wrocław, Poland, Teresa lived a life rooted in love, devotion, and unwavering commitment to family. She began her career as a dietitian at an oncology hospital in Wrocław. It was there that she met her beloved husband, Walter, a physician, beginning a partnership built on love and shared purpose. After immigrating to the United States with her husband, Teresa devoted
herself wholeheartedly to her family, becoming the heart of her home. Her daughter, Joanna, was her greatest pride and joy, and Teresa poured her love, wisdom, and strength into raising her.
Though her family remained in Poland, Teresa built a beautiful and lasting community in the States. She formed deep bonds with friends who became family in every sense of the word. She cherished her time in Poland, holding tightly to her roots and traditions. At the same time, she embraced her life here with warmth and openness, creating meaningful friendships and connections that enriched her life.
Teresa’s greatest joy was caring for the people she loved. Whether tending to her garden, walking, and hiking, enjoying a strong cup of coffee, or taking her beloved grand-dog Moona for walks, she found happiness in simple moments shared with others. She loved creating memories over meals, trying new restaurants with her family, cooking meals at home, and filling the kitchen with the comforting aromas of her homemade pierogi, her famous almond cookies, and cheesecake.
She is survived by her daughter, Joanna Szkodzinski Sylvester; sister, Krystyna Chmielewska and other members of the Chmielewski family; son-in-law Joe Sylvester; son-in-law’s brother, Samuel Sylvester; and son-in-law’s mother, Kathy Sylvester.
Teresa was preceded in death by her loving husband, Walter Szkodzinski; her parents, Marianna and Ryszard Chmielewski; and brother, Stanisław Chmielewski.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation on February 28, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Binghamton, with a Mass to follow. For those unable to attend in person, a livestream link, (www.stasp.org, then click on livestream), so that all may join in honoring her life.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Mercy House of the Southern Tier. The family would also like to extend their deepest gratitude to the team at Guthrie Hospice, especially her devoted nursing and care team, whose compassion, love, and gentle care brought Teresa comfort in her final months. We are equally grateful to the many friends and family members who visited, prepared meals, offered support, and surrounded our family with love and strength during this time. Your presence and generosity carried us in ways we will never forget.
Teresa will be remembered for her strength, her generous heart, her devotion to family, and the beautiful traditions she carried with her from Poland. Her love lives on in every meal shared, every garden tended, and every gathering filled with warmth.