MACKIEWICZ, Barbara A. (Szczepanik) Barbara A. (Szczepanik) Mackiewicz, formerly of New Britain, passed away on June 13, 2009 after a long illness surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was born February 11, 1950 in New Britain and was the daughter of Florence and the late Joseph Szczepanik, also of New Britain. In her earlier years, she graduated from Holy Cross and Pulaski High School. During that time she participated in High School theatre, loved cheerleading and was a member of Delpha Cap. She was a stunningly beautiful person, not only in appearance but also in spirit. She worked as an accountant for the firm of Edward Loughery up until her tragic car accident in 1980 which left her a paraplegic. Even though this misfortune befell her, she led an active, complete and full life. She was an avid reader, loved movies and also loved to debate anything from music to politics. She had a heart of gold, was strong, courageous and determined. She loved Christmas and lavished everyone with gifts, especially her grandchildren and her nieces and nephews, whom she adored. She was a loving daughter, mother, sister, aunt, friend and grandmother. She is survived by her mother Florence Szczepanik, of New Britain, who took care of her for 29 years, a son Scott Mackiewicz and his wife Morgan, of Forestville, a brother Joseph A. Szczepanik, of Ellington, a sister Janet Mastrianni and her husband John, of Forestville. She also leaves behind her two beloved grandchildren Mason and Hunter Mackiewicz, of Forestville and her nieces and nephews Sarah Sayko, Ryan Szczepanik, Stephanie Mastrianni, John Mastrianni, III, and several aunts, uncles and cousins. In addition to her relatives, she leaves behind her wonderful caregiver, friend and confidant of 29 years, Rose Boucher and her family. Other friends and caregivers include Terry Mroczek, Maribel Rivera, Donna Boucher, Gayle Sheltrey, and Linda Sylvia. The family would like to express their extreme gratitude for all the help, support and care that was given to Barbara by all these special people. A graveside service will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 20th at Sacred Heart Cemetery located at 662 Burritt St. in New Britain. We strongly encourage all friends and family to attend. Immediately following the service there will be a tribute and celebration of Barbara's life and spirit to be held at Angelico's Restaurant at 542 East Main St., New Britain. In lieu of flowers please make all donations to the National Spinal Cord Injury Association (www.spinalcord.org) 1 Church St., # 600, Rockville, MD 20850. Burritt Hill Funeral Home, 332 Burritt St. is serving the family. To share a memory with the Mackiewicz family please visit us at www.burritthill.com.

Barbara A. (Szczepanik) Mackiewicz, formerly of New Britain, passed away June 13, 2009 after a long illness surrounded by her loving family and friends.

She was born Feb. 11, 1950 in New Britain and was the daughter of Florence and the late Joseph Szczepanik, also of New Britain. In her earlier years, she graduated from Holy Cross and Pulaski High School. During that time she participated in high school theatre, loved cheerleading and was a member of Delpha Cap. She was a stunningly beautiful person, not only in appearance but also in spirit. She worked as an accountant for the firm of Edward Loughery up until her tragic car accident in 1980 which left her a paraplegic. Even though this misfortune befell her, she led an active, complete and full life. She was an avid reader, loved movies and also loved to debate anything from music to politics. She had a heart of gold, was strong, courageous and determined. She loved Christmas and lavished everyone with gifts, especially her grandchildren and her nieces and nephews, whom she adored. She was a loving daughter, mother, sister, aunt, friend and grandmother.

She is survived by her mother Florence Szczepanik of New Britain, who took care of her for 29 years; a son, Scott Mackiewicz and his wife, Morgan, of Forestville; a brother, Joseph A. Szczepanik of Ellington; a sister, Janet Mastrianni and her husband, John, of Forestville. She also leaves behind her two beloved grandchildren, Mason and Hunter Mackiewicz of Forestville and her nieces and nephews, Sarah Sayko, Ryan Szczepanik, Stephanie Mastrianni, John Mastrianni, III; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. In addition to her relatives, she leaves behind her wonderful caregiver, friend and confidant of 29 years, Rose Boucher and her family. Other friends and caregivers include Terry Mroczek, Maribel Rivera, Donna Boucher, Gayle Sheltrey and Linda Sylvia.

The family would like to express its extreme gratitude for all the help, support and care that was given to Barbara by all these special people. A graveside service will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 20 at Sacred Heart Cemetery, 662 Burritt St., New Britain. We strongly encourage all friends and family to attend. Immediately following the service there will be a tribute and celebration of Barbara’s life and spirit to be held at Angelico’s Restaurant at 542 E. Main St., New Britain. In lieu of flowers please make all donations to the National Spinal Cord Injury Association (www.spinalcord.org) 1 Church St., No. 600, Rockville, MD 20850. Burritt Hill Funeral Home, 332 Burritt St., is serving the family. To share a memory with the Mackiewicz family please visit us at www.burritthill.com