Dorothy L. Gniadek

UPDATE: To view Dorothy's visiting hour live from 9:30 am until 10:30 am, please visit https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/80274663


WORCESTER- Dorothy L. (Sweet) Gniadek, 92, passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2020, at St. Vincent Hospital surrounded by her loving family.


She was born in Athol, Massachusetts on May 22, 1928, a daughter of the late Kenneth and Pauline (Durling) Sweet. She attended Downing Street, Gates Lane, and South High School before beginning her career at the former Harrington & Richardson Arms Company in Worcester where she manufactured firearms during World War II. After several years of employment there she contested her lay off stating that she could break down and put together a gun as fast or faster than any man in the shop. Her employer took her up on her challenge where she proudly beat out the others and was given her job back. She then worked for many years as a foreman at the former Olson Manufacturing, now known as Inner-Tite Corporation in Holden until her retirement in 1993.


Dorothy had a passion for gardening and her yard was a testament to her care and devotion to her plants and flowers. She was an avid card player and was always a favorite to win at the family pitch parties. Her favorite vacations were traveling to Ohio to visit her daughters and families, to Chicago to see her Polish brothers-in-law and spending time at Old Orchard Beach, Hampton Beach, and Cape Cod. Dorothy remained independent her entire life and as of early summer, she was still driving her convertible around town. Above all family meant the most to her and she will be deeply missed by all including her beloved dog, "Muffins".


Dorothy was predeceased by her husband Stanley Sr., her son Stanley Jr., her sisters Doris and Nancy, and her brother Arthur. She leaves behind her daughters, Sharon Schwinnen and her husband, Ronald and Donna Swanstrom and her husband, Kurt, all of Ohio; her daughter in law Margaret Gniadek of Worcester; her brother in law Chester Gniadek of Chicago; seven grandchildren, Deborah Jackson, Jamie Gniadek, Patricia Allen, Chad Swanstrom, Megan Bourget, Kevin Gniadek and Kris Swanstrom, fifteen great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves some very special friends and neighbors who always checked in on her and often visited with her and Muffins.


All are invited to celebrate her life on Friday, July 17th with visitation from 9:30 am until 10:30 am at the Callahan, Fay & Caswell Life Celebration Home, 61 Myrtle St., Worcester. A funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 am at St. Andrew The Apostle, 5 Spaulding St., Worcester. Burial will be held privately at the convenience of her family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be considered to Veteran's Inc., 69 Grove St., Worcester, MA 01605.