Eunice Rebe Kwasniewski

EUNICE REBE KWASNIEWSKI, May 2, 1928 – November 2, 2023, Elkins, WV: After an amazing 95 years, Eunice Rebe Kwasniewski passed away on November 2, 2023 with her children and loved ones by her side. Eunice was born May 2, 1928, in Ava, NY to the late Herbert and Grace Rebe. She graduated from West Leyden School and attended Becker Junior College in Worcester, MA. After graduation Eunice worked as a secretary for the US Naval Department in Washington, DC. She returned to Ava, NY, and married Joseph Charles Kwasniewski on October 6, 1951.

Eunice and Joe settled in West Leyden, NY and started their family. Along with being a wonderful cook, wedding cake designer, gardener, homemaker, and mother of five, she worked for Revere Copper and Brass, and the family-owned sawmill, JC Lumber Company.

An active member of the West Leyden Volunteer Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary, Eunice organized many Polish dinners and dances to raise funds and purchase equipment for her community. Eunice and Joe were strategic in bringing the New York State Woodsmen’s Field Days to Boonville. They gave continual support to many hardwood and lumber associations in both New York and West Virginia. In 1977 the family moved to Mabie, WV to operate a new sawmill after a fire destroyed the mill in New York and that legacy remains. That is when West Virginia became her home.

For 33 years they were inseparable, until Joe’s unexpected passing in 1985.
Through her determination and hard work, she brought their vision to reality and Eunice established the Cardinal Inn Bed & Breakfast in Huttonsville, WV. For more than 28 years, The Cardinal Inn hosted gatherings, holiday parties, bridge clubs, weddings and overnight stays for hunters, fishermen, dignitaries, and guests from around the world.

She is survived by her children; Herbert Kwasniewski (Pamela) of Beverly, WV, Joanne Kwasniewski-Ritter (Rick), Forestport, NY, Andrea Kniffen (William) of Beverly, WV, Daniel, aka ‘Beander’ (Julia) of Elkins, WV, and Regina Chambers (Kevin) of Boonville, NY; 12 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

In keeping with her wishes there are no calling hours. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, November 7, at 12 Noon at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, West Leyden, NY, where Rev. Daniel Chapin, pastor will officiate. Burial will immediately follow with graveside service at Saint Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, West Leyden. Arrangements have been entrusted to Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. Boonville, NY. A Celebration of Life will be held at Beander’s Restaurant, Elkins, WV at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the West Leyden Fire Department, 1046 State Route 26, West Leyden, NY 13489.

For an on-line message of sympathy, or to view her complete obituary, please go to Trainor Funeral Home's website.

Eunice Rebe Kwasniewski image.