Kristin A. (Szatanek)Pierce, 53, of Fulton, NY passed away unexpectedly on Monday, January 22, 2024. Kristin grew up in Liverpool, NY and was a graduate of the Liverpool High School Class of '88. Kristin was a proud "Liverpool Warrior" and attended her class reunion in June 2023, where "Kris" enjoyed seeing and catching up with lifelong high school friends. Many of whom have reached out fondly with condolences to the family and are shocked and saddened by her unexpected passing.
Kris was accepted at SUNY Plattsburgh, but stayed there only for several hours, couldn't bear to leave her parents, and chose to return home that same day. Kris was the happiest when by her mother's side, and later her role as Matthew's mother gave her purpose and endless pride. Kris was a devoted and protective Mom, who gushed when speaking of her son Matthew and all of his accomplishments. Kris delighted in watching Matthew grow, attend college, begin his career, find love, and most recently buy his first home. Kris' son was "my one and only, my whole world". Kris had a caring personality and took care of her terminally ill aunt, then mother, until their deaths in 2007. Kris never recovered from the loss of her beloved mother Elaine Szatanek and spoke often about one day being reunited with her. Kris often spoke about cherished memories of family times in Ocean City, New Jersey, and loved the Boardwalk there. Kris had a love for being near water, especially the ocean and Niagara Falls.
Kris was employed by several companies over her lifespan including ET Video, Aetna Insurance, TCI Tires, Birdseye, Syracuse Haulers, Cleantec Services, Bossong's Commercial Delivery, and NFI Logistics. Her current employer, and a job she enjoyed, was with Vitale Ready Mix Concrete in Central Square, NY. Kris was known for her excellent customer service skills, her strong work ethic, her ability to work independently, quick wit, and ease of engaging with both coworkers and customers. Kris was always a valued employee and cared about everyone she knew.
Outside of work, Kris enjoyed spending time with her cherished friends and family members both locally and in Pennsylvania. Kris often recalled fond memories of family holidays when growing up, with holiday traditions, out of town relatives staying for a week, playing card games, feasting and having traditional Polish foods, home baked cookies, and sharing days filled with relatives, incredible laughter, stories, and good cheer. Kris had a lifelong passion for horses (Bravo), which she passed on to her niece, Madison. Kris loved all animals, and raised and bred Collies, German Shepherd's, and Chihuahua's (Maya and Macie) over her lifetime. Kris enjoyed spending time with her friend Lisa at the barn and thought of her and her family as forever friends. Kris and Lisa were "partners in crime" and enjoyed many memories of their crazy adventures. Kris loved playing slot machines, playing cards, bingo, and would frequently spend time with her sister Michelle at local casinos in search of a jackpot. Kris loved her sister unconditionally and was unwavering in her support and love for Michelle's husband and children as well. Kris was known as an "old soul" and stayed true to her at times old fashioned beliefs.
Kris met and later married Jack L. Pierce Sr., Matthew's father. Jack and Kris shared a love of horses, dogs, hunting, fishing, and camping. Jack and Kris were ecstatic to be parents to Matthew and devoted themselves to his upbringing. They were Matthew's biggest fans and he loved them whole heartedly. Kris was a fighter, a champion of the underdog, and unapologetically stood for what she believed in. Never one to shy away from any political discussion, Kris was honest and passionate.
Kris was predeceased by her father Stanley Szatanek in 2002, her mother Elaine Szatanek and cherished aunt Annette Sorts in 2007, her husband Jack Pierce Sr. in January 2019, and most recently her aunt Joan Shaffer in June 2023. Each of these significant losses were felt by Kris until her dying day. If she loved you, you knew it, and Kris cherished every memory, picture, gift, note, phone call, video, favorite song, text/conversation or whatever she shared with you.
Kris is survived by her adoring son Matthew Szatanek (Lindsey), her beloved sister Michelle Moon (brother in law Marty), and her brother Robert Szatanek (Dawn, Lindsey, Zachary, Amanda). Also left to cherish her memory are her devoted nieces Madison, Delaney, and Tessalyn Moon, as well as loving nephews Brayden and Colton Moon. Kris had amazing friends and cousins that were a huge part of her life both locally and out of state. Kris is also survived by her yellow Lab "Sully" who misses her so much and was a constant companion and source of joy for her until the end.
Kris did not have a long life, but she made a difference in the lives of so many who loved and cherished her. We take comfort in knowing that Kris is reunited with her loved ones in Heaven. We will love and miss her all the rest of our lives and she will never be forgotten. May she rest in heavenly peace, and know that she was so loved. We hope she is riding Bravo and together with loved ones now.
Newcomer Funeral Home in North Syracuse assisted with her final arrangements. There will be no calling hours or services. There will be a Celebration of Life planned in the near future and added to this announcement when finalized.
To leave a message of condolence for Kristin's family, or to share a special memory of Kristin, visit the guestbook below.