Obituary of Renee L. Pianka

Renee Pianka 1967 – 2018 Utica Renee L. Pianka, 50, a lifelong Utica resident went home to the Lord on Monday, February 26, 2018 with her family at her side after a courageous battle with Leukemia at Faxton – St. Luke's Healthcare. She was born in New Hartford on May 27, 1967 the daughter of John and Judith Record Firlit. She was a graduate of Notre Dame High School and the Utica School of Commerce. Renee was employed with the Slocum Dixon Medical Group as a Medical Assistant for over twenty years until her illness. She was married to Jeffrey Pianka on October 9, 2010 in Historic St. John's Church, Utica where she was a member. Renee was a loving wife, daughter, sister, aunt and friend who will be missed by all. She was a very caring and generous and fun person. She enjoyed traveling, gardening and spending time with her family. Renee married the love of her life just seven years ago.Shecherised and loved her dog Madison.Her most recent dream was to pursue futhering her education in the medical field. Renee participated and raised money for the Heart Run & WAlk, Making Strides Againts Breast Cancer walk and walk MS. Her smile and personality will long be remembered. Her survivors include her beloved husband Jeff Pianka of Utica; her parents John Firlit of Whitesboro and Judith and Edward Rosinski of Utica; a sister Michelle Firlit and her daughter and Goddaughter Alexandria Reeder both of Clinton; a step-sister Sandra and David Rogers of PA and a brother-in-law Scott and Tiffany Pianka of Mexico, NY and her in-laws Donald and Leslie Pianka of Adams, NY Also included are her several nieces, step nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, her Godfather Deacon William Dishavio and her Godmother Mary Ann Evans and her loving canine companion Madison. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated on Friday at 10 a.m. at Historic Old St. John's Church. Those who wish may call on Thursday (today) from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Kowalczyk Funeral Home, 284 Main St., New York Mills. Burial will take place in Holy Trinity Cemetery. Renee's family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the nurses and staff of the 6th floor and ICU of Faxton - St. Luke's Healthcare and also to Dr. Sultana Razia and her staff for the excellent care and kindness she received throughout her illness. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society 401 North Salina Street Suite 304 Syracuse, NY 13203. Light a Candle at: www.kowalczykfuneralhomes.com