Sydney Frances Gudyka

She moved from Frances to Centralia when she was in the 2nd grade and graduated from Centralia High School as Salutatorian and completed her schooling at what was then called Centralia Junior College.

In 1938, at the age of 23, she married John J. Gudyka, Sr. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Centralia. She moved to Pe Ell and there raised three children, John Jr., Robert and Mary.

Sydney worked several local jobs over the years. Before her marriage, and while still in Centralia, she was employed at the Buster Brown shoe store and at Montgomery Ward. Her primary employment was as a postal clerk. Over 25 years she worked under 4 different Postmasters; Hazel Walker, Clara Wood, Roy Blair, and Lawrence Luzader. She had also worked at Weir’s Telephone office, Milanowski’s Confectionary and Barber Shop, The Daily Chronicle (for which she wrote a local area news column), and Bob’s Nursery and Greenhouse.

She was involved with the local thrift shop and donated many hours to that cause. She was always so proud that she and the many other volunteers had donated more than $20,000.00 to the local ambulance fund over the duration of their operation.

She was active for nine years as a Confraternity of Christian Doctrine teacher at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pe Ell, and was an active member of St. Joseph’s Ladies Alter Society.

Sydney enjoyed twice weekly gatherings with the Local Senior Citizens and being involved with the pinochle club. In addition she enjoyed her house plants, and picture and crossword puzzles. Local sporting events, especially those including her grand and great grand children, were a joy to her. She loved to watch all the kids playing at Sunnyside Park Playground, just outside her living room window from which she also kept an eye on the wild birds feeding at her bird feeders in the front yard. She was also an avid fan of the Seahawks, Mariners and the Gonzaga University men’s basketball team.

She is preceded in death by her husband John J. Gudyka, Sr., son John J. Gudyka, Jr., grandson Robert G. Gudyka, father Harrison F. Shepard, Sr., mother Mary Shepard (Strozyk), brother Harrison F. Shepard, Jr., niece Linda Akers, and son-in-law Jack Rutledge.

She is survived by her son Robert (Sandra) Gudyka, daughter Mary Rutledge, and daughter-in-law Nancy Gudyka all of Pe Ell; 5 grandchildren Mike (Judy) Gudyka, Ronald (Kimberly) Gudyka, Julie (Dan) Castro, Gary Rutledge and Jeni Webster; 3 great-grandchildren Nicolas Gressett, Brenden Webster, and Kelsey Castro; and niece Lana Frost, and nephew Larry Shepard.

A Rosary service is scheduled to begin at 10:30 am, Friday, December 13, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pe Ell with Father John McLaughlin and Deacon Loren Lane presiding. A graveside service will follow at the Pe Ell Polish Catholic Cemetery as well as a potluck reception at the church hall.