Agnes E. Szwec

Agnes Evelyn Szwec, 98, of Milford, NJ, passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at her home.

Agnes was born on November 16, 1920 in Bridgeton Township, Upper Black Eddy, PA. She graduated from Frenchtown High School in 1938 and from Westchester State Teachers' College in 1942. Agnes taught at the Holland Township School from 1942 to 1952 and the Lester D. Wilson Elementary School in Alexandria Township from 1966 to 1988. Agnes was the organist at St. Edward the Confessor R.C. Church in Milford, NJ for 71 years, directed both adult and children's choirs, and sang in the Diocesan Festival Choir. She was a charter member of the sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1945, a Rosary Altar Society member since 1949, church historian, and trustee. She also chaired and worked at numerous fund-raisers for the church and community. The parish recognized her many contributions with awards in 2004 and 2015. Agnes also received the Diocesan Regina Nostra Medal for "outstanding service to God and His people".

In 1945, the U.S. Department of Treasury recognized Agnes for chairing the sale of War Bonds. Other community service included 37 years on the Milford School Board, Milford Women's Club, Milford Centennial Committee, Jennie Haver Scholarship Committee, charter member of the Delta Kappa Gamma (Rho Chapter) education sorority, lifetime NJEA member, and Hunterdon County Retired Educators' Association. Her hobbies included playing piano, pinochle, knitting, sewing, and watching Mets' games. In addition to these many accomplishments, Agnes was renowned for her prize-winning apple and coconut-cream pies.

Daughter of the late Jerome and Emma (Fitzgerald) Moninghoff, Agnes is survived by her five sons: Bernard Szwec and his wife Jeanne, David Szwec, and Gregory Szwec, all of Milford, NJ, Robert Szwec and Kathy Ponton of Blythewood, SC, and Jeffrey Szwec and his wife Cindy of Marietta, GA, her two daughters, Kathleen Baker and her husband Leon "Butch" of Howe, IN and Anne MacConochie and her husband Frank of Norfolk, VA, her brother Gerald Moninghoff and his wife Karen of Oxford, NJ, her two sisters-in-law Nancy Moninghoff and Mary Szwec, 13 grandchildren: Nicole, Joshua, Gregory, Megan, Branden, Russell, Alex, Cameron, Emma, Charles, Tyler, Joseph, and Mitchell, and 8 great-grandchildren: Brayden, Madalyn, Bevin, Emma, Charlie, Patrick, Jack, and Eleanor. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Bronislaus "Barney" G. Szwec in 1985, her grandson Kenneth Szwec, and her brothers James, William, Robert, and John "Jack" Moninghoff.

The Rosary Altar Society will lead the rosary on Sunday, May 5, 2019 at 1:30 PM at the Johnson-Walton Funeral Home, 24 Church Road, Holland Township, NJ, followed by visitation from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM. Funeral services will begin on Monday, May 6, 2019 at 10 AM at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM at St. Edward the Confessor Parish Center in Milford, NJ. Interment will follow at the St. Philip and St. James Cemetery in Greenwich Township, NJ.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Edwards' Agnes E. Szwec Scholarship Fund, PO Box 392, Milford, NJ 08848.

Condolences

From: Lily Brady
I’m so sorry for your lost

From: Chrissy Moninghoff
Not enough words to describe how i feel about my aunt Agnes. So many great family memories that fill my heart. Prayers to her and her entire family. Go with god. Will always love her.

From: Michael P Boone & Christina DeJonghe
So very sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. Our most heart felt condolences to you David and Greg, and your family.

From: Diane Scott
My condolences to the family...may Agnes rest in peace...im Amy Monninghoff Shoudts..grandaughter.

From: Barb Davis McGavock
I am so very sorry for your great loss. I always felt like I was a part of the Szwec Family. Please know that my love, thoughts, and prayers are with the entire family.

From: Barb Davis McGavock
I am so very sorry for your great loss. I always felt like I was a part of the Szwec Family. Please know that my love, thoughts, and prayers are with the entire family.

From: Lynn (Yanulevich) Gresko
My condolences for the loss of your beloved mother. I am a better person for having known Agnes, such a dear, sweet lady. I have such fond memories of choir, how patient and encouraging she was, and wonderful with the children. I do not know how she did it all, but she did all with love and grace. Rest in peace dear Agnes.

From: Linda Ormosi
Agnes will be missed by all those who knew her. Sending thoughts and prayers.

From: Berthanne Sautner
Barney and his Agnes are together again. One of the greatest love stories that I have ever heard. Bless them both. Two of the most wonderful people that I have ever known.

From: Marguerite K. York
Sending our deepest sympathy to the family. We have many wonderful memories of Mrs. Szwec.

From: Linda and Danny Cole
So sorry for your loss. Will always remember your mom walking through our yard on her many walks. Good neighbors and good people. Condolences to the whole family.

From: Eileen Moninghoff Horn
My condolences to Aunt Agnes' family. I am grieving with you over the loss of my dear aunt and your dear mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a caring and kind lady who touched innumerable lives. Rest in peace, dear Aunt Agnes.

From: Ed & Nancy Breiner
Bernie & Jean, You are in our thoughts and prayers.

From: Marilyn Cody
Agnes was the picture of grace and dignity. I am glad I got to know her. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

From: Darlene Bittenmaster
My condolences to the Szwec & Moninghoff families on the passing of their loved one Agnes. Lifting everyone up in prayer and in celebration of a life well lived.

From: Mike Fitzsimmons
So sorry to hear about your Mom. Wow she was so very active.

From: Kathleen Breslin
A True Lady, always gracious and with tenacious strength. An educator not just of children but to all in general by how she lead her life. God Bless.

From: Kathleen Breslin
A True Lady, always gracious and with tenacious strength. An educator not just of children but to all in general by how she lead her life. God Bless.

From: Kathleen Breslin
A True Lady, always gracious and with tenacious strength. An educator not just of children but to all in general by how she lead her life. God Bless.

From: Cynthia and David Covino
We are sorry for your loss of this remarkable woman and pillar of our community. What an inspiration of a life well lived, and such a role model, in particular, for women.

From: The Szwec Family
Thank you to Maryann Sajor for providing the obituary photo of Agnes, taken on the occasion of her 97th birthday.

From: Allison (Yontz) and Kevin Skunda
We are so sorry for your loss. Agnes was my school teacher - creative and encouraging in her approach, always optimistic with a genuine smile. She was also a dear family friend, and supportive of me into adulthood and then marriage! I admire her faith and strength and she sets an example for us all.

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