In Memory of Lacey Lynn Hurwitz

Obituary

UTICA - Ms. Lacey Lynn Hurwitz, age 30, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 in her home. Lacey was born in Utica on July 19, 1993.

Lacey is survived by her fiancé, Evan Lawendowski; sister Darian Hurwitz; her mother Marie O’Dell; grandparents George and Sandra O’Dell; best friend of 19 years, Nikolette (Brady) Hecht; future in-laws Gary and Monica Lawendowski, Lindsay (Bryant) Fischette; her three fur babies Renny, Ralphie and Ravioli; biological mother Olivia Jones; siblings Tonia Blackshear, Cleveland Ballard, and Allana Turner. She leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, and nieces. She was predeceased by her grandmother, Kathleen Reynolds Jones.

She was a proud graduate of Whitesboro High School/Class of 2011. Lacey remained in great relations with such a large portion of her classmates after graduation. She went on to be one of our communities most beloved waitresses and bartenders through her twenties, and always remembered a regulars’ order. Lacey began her professional career with First Source Credit Union and worked to climb the ladder through several different positions at the branch. Through her career, she formed close bonds with coworkers and gained much deserved respect within her office. Through all of her adult life, Lacey has loved her fiancé Evan Lawendowski. They were one another’s sweethearts and to be wed this upcoming September 6, 2024. They were a package deal, and shared over 14 years by one another’s side.

Lacey was no stranger to hard work. Often as an adult she juggled two to three jobs, and personally worked to better herself everyday. Though her start to life was challenging at times, she always kept a brave face and knew she had someone she always wanted to keep fighting for - her sister Darian Hurwitz. Lacey and Darian pushed one another through troubling times and Lacey was dedicated to providing security and stability for the two of them. With such a strong bond embedded in their sisterhood, Lacey happily looked to Darian as her Maid of Honor. She was always so proud to be her big sister and watch her grow through life together.

Every Christmas time Lacey would bake up a storm over at her grandparents George and Sandra O’Dell’s house. If you were lucky enough, you might have even made the list for a cookie tin. Lacey adored her grandparents who she held a special bond with and felt protected by. Their home was her childhood, and she always worked to make them proud of her. Lacey enjoyed spending time with her family and had happy memories of bowling and camping with her mother, Marie.

Lacey was draped in love and comradery. She was someone who would talk to anyone and could find some type of common ground. Ever approachable, always there for a laugh, Lacey made friends with no effort. If you knew Lacey, you knew her closest friend in this world was her true soul sister, Nikki (Lazore) Hecht. A friendship cinema worthy, they balanced one another for the last twenty years. Even in distance, their bond never faltered but continued to grow. Both maid/matron of honor in one another’s weddings, the two were unequivocally there for one another. Lacey’s many loved and cherished friendships, that were gained through her gift of conversation, decade-or-longer friendships were not uncommon in Lacey’s life as she knew how to truly make a person feel special. Friends like Paris Patterson, Mariah (Manfredo) Cordero, Alaina (Vennero) Romeo, Alyssa Nicotera, Lana Stevens, Tracy Stevens, Elizabeth Lazore, Kevin Shannon, and Megan Jones have grown together with Lacey from girls to women. She made family out of all her closest friendships. Her friendships blossomed even at work. Two co-workers she became extremely close with through her career were Codi Gay and Sam Reiling.

As a matriarch “in training” Lacey was a nurturing and selfless soul. She always wanted to be surrounded by love, and was one heck of a host. If you were someone lucky enough to have had a dish of her riggies, or shared a meal where she even made the Caesar dressing from scratch, you know that food does really taste better when it is made with love. Music playing, the aroma of fresh garlic (never too much), kitchen towel over her shoulder, and scraps falling for Ralph - that kitchen knew life! Truly making her house a home, she loved a good discount find or thrift store pop in. She would decorate her home in such a way, everything speaking upon her bubbly and bright personality. She learned to give from the heart and how to be resourceful from her grandma Kathleen, whose memories she always cherished. Something Lacey was the best at was enjoying the moment. It is not where you are, but who you surround yourself with and that is something she personified. Out at a bar with friends? What better time to bust out your dance moves and sing along to the jukebox. Friends setting up karaoke? You better have Believe by Cher and a mic in her hand. Celebrating a life event? Lacey is there with a smile on her face and gift in hand. Life felt more free with her in the room. She shared a “special song” with so many people, held closely inside jokes only they know.

Lacey made people feel loved and cared for with everything that she did. Her selflessness is shown through Lacey’s animals as she has three pets she adores. Ralphie was her favorite walking buddy and she looked towards her walks with him through her neighborhood in North Utica. Lacey’s first pet was her cat Renny; she loves to spoil her and tell her how pretty she is. Most recently Ravioli has joined the family and made Lacey and Evan’s home that much more fun! Lacey cherished being a part of the Lawendowski family. She loved to go to the family camp whenever she could and bring out lemon drops on the lake. Her yearly trips to Florida and Maine with Evan and his family was such a joy in life, with Maine forever imprinted on their hearts as it is where Evan proposed.

Visitation will be held Friday July 26, 2024 from 4-7 p.m. at Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd. New Hartford. The New Hartford American Legion Ladies Auxiliary will offer a service at 7:00 pm at the conclusion of the calling hours. Interment will be in Crown Hill Memorial Park at the convenience of friends and family.

In lieu of flowers the family asks to do a simple act of kindness in memory of Lacey as we all will remember as the most kindhearted and caring person.