RUSSELL – Sybil K. Whitaker (St. Peter) Miezejewski, 94, (1931-2026) passed away peacefully surrounded by the children who were the center of her life. She was born on November 17th, 1931, the eldest daughter of 12 children born to Clara and Clifford Whitaker. Sybil lived a long, beautiful life defined by generosity and fierce resilience. She was proudly the last surviving member of the Chester High School Class of 1949.
Sybil was predeceased by her husbands, Victor (1960) and Stanley (2006). She leaves to cherish her memory her children: Kathy, Thomas, Victor, Frances, Susan, Sam and Sheila as well as daughters-in-law, Linda and Everley; and son-in-law, Marshall. She is survived by siblings Beulah Kidrick, Kay Caputo (Tony), Morgan (Jake) Whitaker (Carol), Roxanne Nowak (Paul), Sandy Mazur (Rich), Anita Grimm (Bill) and sister-in-law Bobbi Whitaker.
While raising her large family, Sybil built a distinguished 28+ year career with the United States Postal Service, rising through the ranks to retire as Postmaster of Russell Post Office. Known for her sharp wit and knack for leadership, she memorized names, shared stories, and made the small-town post office feel like home. Deeply committed to civic duty, she also actively served on several Russell town committees for many years. In her leisure time Sybil enjoyed her gardens and crafting, especially needlecrafts. She had a great love of music. One of her favorite past times was being outdoors and watching her birds.
Above all, Sybil’s proudest accomplishment was her family. As a mother of seven, her home was always filled with laughter, open doors, and delicious meals. In her final hours, her children stayed by her side, returning the profound comfort and devotion she had given them throughout her life. To know her was a joy, and she leaves behind a legacy written in the hearts of countless friends and neighbors.
A Funeral Home Service will be held on Tuesday, June 16th, 2026, at 4 p.m. in the Firtion Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield; visiting hours will precede the service from 1-4 p.m. in the funeral home. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, June 17th, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. in St. Thomas Cemetery, Huntington, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sybil’s memory to Russell Volunteer Fire Association, P.O. Box 394, Russell, MA 01071 or Friends of the Westfield Senior Center, P.O. Box 2184, Westfield, MA 01086 to honor her lifelong spirit of giving back.
