Joseph Thomas Szczepanski

Inseparable for 46 years, Christine "Chris" (née Cawley) Szczepanski and Joseph "Joe" Thomas Szczepanski departed the world just ten days apart: July 6 and July 16, 2026, respectively. They leave their five children and in-laws- Jill Utaga, Stephanie Simpson, Christa Peckham, Noel and Jaci Szczepanski, and Andrew and Lily Szczepanski- with one final admonishment: "Behave!"

Chris was born September 23, 1953, in Idaho Falls, Idaho to Theresa Marie Call and John Jack Cawley. She is remembered for her mischievous sense of humor, her gift with infants and children, and her love of china painting. She worked in daycare through the years, enjoyed her grandchildren, and worked part-time on weekends as a tattoo artist for former convicts.

Joe was born December 19, 1953, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to Helen Rose Bednarik and Casmir Thomas Szczepanski. He served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War as a submariner from 1971 to 1977, whereupon he went into a long career in microelectronic fab work. On meeting the tiny Chris, he bought her a dress, took her on their first date, and the rest, as they say, is history

Together, they built a family that weathered the hard times and treasured the good, proved that stubbornness can be a super power, and welcomed everyone at their table for pierogi and halupki. But perhaps their greatest legacy is the tradition of love and integrity in their surviving family.

They are survived by their five children, nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; Chris's siblings, Sue, Pat, and Mike; and Joe's siblings, Rose and Thomas.

A celebration of their lives will be held at French Funerals & Cremations (9300 Golf Course Rd.) on August 17, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Ennichement will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery on August 18, at 11:15 a.m.