Faith Mierzwa 1997 to 2020

Editor’s note: Faith E. Mierzwa, 23, of Woonsocket, RI, formerly of Forestville, died on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020 unexpectedly due to complications from her Type I diabetes, at her residence. She was born in Dunkirk on September 3, 1997, the daughter of Stacey (Dennis Howe) Mierzwa of Forestville and Christopher (Debi Giambruno) Mierzwa of Raleigh, N.C. This tribute is written by her mother.

Faith Mierzwa was the most determined person we will ever know. She was blessed to know her path in life at a young age.

Her culinary career began with a cupcake around the age of 8. Don’t tell anyone the cake was a box mix (!) – but the frosting was homemade. As the years progressed and the KitchenAid purchased, Faith was well on her way. After she felt her baking craft was perfected, it was time to get serious about Savory Cooking. The Flavor Bible was on her Christmas list while still in middle school. She studied that book and became our Executive Chef.

When Faith realized shortly before high school that she could attend BOCES for culinary arts, there was never any doubt in her mind she would. Even though pressured to pursue a more ordinary academic path, she stood her ground. She was determined! She had FAITH! She was FAITH! “Boy did her name fit her personality, her presence, and overall character.

Within such a short period of time working together, this girl has touched my heart in so many ways.” Words like these are shared often now about our Faith. She was beautiful inside and out.

The day the recruiter for Johnson and Wales, one of the best culinary schools in the country, walked into her BOCES classroom, she was unwavering in her decision to attend. With much anticipation we loaded up the car and drove to Providence, Rhode Island. It was during her sophomore year that she became an intern at Capriccio Italian Restaurant. It was one of the most pivotal events in her life. After her internship she accepted a position as a Pantry Chef there. Once again, she was determined! She worked tirelessly to earn her most recent title of Executive Sous Chef.

When Faith was not pursuing her career, she loved to paint and sew. Faith was very artistic.

She was forever decorating and rearranging her apartment. She loved to binge watch Netflix on her beloved U-shaped couch. Faith also had a beautiful singing voice, which we discovered when as a toddler in her car seat she sang along to the LeAnn Rimes song, “Blue.”

Faith did not let her diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes at age 6 define her. Sports, school musicals, she did them all. She was determined! Faith loved her family and her family loved her. She was a great daughter, sister, grandaughter, niece and cousin. Faith was so fun to FaceTime with! She always had an exciting big-city story.

Faith was loved by all who met her and had many close friends. A friend and coworker wrote in tribute: “Faith is one of the greatest people I have ever had the pleasure to know. She was my first friend when I moved to the area.

Through her pure, genuine personality, I feel like I have known her my whole life.” This same sentiment was expressed by many who have shared their thoughts with us these last several days.

Faith was passionate about living life and the details were secondary. She would rather run out to get wine for a friend’s visit than worry about paying a bill on its due date. She knew all would work out in the end. She had FAITH!

Faith was a gentle soul with a kind spirit. She will be missed.

I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the Faith. — 2 Timothy 4:7