Julia Theresa (Nicholas) Szakal

Julia Theresa Szakal, age 94, of Dalton passed away at the Berkshire Medical Center on January 1, 2025 after a recent illness. 

Born in Colchester, VT on October 1, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Ralph C. And Marie C. Bombard Nicholas. A graduate of the Colchester schools, Julia came to make her home in the Berkshires in 1945. She was first employed by the former Eaton Paper Company and later at Crane & Company in the stationary department. She retired after 21 years with Crane. 

Julia was an active member of the former Grace Episcopal Church prior to their closure and more recently at St. Agnes Church. She was a woman of great faith. 

Juila's husband, the late Edward Szakal, was a US Veteran, and she was incredibly proud of this. She was a longtime member of the Dalton VFW Auxiliary and later was active with the Dalton American Legion. She marched in countless parades and helped with many fundraisers over the years. Julia was dedicated to her community and enjoyed her many years of volunteerism at both Craneville Place and the Dalton Senior Center. 

Many will remember Julia's beautiful red lipstick adorned smile that was usually followed by a quick-witted remark. She was sassy and outgoing and was never afraid to be anything but herself. Julia overcame much as a young girl and learned to use her experience in being a tremendous mother, grandmother, and later great grandmother. There are very few Sundays that have been spent over the last few decades without family dinner. She knew the importance of spending time with those you love and never took a day for granted.

Mrs. Szakal is survived by her daughter, Mary E. Ferrell (Jay) of Dalton, two sons, Charles J. Kulas of Dalton and Edwin R. Kulas of Auburn, Washington, her daughter-in-law Sally Kulas, and her grandchildren, Brian Kulas, Daniel Kulas, Theresa Atwood (Zach), David Ferrell and Joe Kulas. She also leaves her beloved great grandchildren, Logan, Sawyer, Renly, and Michael, and many cousins and extended family members still living in Vermont. 

In addition to her husband of 37 years, Edward Szakal, who passed away in 2002, Julia was predeceased by her granddaughter Lindsey Marie Ferrell on March 2, 2002. She missed them both immensely. She was also predeceased by her brother, Ralph Nicholas Jr.

SERVICES: Friends are invited to join Julia's family at the Devanny-Condron Funeral Home on WEDNESDAY, January 8, 2025 beginning at 10AM. A Funeral Home prayer service will begin at 11AMled by Rev. Christopher Malatesta of St. Agnes Church. Burial will follow at Asheulot St. Cemetery in Dalton. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made payable to "The Lindsey M. Ferrell Memorial Award" and mailed to the funeral home at 40 Maplewood Ave. Pittsfield, MA 01201