Barbara Bienia
1931-2013

WEST SPRINGFIELD – Barbara F. (Bogdan) Bienia, 82, passed away peacefully Tuesday at Wingate in West Springfield surrounded by her loving family. Born on January 1st, 1931 to the late Marc and Carolina Bogdan. She was born in Chicopee and lived in West Springfield for most of her life. Her professional career included working at Main Street School as the school secretary, and Westbank as a clerk. Her greatest joy was watching her children and grandchildren participate in sports. She is predeceased by her husband of 31 years, Charles S. Bienia in 1983, brother Mark Bogdan, and four sisters Mary Paluch, Josephine Thornlow, Francis Ryder, and Dorothy Martin. She leaves daughter Kathryn Kowalczyk, sons Thomas, and Charles (Chip) of West Springfield, and Richard and his wife Linda of Agawam. She was Baci to 12 grandchildren as well as 2 great-grandchildren. She leaves six sisters, Genevieve Elie, Alice Robak, Elizabeth Strycharz, and Mildred Irzyk all of Chicopee, Phyllis McKay of Springfield, and Patricia Boudeau and husband Lawerence of SC. She also leaves brother-in-law Robert Martin of Ludlow. Calling hours will be held at Curran-Jones Funeral Home, 109 Main St., West Springfield, Saturday February 2nd between 10AM-12PM with a service following at 12 noon. The burial will be held at the convenience of the family in Westborough at St. Lukes Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to the MSPCA Humane Society in her honor. For online condolences please visit curranjones.com.