Elsie M. Kolakoski

Elsie M. Kolakoski

South Deerfield, MA - Elsie M. (Kennedy) Kolakoski, 88, of North Hillside Road passed away 11/29/24 after a period of failing health with her family by her side at the Charlene Manor Extended Care Facility in Greenfield.

Elsie was born in Woodsville, NH, then later moved with her family to Shelburne Falls, MA. She is the oldest child to Lawrence and Bessie (Gymer) Kennedy. She was educated in local schools and attended Arms Academy.

Elsie married Charles (Charlie) on 10/1/55 at St. Joseph's Church, Shelburne Falls. All of their married life was spent in South Deerfield.

In Elsie's earlier years, she worked at the pocketbook shop in South Deerfield. Along with raising her only son, Steve, she lovingly ran a home daycare for local families. She later worked at Dimaio's Italian Restaurant and Jerry's Place for many years. She then worked in the kitchen at Deerfield Elementary School, but her favorite job was as a crossing guard for the DES kids – every morning and afternoon. She never forgot those kiddos and their families.

Elsie loved living in South Deerfield. She was a member of the South Deerfield Fire Department Women's Auxiliary; Friends of the Tilton Library; South County TRIAD, where she was treasurer for many years; supported the Deerfield Police Explorers 981 and Deerfield Police Relief Association, at their annual craft fair where you would find her cooking in the kitchen. She also helped that organization with their annual Halloween hayride. Elsie loved serving the local senior population, serving as treasurer of South County Senior Center for many years. She took pride in helping seniors stay safe in winter by organizing sand bucket distribution. She was a member of the Deerfield Memorial Day Committee and could be found handing out American flags at the Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony. Elsie will be missed dearly by all who knew her.

Elsie is survived by her only son, Steven and his wife Jini, with whom she lived; two grandsons, Michael and his wife Sara and Kevin and his wife Kayla Santos. She adored her four great grandchildren, Lily, Holden, Wyatt and Walker. She also leaves behind many cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, Charlie, one sister, Charmaine and four brothers, John, Jim, Francis and William.

A memorial service will be held Friday 12/6 at 1pm at the Kostanski Funeral Home, 220 Federal Street, Greenfield. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.

A calling hour will be held Friday from 12noon until the time of the service at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank Charlene Manor Extended Care and Pioneer Valley Hospice.

Donations in Elsie's memory can be made to the South Deerfield Fireman's Association, 84 Greenfield Road, South Deerfield, MA 01373 or South County TRIAD, Attn: Sharyn Paciorek, 50 Sugarloaf Street, South Deerfield, MA 01373.

For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com