Jennie A. Wilkes

Funeral Notice

WILKES -- Jennie A. Wilkes, 84, of 63 River Drive, Hadley, died Oct. 10, 2007, at Baystate Medical Center. Loving wife to Anthony for 62 years and devoted mother to Eileen (deceased); Joan, wife of Robert Betters; Jane, wife of David Larsen; Joyce, wife of Michael Keegan; and Susan, wife of Nelson Furlano. Doting grandmother to 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Adored daughter of John and Katherine Pastuszak Koloski; sister of John Koloski. She was predeceased by siblings Frank, Veronica and Chester. Graduate of Hopkins Academy in Hadley. A tireless worker, Jennie served as an inspector for General Electric Co. in Pittsfield for many years and held posts at Eaton Paper Co. and at The Berkshire Eagle. Jennie's generosity filled every corner of her life, the pocket money slipped to the grandchildren, the third piece of banana cream pie foisted upon a son-in-law, the hours volunteering at the Senior Center in Hadley. As skilled before the sewing machine as in the kitchen, Jennie made beautiful wedding dresses for two of her daughters and fed generations of the family on pierogi and golumpki. She slipped toys into newly boxed sweaters at Christmas and tracked tiny rabbit prints in flour all over the house on Easter. She found many arts and crafts, and all family members, deserving of her time. Selfless and supportive, Jennie was a charming matriarch who possessed a warm embrace and an inescapable kindness. A memorial Mass in celebration of Jennie's life will be held at Most Holy Redeemer Church, Hadley, Mass., on Saturday, Oct. 20, at 9 a.m. Burial will be private. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Baystate Health Foundation, Cardiac Care, c/o Fund Raising, 280 Chestnut St., Springfield, MA 01199. DROZDAL FUNERAL HOME in Northampton is in charge of arrangements.