Search by Name
Search by Name
Amelia Mary Chmiel CHICOPEE Amelia Mary (Bonk) Chmiel, aged 96, closed her blue eyes for one last time on Saturday, June 30, 2012, in the peace and comfort of her own home, surrounded by family members who loved her very much. Her parents, Apolonia Hadys and Franciszek Bonk, immigrated to the United States from Poland before the start of World War I. They began their married life in Lowell, MA where Amelia, the oldest of seven children, was born on September 1, 1915. They later moved to East Brookfield, MA and finally settled in Thompsonville, CT. It was the first house the family lived in that had electricity and indoor plumbing. Amelia found a job at the Bigelow-Sanford Carpet Mill, where she set patterns for wool rugs, which were known for their quality and beauty. When World War II broke out, Amelia temporarily left Bigelow and worked at Pratt and Whitney. It was then that her family was able to get a telephone because Amelia worked in defense and the plant needed to be in touch with her at all times. Although she preferred quiet nights at home reading, occasionally her sister Stella could coax her into attending dances at the Polish Club. There she met her future husband, John Chmiel. He was home on furlough and looking for a bit of fun, so he traveled with is buddy from Chicopee to "where the action" was, in Thompsonville. They married on May 7, 1949 at St. Stanislaus Church in Chicopee, MA, where they raised their three children Patricia, Jack and Gary. Amelia valued education highly and was determined that each of her children earn a college degree, something she never had. She took a job at F.W. Sickles, working the second shift. Later, she worked at A.G. Spalding Co. in the golf department. Amelia was well-informed and enjoyed talking about politics and World events. She was open-minded and always willing to listen to both sides of a story, never speaking a harsh word about anybody. Sitting under the apple tree in her backyard and visiting with family was frequent a Sunday pastime. She could hold her own on shopping trips to Fall River and New York, and lobster dinners were a must when traveling to Maine. Amelia grew beautiful silver dollars and Japanese lanterns in her backyard, which she would dry in the fall, then tie into bouquets and give to many people to enjoy. She tended a raspberry patch which produced a bounty of fruit each summer. As with the flowers, she received joy from harvesting and sharing these with family and friends. Amelia gathered Baldwin apples from the backyard tree and baked turnovers on many autumn days. While family and church were her main focus, she also was a member of the Polish Women's Alliance of America and the Pulaski Club. She worshipped at St. Anthony Parish in Chicopee for over 50 years. She wanted to be known as a simple woman who just did what needed to be done. One of Amelia's favorite sayings was: "I shall pass this way but once; If there is any kindness I can do, let me do it now; For I shall not pass this way again." She will be forever missed by her devoted husband of 63 years, John; her daughter Patricia and son-in-law Richard Thivierge of Suffield, CT; her sons Jack Chmiel of Euless, TX; and Gary Chmiel of Chicopee, MA. She also is survived by her dear sister-in-law Steffie Bak of Chicopee, MA, her brother-in-law Wendell Scott of Wilton, ME, sister-in-law Jennie Chmiel of Chicopee, MA, Cousin Ann Jenkot of Springfield, MA, and godson Tim Hubbard of Gardner, MA. Many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and extended family members admired and cherished her. She was predeceased by her only brother Matthew Bonk and her five sisters, Stella Marks, Jennie Bonk, Helen Scott, Gladys Gattey, and Zosha Mack. A special thanks goes to all of her dedicated caregivers who were a source of loving comfort to her. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday July 7, 2012 at 9:30 AM from the Grise Funeral Home with a Mass of Christian burial at 11 AM in St. Anthony of Padua Church in Chicopee with burial to follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to attend the calling hours on Friday, July 6, 2012 from 4:30-7:00 pm at the Grise Funeral Home, 280 Springfield St, Chicopee. Memorial gifts may be made to St. Anthony of Padua Church, 56 St. Anthony St. Chicopee, MA 01013, the Chicopee Visiting Nurses Association, 2024 Westover Rd., Chicopee, MA or to a charity of one's choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I am sorry I never got the pleasure of meeting you. I do know how much your were loved and how wonderful your son Jack is.
My deepest sympathy to your family.
Paula and Winni Botta
Robert and Tommy Cronin
July 9, 2012
Pat and Dick...I was so sorry to receive the news about your mom...you were so caring to both of your parents and hope dad will hang in...our thoughts and prayers are with you and that you will never lose the wonderful memories of your mother.....Jane and John Blake
July 7, 2012
Pat and Rich, We are so sorry for the loss of Mom, we know how hard you worked to make the final years the best they could be. She's now in a better place.
You were lucky to have had her for so many years.
Sue and Sal Gaioni
July 6, 2012
Pat, Dick and the entire Chmiel Family-What a beautiful woman and a beautiful life. Thank you for sharing her story with us. We are saddened for your loss but celebrate her new life in the glory of Our Lord in Heaven. During the days ahead may He comfort you. Your llifelong memories will help to sustain you.
David and Meg Nauss
July 6, 2012
Dear Pat:
No bond is as great as that between a mom and a daughter. You worked so hard to give your mom the best care over the past few years. Now I know where you got all your wonderful qualties from. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve. Love,
Terry Tierney
July 6, 2012
John, Pat, Jack & Gary, Amelia was a very special, caring lady..I cant say enough about her..I'm just honered to have known her & was considered one of her friends..She will be deeply missed & in my thoughts often as will all of you..You will all be in heart..
Brenda & Doug Carpenter
July 5, 2012
Dear Pat and Dick,
Please know that our thoughts are with you at this most difficult time. Amelia certainly did live an amazing and fulfilling life.
Sincerely,
Rhonda and Bill Smith
July 5, 2012
Pat and Family, So sorry for your loss. It sounds like your MOM was a special lady.
Dottie Surmolian
July 5, 2012
To John and your family,
My sympathy and prayers are with
you at this difficult time. Your Mom had the best care and is now at peace.
All those beautiful memories and love will get you through.
Alice Szerejko Nista
July 4, 2012
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more