Patricia Krajnak Baniecki

Patricia Baniecki Obituary

Patricia Krajnak Baniecki, 80, of Carmichaels, passed away Friday, December 18, 2020, in Boston, Mass.

She was a daughter of the late George and Eleanor Fulton Krajnak, and was preceded in death by her sister, Janice Jeffries.

Surviving are her three amazing children, John (Emi), Laura (Denis) and Mary Lynn; two grandchildren, Taiyo and Tsuki Elina; a nephew, Thomas; a niece, Jennifer (John); three great-nephews, John, Kirk, and Cole; and two great-nieces, Haley and Chloe.

Patricia retired after years of devoted service as an English teacher at Margaret Bell Miller Middle School, Waynesburg and The Upward Bound Program. She had a passion for reading and education and loved to get lost in a book, it was a gateway to the world. Above all, she was a mom who never committed a selfish act, mastered the art of unconditional love, and was the compass and anchor to her children.

She lived life to the fullest, made an impact on everyone she met, had a passion for music, dance, cooking and never held back in facing life's challenges. She taught her children, her legacy, anything is possible. As Mom would say "I'm going for it!"

A celebration of life service will be planned in Pennsylvania late summer 2021.

Donations in our Mom's memory should be made in honor of Patricia Krajnak Baniecki, to either of the following organizations: Reading is Fundamental: https://rif.org, our mom believed reading and education was the door to the future and everyone should have an equal opportunity in life; Cervical Myelopathy Awareness: https://myelopathy.org/donate/ The Myelopathy Organization is dedicated to raising awareness, providing information, and supporting research for degenerative cervical myelopathy.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Observer-Reporter on Jan. 2, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Patricia Baniecki

11 Entries

Jeff Phillips

March 2, 2022

So sorry to have just learned of Ms. Baniecki's passing. She was an amazing mother to three children and a blessing to know. God Bless her memory.

Megan Lemcke (nee Cleveland)

January 8, 2021

Mrs. Baniecki was such a positive and inspiring woman. She was open to "teachable moments", so warm and approachable, and made a lasting impression on me. To her family: please know that she will live on in the hearts and minds of her students; may you take solace in her memory today and always.

Melissa

January 3, 2021

I credit Mrs. Baniecki for being a large part of my being where am I today. I'm so grateful for her kindness and her teaching. My most sincere condolences to her family and loved ones.

Mary Yetts

January 3, 2021

Deepest condolences to Patricia‘s family especially Laura. It’s wonderful to read of her legacy and her devotion to her students and family. She has joined the great crowd of witnesses cheering you on from heaven! May God‘s peace be with you at this sad time.
Mary Yetts and family

Debbie Iams

January 3, 2021

So sorry to hear of her passing. Patricia was a wonderful person. Always willing to go the extra mile. Working with her at MBM was a true pleasure. Sincere condolences to her family.

Sandy J

January 3, 2021

Pat was a wonderful, dedicated teacher and I enjoyed working with her. I’m so sorry to hear of her passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Dana Lynch

January 2, 2021

As my 7th and 8th grade English teacher, she made such an amazing impact on me during these formative years. Although that was nearly forty years ago, I have so many wonderful memories of her. She was so inspirational...opening up the world of literature--a gift that keeps on giving to this day. Mrs. Baniecki took learning seriously but made it engaging and fun. We did some amazing skits interpreting our readings, wrote book reviews to persuade our friends, and learned how to do an investigative interview of someone in a career field of our interest. And let's not forget the rigorous grammar tests, sentence diagramming, and vocabulary building. Without her insistence that we master these skills, I don't know how I could have ever gotten through college. Some of my fondest memories of her centered on her kindness and compassion. I will never forget her walking and comforting me in the hallway after my grandfather died. And she helped us get through the space shuttle Challenger tragedy. She was exactly what I needed at that age, someone who took an interest in my hopes and dreams, helped to ease the fear of loss and uncertainty, and launched me into high school and beyond with confidence and grit. On the last day of each high school year, my friends and I would make an annual pilgrimage to MBM for a quick visit with her. I still have the commemorative ceramic pencil holder she gave me when I graduated in 1990. While in college, I remember coming home and meeting her at Pizza Hut to catch up. Although she was hoping that I would go into the priesthood (after all, my career investigative interview was of Father John Corbett), I think she was so pleased that I became a teacher. Her influence on my pedagogical strategies was profound. I have never missed sending her a Christmas card and she always reciprocated with a card and handwritten note. Today I wondered why I hadn't heard from her. Then lo and behold, I had a Facebook message from my mother with this obituary link. Rest in peace, my dear Mrs. Baniecki. I'll see you again someday on the other side.

Chera

January 2, 2021

She was my 8th grade English teacher! I remember diagraming sentences on the chalkboard and reading and videotaping plays with the huge VHS camera. She always had a smile for her students!

John

January 2, 2021

Pat was a devoted teacher who cared about all of her students. As a young teacher I learned so much from her. Pat’s positivity was infectious. Honored to have known her.

Patty Novak

January 2, 2021

I’m so sorry for your loss. I went to church with Janice, then met Patricia at the Post Office where I worked at the time. She loved mailing packages to her family overseas. She was such a sweetheart! God bless.

Michele Kiefer

January 2, 2021

I worked with Pat at her home. We had a alot of good times, not only was she very opinionated, but she had a zest for life. I am so very sorry to hear of her passing. My deepest condolences to her family.

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