Priscilla (Banios) Kolpak

Priscilla (Banios) Kolpak of Southington, CT passed away peacefully Tuesday August 22. Shewas born on May 30, 1943 to the late John and Eugenia Banios and grew up in New Britain, CT where she graduated from New Britain High School, class of 1961.

Until her retirement in 2013, Priscilla enjoyed her work as a paraprofessional at Southington High School where she helped many students who knew her simply as “Mrs. K”. Throughout her life she was an active and deeply devoted member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in New Britain where she served on their Parish Council for many years. She was also pastpresident of their women’s Philoptochos organization, and until she was no longer able, she could be found planning for their annual Greek Festival as well as passionately and tirelessly working in the church’s kitchen during the festival. She also loved playing her monthly mahjong games and spoiling her beloved cat, Koukla. Priscilla will be missed by her many loving and caring friends who will remember her for her vivacious and giving spirit.

Priscilla was predeceased by her beloved daughter Crystine Marie Kolpak. Priscilla was the loving mother to Douglas J. Kolpak and his wife Jennifer (Marenholz) of Washington, CT and the devoted sister to Joanna (Banios) Wishart and her husband William of Harwich, MA. She was the “best-ever Yiayia” to her three cherished grandchildren, Jack, Eleni, and Hunter Kolpak. Being together for family celebrations was important to her as she loved making her family feel special. Priscilla enjoyed watching all three grandchildren play sports throughout their school years and was also very proud of their many academic achievements. Priscilla was also the loving “Nouna” to nephews Gregory and Jack Wishart. She also leaves behind several great-nephews and nieces and many cousins whose lives she deeply touched.

Our family would like to express our appreciation to Hospice and most especially to her caregivers, Renata and Monica, who helped make Priscilla’s last days more comfortable and much brighter.

Funeral services will be held at the St. George Greek Orthodox Church located in New Britain, CT on Monday, August 28th at 11:00 a.m.  Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery.  Friends may offer condolences on Monday from 10:00-11:00 a.m. prior to the service.  In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).  Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home of Berlin is in charge of arrangements.