Elaine K. Lavoie

Elaine K. (Wajda) Lavoie, 87, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, February 29, 2024, with her loving daughter at her side. Born November 16, 1936, daughter of the late John P. and Bertha S. (Slapski) Wajda, she was raised and educated in Chicopee. A graduate of Holy Name of Jesus High School, Class of 1954, she retired after many years as a patient caretaker/advocate at Monson State Hospital. Elaine was a devoted communicant of St. Stanislaus Basilica, and very proud of her Polish heritage. She served her parish as a member of the St. Vincent dePaul Society, Rosary Society, and Kolko Polek. She volunteered for over thirty-five years as a welcomer to the annual church bazaar, selling tickets for the Rosary Society raffle and decorating the rear entrance of St. Stanislaus School in beautiful motifs. Elaine and her late husband John wore Polish costumes for every Polish event or procession. They joyfully travelled to Poland several times, and were loyal supporters of the Polish Center for Learning and Discovery in Chicopee. Through the years Elaine was an active member of the Polish Junior League, served as vice-president, and ran their fashion show several times as the group raised money for college students of Polish descent. In addition, Elaine was a member of the Polish National Alliance (PNA 711), Polonia Club, Wilbraham Grange, Friends of Wilbraham Seniors, Wilbraham Historical Society, St. Cecilia’s Womens’ Club, and a dispatcher for emergency services in Wilbraham. In 1970, Elaine was one of the original Meter Maids (MM-2) in Springfield. She also enjoyed being a part of the Wilbraham Silver Bells Tap Dancers, Garden Club and Red Hat Society. Her leisure time included collecting Polish stamps, going to yard sales, enjoying the beaches of New Hampshire, and shopping trips, especially to New York City. Elaine was predeceased in 2018 by her beloved husband, John R. Lavoie, and is also predeceased by her son-in-law, Thomas A. Wright, Jr., and brother, Franklin D. Wajda. She is survived by her beloved daughter, Laurie M. Wright of Brimfield; and caring nephew, Scott M. Wajda and wife Darlene, and their children, Madison and Marlie; and her faithful feline companion, Chloe. “Whenever I am missing you, I also remember how fortunate I was that you were in my life. I wouldn’t trade those for the world.” Family and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial for Elaine at 10:30AM on Thursday, March 7th, in St. Stanislaus Basilica. Burial will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Chicopee. There are no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Stanislaus Basilica, 566 Front St., Chicopee, MA 01013. kozikowskifuneralhome.com

Elaine K. Lavoie

November 16, 1936 - February 29, 2024

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Elaine K. Lavoie

November 16, 1936 - February 29, 2024

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