Virginia A. Batakis

Virginia A. (Smolka) Batakis, 100, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, December 21, 2024, with a loving family by her side. Born in Mankato, MN on April 6, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Florence (Pieper), Smolka. Virginia’s early career was as an X-ray technician in Denver, CO., where she met and married her husband Adam Batakis and started their Air Force life together. They traveled the world, raising five children, retiring from Westover AFB in 1969. She was a proud and loving mother and along with Adam helped raise another four generations of kids in their home. She earned her LPN degree during that time, but her heart was with the Girl Scouts. Nicknamed ‘Smokey’ as a young Camp Fire Girl, she brought that name and many skills to the Girl Scouts. She spent over 40 years volunteering with the Chicopee Girl Scouts, as Troop Leader and Unit Coordinator, and serving on numerous committees. She loved teaching outdoor skills, knot tying, fire starting, and knife safety along with songs and games, and teaching origami to anyone who was interested. One of the highest awards she earned was the Thanks II Badge and was honored by the Mayor of Chicopee with 'Virginia Batakis Day' on May 19, 1993. Virginia was predeceased by her husband, Adam Batakis in 2008; son, Edward Batakis in 2021; brother, Robert Smolka, and sisters, Katie Smolka and Martha Anderson. She is survived by her children, Tony Batakis and wife Faye Fentin of San Diego, Catherine Chapman and husband David of Agawam, Joseph Batakis of Northfield, Mary Batakis of Boothbay, Maine, and partner, Scott Rocknak; sister Gretchen Fanslow of CA; grandchildren, Karen Hansmann, Joanne Charland, Jeffrey Batakis, Julia LeClaire, Adam Sproul, Nicole Batakis, Erica Sproul, and Danielle Batakis; great grandchildren, Rudy and Vincent Charland and Nolan LeClaire. A calling hour will be held from 12N-1PM on Monday, January 6, 2025, at Kozikowski Funeral Home, 565 Front St, Chicopee, with a remembrance service at 1PM. Committal service will follow at 2PM in the chapel of the MA Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Agawam. A reception to follow at the family home from 3PM-7PM. Donations may be made to the Girl Scouts of Western/ Central Massachusetts, Fund Development, 115 Century Drive, Worcester, MA 01606 - specify Camp Bonnie Brae.

Virginia A. Batakis

April 6, 1924 - December 21, 2024

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Virginia A. Batakis

April 6, 1924 - December 21, 2024

What We Do

Who We Are

Grief & Healing

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Plan Ahead

Contact Us

Obituaries

Contact Information

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