Online Obituaries

Josephine M. (Zabawa) Trela passed away peacefully at Mercy Medical Center on Thursday, November 8, 2018 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 31, 1924 in Wilbraham, MA., to the late Mary (Wal) and Frank J. Zabawa of Galicia, Poland. She became a resident of Chicopee, MA. upon her marriage in 1948. She began her education at the former Immaculate Conception Elementary School in Indian Orchard. While there, she was a member of the Sodality of the Children of Mary. She continued her education at the High School of Commerce concentrating her studies in Business and Fashion Design, graduating in 1942. Prior to graduation, she began a career in the Alterations Department at the former Muriel’s House of Fashion on Main Street, Springfield. She spoke often of her work and her co-workers. Later, as a parent, she was employed by the Chicopee School Department at the former Valentine School, Chicopee, MA., as noon time staff. Josephine cherished most her role as a devoted wife and mother. Her passions were gardening, sewing, cooking, baking and berry picking. She was married for 53 years to her beloved late husband, Edward M. Trela, and is survived by her caring children,Michael E. Trela of Springfield, Diane C. Trela of Chicopee, and Elaine E. Trela of South Hadley. She was a devoted sister to her siblings who predecease her: Victoria Zabawa, Louis (Gladys) Zabawa, Bertha (Michael) Szlosek, Frank (Florence) Zabawa,Wanda (John) Bednarz, Mitchell and Walter Zabawa, and Helen (William/”Gil”) Bello. She was also predeceased by her sister-in-law, Helen (Trela) Piubeni. She is survived by her sisters-in-law, Genevieve Krokov, of Chicopee, and Eleanor Pellegrino, of Springfield, and several nieces and nephews. She was a faithful communicant of the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr in Chicopee, MA for 70 years. The family will receive friends for calling hours on Friday from 4-7 P.M. Josephine’s funeral will be held Saturday, November 17, 2018 at 9 A.M. at Cierpial Memorial Funeral Home on 69 East St, Chicopee Falls followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial in the Basilica of St. Stanislaus, 566 Front Street, Chicopee at 10 A.M. Burial will be in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, 800 Montgomery Street, Chicopee, MA. Donations may be made to the Ministry of Care, Basilica of St. Stanislaus, 40 Cyman Dr., Chicopee, MA 01013.