Online Obituaries

Lucy I. (Blyda) Klaus, 92, of Springfield, died peacefully on May 10, 2017 surrounded by her loving family. Born in Northampton to Polish immigrants Joseph Blyda Sr. and Clementina (Wanczyk) and growing up in Hatfield, she was a 1942 graduate of Smith Academy and played the guard position on its state champion women’s basketball team. Lucy graduated from Northampton Commercial College with an associates’ degree. She lived for over 60 years in Chicopee Falls where she was a communicant of St. Patrick’s and St. Mary’s parishes. She worked 15 years as a medical secretary for primary care, surgery, and obstetrics-gynecology physicians before retiring in 1965 to become a full time homemaker. For over 50 years, Lucy was an active member of the Polish Junior League of Massachusetts (PJL), as a president and model for the PJL’s annual fashion show to raise college scholarship funds. Lucy was the beloved wife of 31 years to Theodore H. Klaus who predeceased her in 1996 and, for 6 years, to Stanley W. Baranowski who predeceased her in 1957. She was a loving mother to her three daughters- Cindee Elliott of Monson; Pam Laushway and husband Mark of Springfield; and Ann Marie Baranowski and husband Steve Bryant of New York City. Lucy is the cherished grandmother to five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren: Katelyn Elliott with her children Gavin and Lydia of Palmer, Rachel Elliott of Monson; Casey Laushway and wife Christina with their children Carissa and Ethan of East Longmeadow; Sara Goodwin and husband James with their children James and Matthew of East Longmeadow; and Emily Wruck and husband Dale with their child Jordan of Springfield. She was a dear sister to William G. Blyda Sr., Helen Cechvala, and Joseph “Sonny” Blyda Jr., all predeceased. Lucy leaves many loving extended family members and friends, including her cousin Dorothy Washko and her sister-in-law Dorothy Blyda. Funeral services will be held Monday, May 15, 2017 at 10:00am from Cierpial Memorial Funeral Home, 69 East Street, Chicopee Falls with the Liturgy of Christian Burial in St Patrick’s Church, Broadway, Chicopee at 11am, followed by burial in the St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Chicopee. Visitation will precede the funeral from 9:30 – 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lucy’s memory to The American Cancer Society, 59 Bobola Rd, Holyoke, MA 01040.