WESTFIELD: Irene L. Bannish, 92, died on Thursday, August 5, 2021, at Bear Mountain, West Springfield, MA. A lifelong Westfield resident, Irene was a cashier clerk for many retail stores, she loved to paint, especially ceramics, she had excellent math skills, she was active in the PTA, and loved to sing in church. Most of all she loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Irene has been a longtime and active member of Holy Trinity Church in Westfield, MA. She served as a past member of the Rosary Society at Holy Trinity.
Irene is predeceased by her parents Frank Lignar and Catherine (Trela) Lignar, brothers Joseph and John; and her loving husband Daniel J. Bannish whom she shared the same birthday.
Irene leaves her sons, Daniel Bannish and his wife Jayne of Harpswell, ME, and Anthony Bannish and his wife Ursula of Westfield, MA, daughter, Kathleen Walter and her husband Paul of Laurel, MT, her sisters Frances Niemiec and Helen Lignar both of Chicopee, MA, grandchildren: Matthew Walter of Westfield, MA, Gregory Walter and his wife Amanda of Durham, NC, Megan Johnsrud and her husband Austin of Bozeman, MT, Joshua Bannish of Westfield, MA , Monica Lavin and her husband Sean of Agawam, MA, Jennifer Wilson and her husband Justin of Virginia, Alex Bannish and his wife Chiho of Japan, and Shenna Bannish of Worcester, MA; her great-grandchildren, Lucas and Austin Lavin of Agawam, MA, Leo and Penelope Bannish of Japan, Archer of Virginia, Henry and Owen Johnsrud of Bozeman, MT, along with many nieces and nephews.
A funeral mass will be held on September 18, 2021 at 10 AM at Holy Trinity Church, 335 Elm Street, Westfield, MA 01085. A private burial will be held at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, MA.
Avalon Funeral & Cremation Services, 691 College Hwy, Southwick, MA 01077 is assisting the family with arrangements. To express condolences to the family or to share photos or memories, please visit Irene’s memorial page at www.avaloncelebrations.com. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to: Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, 103 Vision Way, Bloomfield, CT 06002 or charity of donor’s choice.
