CHICOPEE: Genevieve M. (Bragiel) Cheika, 100, (1918 – 2019) a lifelong Chicopee resident, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 28, 2019 at Baystate Medical Center, with her loving family by her side. Born April 28, 1918, daughter of the late Peter and Mary (Zajchowski) Bragiel, she retired in 1984 after working twenty years as an administrative clerk for Springfield District Court. Genevieve was a graduate of Chicopee High School, Class of 1935, and Bay Path Business Institute, Class of 1936. She was a communicant of the Basilica of St. Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr, and a member of its Rosary Society, St. Vincent de Paul Society and Beautiful Years Club. She served her parish as a bingo worker and pierogi maker. Genevieve enjoyed knitting, reading, and swimming in her backyard pool, as well as trips to Foxwoods and rooting for the Celtics, Red Sox and Patriots. Genevieve was predeceased in 1979 by her beloved husband, Stanley T. Cheika, and in 2005 by a son, Alan L. Cheika. Genevieve is survived by her loving children, Carol A. Gonzalez and husband Thomas of Westfield, and Stanley T. Cheika, Jr. and girlfriend Carmina Provost of Chicopee; daughter-in-law, Diane Cheika Cartwright of Feeding Hills; dear friend, Josephine Cheika; cherished grandchildren, Peter Gonzalez and wife Nikki, Nicole Nelson and husband Jon, Judith Peabody and husband Scott, Cristina Avgoustakis and husband Manny, and Andrew Cheika; step-grandchildren, Stacy Tabb and Nathan Westcott; great-grandchildren, Jack, Sam, Joshua, Leah, CJ, Julia, Ryan, Jacob and Alyse; and step-great-grandchildren, Morgan and Olivia; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers, Henry, Stanley and Edward Bragiel. Funeral services for Genevieve will be held Tuesday at 9AM from Kozikowski Funeral Home, 565 Front St., Chicopee, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10AM in St. Stanislaus Basilica. Burial will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery. Calling hours are Monday from 3-6PM. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Stanislaus School, 534 Front St., Chicopee, MA 01013. kozikowskifuneralhome.com
