Grace M. (Pagan) Kowinski

Grace Margaret (Pagan) Kowinski, 90, passed away peacefully at home Saturday, August 8, 2015. Born in Brooklyn, to the late Manuel and Amelia (Muxo) Pagan, Grace was raised and worked in New York City. During WWII she was a hostess with the USO, volunteering her time most notably at the Stage Door Canteen. She met her husband, then Merchant Marine, John F. Kowinski (predeceased 2008) while on leave in NYC. They were wed on June 25 1949 and resided in Springfield. She was a faithful communicant of St. Patrick Parish and a member of the Church�s Women�s Club. Grace was employed as a Teacher�s Aide at Forest Park Middle School in Springfield. She loved butterflies, Jane Austen films and though she rooted for the Red Sox she remained a loyal Brooklyn Dodger�s fan. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, to the Casinos, taking scenic drives to take in the autumn foliage and most especially a trip to China where she was able to see her much-loved Panda Bears. Grace leaves her daughter Susan Kowinski of Springfield, her son Jonathan Kowinski of Springfield, two granddaughters; Katie Kowinski of Wilbraham and Kristin Kowinski Cadieux of Dartmouth, MA (husband Aaron) and her cherished great-granddaughter Autumn. She also leaves her sister Levia �Lee� Pagan Steiner of Ridgefield, New Jersey and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 15th at 11:00 am at Wilbraham Funeral Home, 2551 Boston Road, Wilbraham. Visiting hours will precede the service, Saturday from 9:00 to 11:00 am at Wilbraham Funeral Home. Interment will be private and held at the discretion of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick Parish Church, 1900 Allen St., Springfield, MA 01118.