Connie M. Banasiak

Connie’s life began on December 13, 1933 in Chicago, the daughter of Joseph L. and Emily (Pawlicki) Banasiak. She was employed for 30 years by the City of Chicago in the Parks and Recreation Department. Connie was a physical education teacher who ran summer programs and worked as a park supervisor. She was a member of the Federated Covenant Church in Dowagiac, and Jubilee at Federated Covenant. Connie had belonged to Civitan, assisted with Girl Scouts, taught an exercise class at the Council on Aging and though not always related she was “grandma” to so many. She was a Cubs and Bears fan from her hometown. Connie was proud of her Polish heritage and would often share stories with her grandchildren. She taught many of those same grandchildren to swim and she loved to fish and boat on Indian Lake. Her loving surrogate family includes her dear friend E.J. Jerz of Dowagiac, Craig and Mary Jerz of Decatur, Mike and Sue Accoe of Dowagiac, David and Laura Kogut of LaGrange, KY, Gregory and Tammy Jerz of Dowagiac, David Jerz of Dowagiac, 12 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and her beloved Scooter the cat. Connie passed away at Lakeland Specialty Care Center on Thursday June 11, 2009. She is preceded in death by her parents and her sister Patricia Banasiak. Her family and friends will gather to celebrate her life on Saturday June 20, 2009 at 3 p.m. at the Federated Covenant Church. She will be laid to rest in Holy Cross Cemetery in Calumet City, IL following the service. Please sign her guestbook and leave a memory of Connie at www.mclauchlin-clark.com