Phyllis Bigda Obituary

Phyllis E. (Peezda) Bigda CHICOPEE, MA - Phyllis E. (Pezda) Bigda, 89, of Chicopee, died peacefully on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at East Longmeadow Skilled Nursing Center. She worked for A. G. Spalding Corp. of Chicopee for many years. Phyllis was born on July 4, 1921 in Chicopee and was a life- long resident. She was the daughter of the late Vincent and Mary (Stawarz) Pezda. Phyllis was a communicant of the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr. She was affectionately called the "Muffin Lady" at the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke, where she made home-baked treats every week for twenty years. She expressed her life-long love of classical music by taking up the violin in her 60s. Phyllis was compassionately cared for in her last year by the angels at East Longmeadow Skilled Nursing Center. She is predeceased by her husband, Mitzie Bigda, who died October 18, 1970, her three brothers, Max, Alfred and Chester and her three sisters, Emily Kendra, Stella Sicko and Madeleine McCarthy. She is survived by her son, David Bigda and his wife, Daisy) of Charleston, SC; three daughters, Diane Bigda and her husband, Douglass Scott of Brookline, Susan Bigda of Seattle, WA and Joyce Cestari and her husband, Vic of Eden, NC. She will be dearly missed. Friends and family will always remember her kindness, generosity of spirit and sense of independence and loving friendship. Phyllis' funeral will be held on Saturday, June 25, 2011 at the Cierpial Memorial Funeral Home on 61 Grape St. in Chicopee at 9 am, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus, 566 Front St. in Chicopee at 10 am. The burial will be in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, 800 Montgomery St. in Chicopee. Calling hours are on Friday, June 23, 2011 from 4 to 8 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the Community School of Music, 127 State St. #1, Springfield, MA 01103. Cierpial Memorial Funeral Homes, Inc. Visit our guestbook at www.postandcourier.com/ deaths