Bernice Mary Frances Banak McNamara, a resident of the Little Sisters of the Poor, St. Joseph Residence in Enfield, Ct. passed away. Bernice was born on Good Friday, April 15, 1938 in New Haven, CT. She was the daughter of late Benjamin and Stephanie Broczkowska Banak. Bernice leaves her sons Michael (Gail Marinuzzi) and Kenneth (Judy) McNamara and a daughter Ann (Glen) Morgan and Six grandchildren, Christina Arsenault, Ryan Megill, Alyssa D’Angelo, Carla and Matthew McNamara and Rocco Morgan. She also has 5 great grandchildren, Kayla and David Arsenault , Alivia Megill, Liliana and Gianna D’Angelo. She leaves her sister Stephanie Capodagli in North Haven and her brother Robert Banak from New Jersey. She was pre-deceased by her daughter-in-law Kathleen McNamara as well as her sister Cecelia Bednarczyk and Theresa Wamsley. Bernice loved the beauties of nature, flowers, the turning of leaves, the blue sky and sitting peacefully by the ocean or river. She loved music, movies, reading, and appreciated all the little things in life and was very thankful for all the good friends and her family who shared her life with her. Bernice worked as a Secretary in a few places. She especially enjoyed working as a Secretary in the former St. Stanislaus School and later at the church. She was the coordinator of the Small Christian Groups and was a Eucharistic Minister at the St Stanislaus for many years. She was a CCD teacher and a promoter of the Miraculous Medal. She was the President and later Treasurer for the St. Joseph Women’s Club in New Haven and was a member of the St. Stanislaus Social Club, also a member of the Council of Catholic Women in New Haven and an Associate of the Sister of the Holy Family in Monroe. She always gave thanks to God for everything. Her strong faith and love of God helped her throughout her life. She touched many people. The family would like to Thank everyone at St. Joseph and the Little Sisters of the Poor for their outstanding care our mom received in her final years.
Family and friends are invited to go directly to St. Stanislaus Polish Catholic Church, New Haven on Saturday morning, Sept. 3rd at 10:30 to attend a Mass of Christian burial and are also invited to attend the committal service immediately following in Beaverdale Memorial Park, New Haven. In lieu of flowers, please honor Bernice by making a donation in her name to: Little Sisters of the Poor – St. Joseph, 1365 Enfield Street, Enfield, CT. 06082.
Mike & Gail and McNamara Family,
Our Deepest Sympathy to you all. ✝️May she Rest In Peace. So sorry for your loss. 🙏🏻 Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time💜
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother. I remember her fondly. She was beautiful, energetic always had a smile on her face and always kind words. She was a special mom. She loved her family deeply. Sue t
Mac very sorry to you and your family for your loss may she Rest In Peace Brian banning
Mike, Ken, Ann and family our sincerest condolences for you at this time
Aunt Bernie was always a delight whenever I visited her.I remember her smile, I remember her silliness whenever we spoke. It has been many years, but I will long remember the joy she has added to my life. John Bednarczyk
Bernice was a splendid sister whose life was the epitome of deep faith. Sorrow fills our hearts at this sad moment, a sorrow that is deep and personal. We pray the Almighty God may grant Bernice heavenly peace, rest and eternal life where tears are no more and suffering and pain are over.
Mike, Kenny and Ann,
My deepest sympathy in the loss of your mom. May you take comfort knowing that she is at peace in our Lord’s hands.
Our deepest sympathy for the McNamara family, and especially to a great former co-worker Kenneth, especially during this time of grief and sorrow. May Bernice rest in peace in heaven forever.
Twinkle twinkle little star,
I took a ride on the trolley car,
The trolley car went off the track,
And now I want my dime back.
Bernie Banak June 17, 1951
My St. Stanislaus grade 8 classbook