Ilene Kolis LaFrance, 88

CHESHIRE, Mass. —

Ilene Kolis LaFrance of 457 Savoy Road in Cheshire died suddenly and unexpectedly on February 18th at Berkshire Medical Center in the presence of her adoring family.

Nanzie as she was affectionately called, was born in Adams on June 6, 1935. She and her twelve siblings were first generation Americans as her parents, Matthew and Catherine (Strzepek) Kolis emigrated from Poland. Ilene attended St. Stanislaus Kostka School and graduated from Adams High School. She married her beloved husband Richard LaFrance on July 4, 1956 (the only day he had off!) They enjoyed a strong and inspiring marriage until his death on May 8, 2012. Together she and Dick built what has come to be known as Imperial Pools and Spas by LaFrance now in its 61st year. The business has always been a defining force in the family and has helped to instill a strong work ethic to all. Until her death she was a constant fixture at the store sitting behind her desk or working in the kitchen making lunch during the mad rush of busy summer days.

Nanzie was faith filled and energetic, giving selflessly to her family at all times. She was an avid sports fan closely following all the New England teams, but she loved those Patriots! She was a passionate and exceptional cook. Her table was her palette filled with love, joy, and the most amazing food you could imagine. Her famous Saturday night dinners were extraordinary where she would feed anywhere from six to thirty with what seemed like no effort at all! Her faith was her trademark and with it the many traditions that stemmed from her strong and rich Polish heritage. Homemade golumpki, and pierogi (by the hundreds) were always a staple and the making of the Baranek (Easter butter lambs) were a yearly tradition that gave her the forum to share many a story from her youth.

She leaves her son Keith, his wife Susan of Cheshire, two daughters Lori Bracci, her husband John of Dalton, Jill Staffin, her husband David of Cheshire, her grandchildren of whom she was extremely proud: Ashley Penna, her husband Nick, Jared LaFrance and Carrie, Tyler LaFrance and Nicole, Matthew Bracci, his wife Paula, Jenna Rolquin, her husband Trey, Jonathan Bracci, his wife Taylor, Noah Bracci and Hannah, Nathan Staffin, his wife Michaela, Nicholas Staffin, his wife Ashley, Samantha Staffin, and Dan. She now joins her beloved Michael Bracci who passed in 1997.

Her blue eyes sparkled most when around her six precious great grandchildren Lincoln Penna, Owen and Ava Rolquin, Gabriella and Luke Bracci and Elliana Staffin.

She leaves two sisters Blanche Hoellerich and Jane Gilman. She was predeceased by an infant son, her sisters Isabelle Lanski, Mildred Zatorski, Adella Carignan, Lillian Blazejewski, and her brothers William, Theodore, Edmond, Frank, Frederick, Donald Kolis and many nieces and nephews.

Nanzie was an anchor to her family and somehow managed to inspire each member to be the best person possible! Her legacy is strong and the faith she left will be celebrated by all!

The funeral will be held on Saturday, Feb. 24th at 10:00 AM from the PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St. Adams, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM in Notre Dame des Sept Douleurs Church, 21 Maple St. Adams. Burial will be held at a later date. Calling hours are Friday from 5 to 7 PM at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the Lanesborough Veterans Outreach Center-Food Distribution Center, 144 Old State Rd. Lanesborough, MA 01237.

To leave a message of condolence, or for directions, please go online to www.paciorekfuneral.com