1948
Barbara
2024
Barbara S. (Stanzione) Popeleski
March 26, 1948 — December 3, 2024
Barbara Popeleski Obituary
Barbara Stanzione Popeleski (Bunny) age 76, was delivered to the Lord onto her next life on December 3rd. She touched the lives of the people she leaves behind. Bunny loved her family, former students and friends unconditionally and her warmth and caring will be remembered by all. Bunny is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Mark, her children Lisa, Mark. A (Erin) and Ken (Laura), six grandchildren - Bryce, Nicholas, Claire, Nolan, Owen, Faye - and many siblings, in-laws and nieces and nephews. Bunny was extremely proud of her family, children and grandchildren and we are all so fortunate to have had her in our lives.
Bunny was born in 1948 to Louis F. Stanzione and Elizabeth Crowley in Fall River, Massachusetts along with her four siblings Bonnie Maher (Tom), Bev Hammon (Marty), Barry Stanzione (Cecile) and Bernie Stanzione (Joanne). She graduated from Windham High School in 1967 and went on to earn a Bachelors degree in Education from Eastern Connecticut State University. She later attended the University of Connecticut to earn her Masters degree of which she was very proud.
Bunny was an elementary school teacher for over 30 years in Windham Public Schools at Natchaug Elementary School. She excelled in not only teaching the subject matter to students, but more importantly set an example for and nurtured their personal growth. Her students loved her and she truly loved them. They knew that she cared and always 'had their backs', providing love and direction they may not have otherwise received. So many former students keep in touch to this day and express gratitude for her influence on their lives.
Bunny was a tremendous cook. She proudly cooked her legendary macaroni sauce and meatballs for family and friends, loving nothing more than to see them enjoy it. She also had a love for gardening, spending many hours outdoors tending to her flowers. Most importantly, Bunny was fiercely proud and supportive of her children and grandchildren. Over the years she attended countless games and events and was her family's biggest cheerleader. She also relished family vacations to Maine, holiday gatherings, and being with her grandchildren.
Most of all, we will remember Bunny for her big heart. She had a special connection with children because of the love for them that emanated from her. This love also came through in her care and relationships for the mentally disabled. She knew just how to engage that love with them, through a smile or a hug or a simple "hello doll face". To them, she was magnetic.
All are welcome to join the family in celebrating Bunny. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., Willimantic CT 06226. A Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 10:00 am at Saint Joseph's Church, 99 Jackson St., Willimantic CT 06226.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bunny's memory may be made to Northeast Placement Services (NEPS) https://www.northeastplacementservices.org , a service organization for adults with disabilities.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Barbara S. (Stanzione) Popeleski, please visit our floral store.
Read More
Barbara Stanzione Popeleski (Bunny) age 76, was delivered to the Lord onto her next life on December 3rd. She touched the lives of the people she leaves behind. Bunny loved her family, former students and friends unconditionally and her warmth and caring will be remembered by all. Bunny is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Mark, her children Lisa, Mark. A (Erin) and Ken (Laura), six grandchildren - Bryce, Nicholas, Claire, Nolan, Owen, Faye - and many siblings, in-laws and nieces and nephews. Bunny was extremely proud of her family, children and grandchildren and we are all so fortunate to have had her in our lives.
Bunny was born in 1948 to Louis F. Stanzione and Elizabeth Crowley in Fall River, Massachusetts along with her four siblings Bonnie Maher (Tom), Bev Hammon (Marty), Barry Stanzione (Cecile) and Bernie Stanzione (Joanne). She graduated from Windham High School in 1967 and went on to earn a Bachelors degree in Education from Eastern Connecticut State University. She later attended the University of Connecticut to earn her Masters degree of which she was very proud.
Bunny was an elementary school teacher for over 30 years in Windham Public Schools at Natchaug Elementary School. She excelled in not only teaching the subject matter to students, but more importantly set an example for and nurtured their personal growth. Her students loved her and she truly loved them. They knew that she cared and always 'had their backs', providing love and direction they may not have otherwise received. So many former students keep in touch to this day and express gratitude for her influence on their lives.
Bunny was a tremendous cook. She proudly cooked her legendary macaroni sauce and meatballs for family and friends, loving nothing more than to see them enjoy it. She also had a love for gardening, spending many hours outdoors tending to her flowers. Most importantly, Bunny was fiercely proud and supportive of her children and grandchildren. Over the years she attended countless games and events and was her family's biggest cheerleader. She also relished family vacations to Maine, holiday gatherings, and being with her grandchildren.
Most of all, we will remember Bunny for her big heart. She had a special connection with children because of the love for them that emanated from her. This love also came through in her care and relationships for the mentally disabled. She knew just how to engage that love with them, through a smile or a hug or a simple "hello doll face". To them, she was magnetic.
All are welcome to join the family in celebrating Bunny. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., Willimantic CT 06226. A Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 10:00 am at Saint Joseph's Church, 99 Jackson St., Willimantic CT 06226.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bunny's memory may be made to Northeast Placement Services (NEPS) https://www.northeastplacementservices.org , a service organization for adults with disabilities.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Barbara S. (Stanzione) Popeleski, please visit our floral store.
Read More
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Barbara S. (Stanzione) Popeleski, please visit our flower store.
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