Jean Pijar

HOLYOKE - Jean “Gram” Pijar, 100, of Holyoke died peacefully at her home on July 21, 2015. She was born in Holyoke the daughter of the late Frank & Julia (Lula) Michalik. She lived in Holyoke all her life and attended Holyoke Schools. Although retired since 1977, she never stopped working, whether at home or at the family business founded by her husband. Her husband Alexander died in 1996 and her beloved son Donald died on August 7, 2008. She was also predeceased by her three brothers, Victor, Tadeusz and Bernard. She leaves her daughter-in law Connie Pijar of Holyoke; her grandchildren Gail Pijar of Holyoke; Mark Pijar and his wife Debbie Dostal-Pijar of Westfield; her great grandson John Dostal; a niece Marcia Harding and her husband Francis of Holyoke; a nephew Richard Michalik and his wife Patricia of Enfield, CT as well as many great nieces and nephews. She was a member of Mater Dolorosa Church and later Blessed Sacrament Church. The funeral will be held Saturday, July 25, 2015 at 8:30AM from the Messier Funeral Home, 194 Northampton St., Holyoke and followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10AM in Blessed Sacrament Church. The Rite of Committal and Burial will be in Mater Dolorosa Cemetery, So. Hadley. Calling hours will be held Friday from 4 to 7pm. In lieu of flowers, please provide random acts of kindness for others. Heartfelt thanks to Holyoke VNA Hospice Life Care, Holyoke Medical Center and to friends & family who spent time with and held vigil for grandma at her home. Please visit www.messierfuneralhome.com for more details.