Irena (Magac) Pilat

Irena Pilat, 87, of Prospect passed away peacefully while surrounded by the love of her family at St. Francis Hospital on Friday, March 17, 2023.  She was the devoted wife of Jan Pilat for over 63 years.  Irena was born November 17, 1935 in Leszczowate, Poland, and was one of four children of the late Joseph and Emilia (Wujkiw) Magac. 

Irena was vibrant and energetic.  She walked a brisk four miles with her husband, played pickle ball everyday, was an active member of the Prospect Senior Center and a member of the Wii Bowling Team.  She was an avid baker with many signature dishes.  Her pierogi’s, waffles, bean salad, fruit pies and golabki were delicious and legendary.  Irena was so giving; “yes” was always her answer and “what can I bring”.  She would house-sit, dog-sit, babysit; whatever anyone needed.  She was a devoted UCONN basketball fan and would energetically cheer for her team.

More than anything, Irena was a woman dedicated to her family.  Her selflessness and love of her children and grandchildren was evident in the smile she wore while in their presence or speaking of them.  She never missed her grandsons’ football and baseball games or her grand daughters’ cheerleading competitions.  She was a kind and gentle wife, mother, Babci and friend.  Her sudden passing leaves so many in sadness.  Assuredly her love and memory will be treasured by all who were blessed to know her.

Left to cherish her love and memory besides her husband Jan are her son Edward Pilat and his wife Rachel of Prospect and her daughter Donna Guerrera and her husband Robert of Watertown.  Her cherished grandchildren; Chelsie Guerrera and her fiancé Jared and Rocco Guerrera and his fiancé Nicole will miss their big hearted “Babci”.  Irena is also survived by her brothers Edward (Lillian) Magac, Simon (Jacqueline) Magac and sister Janine Judek, her very spoiled grand dogs Koda and Mojo and many wonderful friends.

Friends and family are invited to visit with Irena’s family on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral Home, 122 Waterbury Rd., Prospect.  A Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at 7:00 pm.  Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Pilat family during this difficult time.  Please visit www.prospectmemorial.com to share a favorite memory, photo or your words of love and comfort.

In lieu of flowers if you so choose, memorial donations may be made to The Volunteer Fire Dept of Prospect, 26 New Haven Rd. Prospect or to an Animal Rescue foundation of your choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Irena (Magac) Pilat, please visit our floral store.