Frances K. Bakaj, 97, beloved wife of the late Stanley Bakaj for 58 years, passed away on Sunday February 21, 2016 at Masonicare in Wallingford.

Born on October 4, 1918 she was the daughter of the late Leon and Mary (Kusza) Kosienski. A lifelong resident of Meriden, Fran attended local schools and was a parishioner of St. Stanislaus Church.  She enjoyed needlework, baking, crossword puzzles, reading and caring for her many cherished dachshund dogs. A loving sister and aunt she will be greatly missed.

Mrs. Bakaj is survived by her sister Mary Muszynski of TX and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Anthony Kosienski and five sisters: Theresa (Tess) Czaja, Elizabeth Kozak, Dorothy Krupa, Leona Godek and Mildred Kordys.

Her funeral will be held on Friday February 26, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. from the Stempien Funeral Home, 450 Broad St., Meriden when the funeral cortege will proceed to St. Stanislaus Church for a Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Friday morning from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at the Stempien Funeral Home. To send an online expression of sympathy please visit www.stempienfuneralhome.com .

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Frances Bakaj may be made to St. Stanislaus Church, 82 Akron St., Meriden, CT 06450 or Masonic Healthcare Center, 22 Masonic Ave., Wallingford, CT 06492.