St. Paul's Choir Member, LPN, Irene Banyai Passed Away

BROOKFIELD, CT — Irene Yurkevitch Banyai, 85, of New Milford, CT, previously of Brookfield, CT, passed away at Candlewood Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center in New Milford, CT, on Tuesday, May 10, 2016.

She was born in Bernhausen, Germany on October 12, 1930, daughter of the late
Vladimier Yurkevitch and Elsa Schmeisser Yurkevitch. In 1956 she moved to the United States and settled in Lordship, CT.

Ms. Banyai eventually moved to Brookfield, CT, where she raised her family and worked as an LPN in numerous health care facilities. She belonged to St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Norwalk, CT, and subsequently became an active member and sang in the choir at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Brookfield, CT.

Over the years, Ms. Banyai enjoyed a variety of hobbies and activities including crocheting, knitting, sewing, gardening, and ballroom dancing. She loved animals, and her pets brought her much joy.

Ms. Banyai is survived by her sons Patrick Woelfle of Germany, Robb Banyai and his wife Laiping Lee of Danbury, CT, Steven Banyai and his wife Christine of Princeton, IN, her daughters Patricia Gorton and her husband Tom of White Bluff, TN, Jennifer Whitten and her husband Dan of Princeton, IN, Stephanie Banyai Jordan and her husband Steve of Roxbury, CT, and Sylvia Myrstal and her husband Craig of Belt, MT, grandchildren Suja, Lissi, Megan, Christopher, Samantha, Danielle, Michelle, Joshua, Cody and Ethan, and great grandchildren Isabella, Evelyn and Caden. She was predeceased by her daughter Nici.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, May 19, 2016, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, at Lillis Funeral Home, 58 Bridge Street, New Milford, CT, 06776.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ms. Banyai's memory may be made Alzheimer's Association Connecticut Chapter, Care of Candlewood Valley Care Center, 30 Park La. East, New Milford, CT.