Madine (Hollenbeck) Parakilas, 84; Suffield Resident, Educator

From Leete-Stevens Funeral Home.

Madine (Hollenbeck) Parakilas, 84, recently of Suffield, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at the Parkway Pavilion Nursing Home in Enfield.

She was born on October 16, 1930, in Littleton, New Hampshire, the daughter and only child of the late Arthur and Hazel Hollenbeck.

During the Great Depression, Madine and her family moved to Connecticut, first to Putnam and then to East Hartford. She graduated as Valedictorian of her senior class in 1948 from East Hartford High School. Madine pursued higher education at the University of Connecticut where she was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in the School of Education with honors in 1952.

While at UCONN, she met her future husband Charles “Chick” Parakilas and the two were later married in 1955. After teaching middle school English and history for several years at Hazardville Memorial School in Enfield, Madine devoted her life to raising her children, Holly, Wendy and Christopher.

She was a longtime resident of Somers and an active member of Somers Congregational Church, where she sang in the choir, and served on many committees. She also served on the Somers Board of Education for several years.

Once her children were grown, Madine embarked on a noble journey to care for others. She became involved with North Central Connecticut Hospice, first as a volunteer and later as the Director of Volunteers. During that time, she helped create the Pastoral Care Program at her church. Later, she learned to do Reiki, and worked at the Johnson Memorial Hospital Cancer Center, giving Reiki treatments to cancer patients. Madine touched the lives of many through the years, sharing her warm heart, spiritual guidance and never ending love. She cherished the time spent with her family and friends.

Madine is survived by her husband of 59 years, Charles Parakilas; her daughter Wendy and husband Bill Bowers; her son Christopher and wife Brooke; four grandchildren, Holly and Kyle Bowers, and Zoe and Max Parakilas; and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her daughter Holly.

Calling hours for Madine will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2014, from 5-­8 p.m. at the Somers Funeral Home, 354 Main Street, Somers. Her funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 18, at 10:00 a.m. at Somers Congregational Church, 599 Main Street, Somers (Please meet at church). Committal will follow at New West Cemetery in Somers.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Madine’s memory can be made to Somers Congregational Church, or to Home & Community Health Services, Inc., Hospice, PO Box 1199, Enfield, CT 06083.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.Somersfuneralhome.com