Virginia T. (Kosky) Zinkievich Pranaitis, 90 of Auburn MA, a retired realtor, passed away on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 in her home with her family at her side. Her first husband, Adam "Red" Zinkievich a professional football player for the New York Giants, died in 1951. Her second husband, William A. Pranaitis died in 1998. She leaves five children, Darlene Zinkievich Facteau and her husband Francis of Shrewsbury, William Pranaitis of Worcester, Robert Pranaitis and his wife Lynn of Spencer, Joseph Pranaitis and his wife Deborah of Charlton, and John Pranaitis of Auburn; fourteen grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter Susan Pranaitis-Morgan; four brothers, Frank, William, Joseph and Bernard Kosky and a sister Mildred Kosky. She was born in Worcester, a daughter of Gregory and Nora (Puzonis) Kosky.
Mrs. Pranaitis was a graduate of Classical High School. She attended Rosemont College and was a graduate of the Lee Institute. She was a founding member of St. Catherine of Sweden Church, a member of the Catholic Golden Age, a member of the Pope John Paul Cultural Center of Washington D.C. and AARP. She enjoyed reading, theater, traveling and vacationing on the seashore of Cape Cod and Maine. And above all, she was the Queen Bee of the Pranaitis hive.
The funeral will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 from HENRY - DIRSA FUNERAL HOME, 33 Ward St., with a Mass at 10:00 a.m. in Sacred Heart-Saint Catherine of Sweden Church, 600 Cambridge St. Burial will be in Saint John Cemetery. Calling hours in the funeral home will be on Monday, May 13, 2013 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Sacred Heart-St. Catherine of Sweden Church, 600 Cambridge St., Worcester, MA 01610; Hope Lodge, 7 Oak St., Worcester, MA 01609; or Sherry's House, 1152 Pleasant St., Worcester, MA 01602 www. worcesterfuneral.com