CLINTON

Barbara Bernice (Ponyta) Cirka, 83, of 153 Chace St. died Sunday, July 22, 2012 in UMass Memorial Hospital–University Campus, Worcester, from complications after suffering a stroke. Her husband of 57 years, Peter F. Cirka, died in 2006.

She leaves her son, David P. Cirka of Manchester, NH; three granddaughters: Heather, Hillary & Haley Cirka; a sister-in-law, Marie Ponyta, of Clinton, several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Mary Trczinka, brother, Michael Ponyta, and three siblings who died in early childhood.

Barbara was born and raised in Clinton, the daughter of Michael and Frances (Marhefka) Ponyta and was a graduate of Clinton High School.

For many years, she worked as a bookkeeper at JC Penney in Clinton, and later at the US Post Office locations in Westborough and Worcester.

Barbara was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Jasna Gora Church and more recently, a parishioner of St. John the Guardian of Our Lady. A member of the Clinton Senior Citizens for many years, she enjoyed attending their aerobics classes, knitting, and gardening. She loved to travel and had just returned from a trip to Italy. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who above all, cherished spending time in the company of her three granddaughters, whom she adored.

Barbara’s funeral will be held on Thursday, July 26, 2012 from the McNally & Watson Funeral Home, 304 Church St. with a Mass at 10:00 a.m. in St. John the Evangelist Church, 80 Union St. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, Lancaster. Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours at the funeral home on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 from 5:30 – 8:30 pm.