Obituary of Jeanette Bakanas

Jeanette “Neppie” McCooe Bakanas died peacefully at her home on March 20, 2021.

She was 93.

She grew up in Manchester CT, the youngest of eight children of John McCooe and Jane Keegan McCooe. She attended St. James School and was a graduate of Manchester High School. A family friend called her “Nettie” but her brother Charlie could only say “Neppie” and that became her family name. She had a special relationship with her grandmother (“Grumma”) Catherine McCooe and helped take care of her at home. Jeanette worked as an administrative assistant at the Manchester Evening Herald and later at The Hartford Insurance Group. After her retirement she enjoyed traveling both within the United States and to Ireland. She remained an excellent caregiver and was a special friend to felines Garbo, KC, and PeanutButter. With a hawkeye on the weather and the traffic reports, she would alert her family when there were any potentially challenging situations. She watched Mass daily on television. She was a fan of UConn Huskies women’s basketball and also enjoyed “Jeopardy”.

Jeanette is survived by her daughters Erin Bakanas of St. Louis, MO and Lisa Bakanas of Middletown, CT, and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her son Mark Bakanas. She is also predeceased by her brothers John, Joseph, Thomas, James, and Charles McCooe, and sisters Catherine Wittke and Bernadette Madama.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on September 4, 2021, at 11 AM at St. James Church, 896 Main St., Manchester, CT. A private graveside service will follow at St. James Cemetery September 7, 2021.

Jeanette’s family wishes to thank A Caring Hand (especially Rebecca), Bolton Senior Center, and the Keeney Drive Association for their kindness and support for Jeanette and her family. Donations may be made in Jeanette’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or St. James Elementary School.

To view Funeral Mass click here: Tierney FH Facebook