Christine Bilyak Obituary

Christine Bilyak, 58, of Mystic, CT, daughter of the late Nancy Frassinelli Bilyak (May 2022) and Richard Bilyak, passed away on Monday, September 25, 2023. Chris is survived by her sister Dianne Bilyak; uncle, Gordon Frassinelli and his wife Barbara; aunt, Virginia Frassinelli Pisciotta and her husband Richard; aunt, Carole Frassinelli; uncle, Walter Bilyak; and many cousins.

Chris had a fantastic life. Born in Stafford Springs, CT, she graduated from Woodstock Academy when she was 21. Chris brought joy with her infectious giggle and could make anyone smile. When Chris renamed herself Dr. Irma King in the late 1990s, it became the impetus for her sister Dianne to write a memoir called, Nothing Special: The Mostly True, Sometimes Funny Tales of Two Sisters.

Besides being an awesome bowler, Chris was a Special Olympianswimmer. At 15, when she was chosen to be a participant in the International Special Olympic Games, Chris was appointed by the governor as one of Connecticut's Athletes of the Year.

Donations can be made to Stafford's Unified Sports Program in both Nancy and Christine's memory. Please send checks to: Stafford High School, 145 Orcuttville Rd., Stafford, CT 06076, and write "Nancy & Christine Bilyak Unified Sports" in the memo line. Memorial donations can also be made to: The Down Syndrome Association of Connecticut, 60 Peter Ct., New Britain, CT 06051, through this link: https://mydsact.org/donate/ or via email: [email protected] .

There are no formal arrangements. A "Celebration of Life" will be held October 29. For details, email Dianne Bilyak at [email protected] . The mailing address is: The Bilyak Family, 2590 Gold Star Hwy. #107, Mystic, CT 06355. The arrangements are being handled by Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., Stafford, CT. Online sympathy messages can be left at:  www.introvignefuneralhome.com .