March 28, 1914 – May 14, 2012
Pomfret Center – Estelle Novack Konesni, 98, of Wrights Crossing Rd., passed away on May 14, 2012 at Mutualitis Home in Putnam. She was the loving wife of the late Erwin Konesni, who predeceased her in 1970. Born in Sterling, CT, she was the daughter of the late William and Josephine (Listkoski) Novack, the second child of immigrant parents.
She graduated from Plainfield High in 1931 and continued her education at Eastern Connecticut State University, graduating in 1934. Estelle was a devoted wife, mother, dedicated teacher and avid advocate of education for over 35 years. She began her teaching career in a one room school in Canterbury, CT and then went on to teach in Pomfret and Sterling, CT. She spent the last 25 years of active teaching in Putnam Elementary School retiring in 1979. During her retirement she did extensive traveling throughout the continental United States: the Panama Canal, Alaska, Hawaii, and the Carribean.
Estelle was an active member of the Pomfret Senior Citizens, the Quinebaug Valley Seniors, the Windham County Association of Retired Teachers, St. Joseph Parish in Dayville, CT, the Day Kimball Hospital Arthritis Group and founder of the Day Kimball Hospital Widows group.
In addition to her love for teaching and all children, her greatest pride and joy was with her children and grandchildren. Mrs. Konesni is survived by her children; William (Judith) Konesni of Pomfret, John (Connie) Kone of Marietta, GA, Alfred (Meredith) Konesni of Putnam, and JoAnne (Andrew) Mitchell of Bloomfield, CT; her loving daughter in law Edith Ostby Konesni of Appleton, ME; numerous grand and great grandchildren; her special children who held an endearing place in her heart Muriel (Donald) Surprenant, Patricia (Victor) Bedard, and Richard Morrison. She also leaves her dear friend, Jill Relehan. She is predeceased by her son Andrew Erwin Konesni in 2006.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Estelle’s family from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. A gathering will begin at 9:00 am on Thursday, May 17, 2012 at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am in St. Joseph’s Church, 350 Hartford Pike Dayville, CT 06241. Burial will follow in South Cemetery, Pomfret, CT. Memorial donations may be made to Putnam Elementary School Library Fund, 126 Church St. Putnam, CT 06260. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Sarah Hambrick
Mrs. K has held a huge place in my heart for almost 50 years. She was my neighbor, ally, 2nd mother, favorite source of wisdom and compassion – in short one of the most wonderful persons I have known. Mrs. K offered consistent love and kindness to my entire family when we lived in the Landing. To my mother, Shirley Hambrick, Estelle lived up to her name: she was a star that lit my mom’s life and was her closest friend for decades. Thank goodness the marvelous Estelle Konesni was here with us for 98 years. To the Konesni clan – much love and tenderness during these next days and weeks. And may we all keep Estelle’s strength and kindness in our minds and actions for the next 98 years and beyond.
Laura Hambrick Bonham
Mrs. K, as we called her, was my mother’s best friend. and by extension a good friend to my brother, sister and me. Mrs. K was always there for my mom, who was struggling to raise three kids alone, and by extension Mrs. K was there for my brother, sister and me. When I think back to my days in the Landing, my memories are sprinkled with the rich times we spent with Mrs. K and her family. Her warmth, kindness, humor and insight will be missed by all who knew her.
It is with great sorrow that I offer my sincere condolences to the Konesni family. Mrs. K touched so many lives; she is, and will forever be, well-loved.
Grace Morris
I had been a colleague of JoAnne’s for at least 25 years when I discovered she was Estelle Koesni’s daughter. I had worked with Estelle at Putnam Elementary School when I was a beginning teacher back in 1976. When the connection was first made, I remembered Estelle very clearly. She was a wonderful teacher, warm, nurturing and caring. JoAnne invited Estelle to an assembly at our school and it was wonderful seeing her again after so many years. And she was as kind and loving as I remembered. What a very special soul. JoAnne and Andy, my thoughts and prayers are with you today. You have my deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother,
Philippe F. Roy
The Town of Pomfret, The State of Connecticut and myself has lost a truly kind and gracious lady. Extremely wealthy in her spirit to listen, encourage and console on an individual basis.
RIP my dear friend, you will be truly missed by this PCS (1958) student. May God be with you till we meet again.
Respectfully -Philippe, (FUZZY) Roy, Formally of Tarrs Farm, Wrights Crossing RD, Pomfret Center.
Tim Shenko
i’m sorry for your loss, your mother goes a long way back in my memories.when ever i think of the landing i think of her,she was the first person i remember besides family. may she rest in peace
Bethany (Hedenberg) Kreyssig
I was a 2nd grade student of Mrs. Konesni back in the 70’s at PES. She was one of my favorite teachers! I remember how she would play the piano at the start of each day and truly passed on a love for learning. I have thought of her often and how patient she was with us and how much fun we had learning from her. Not to mention how she motivated us to win the pizza party on Fridays! 🙂 Oh what fun we had with her!! There are few teachers who leave a lasting impression on their students…Mrs. Konesni was one of them. I am sorry to her family for their loss of such a wonderful woman, mom, and friend. Thank you Mrs. Konesni for all your efforts and care in teaching….you made learning fun!
Linda Howe
As I kid I was always so impressed with how educated and forward thinking Estelle was. She had such a great sense of humor and she didn’t seem to sweat the small stuff, she just knew! So sorry, I know how much you will miss her. I think Estelle was born to be a teacher, and great teachers are always with us.
Anna
Mrs K was my 4th grade teacher at Putnam School she was a great teacher one of my best . She will be missed god bless….
Mr. and Mrs. Kamp
To Al and family:
Mrs. Konesni was one of the reasons we fell in love with Pomfret Landing. From the first day, she was a wonderful neighbor and friend who made us feel most welcome in our new home. Still we look over to her porch, expecting to see her in her chair; her loss is and always will be sorely felt. She truly was a beautiful lady, through and through, and she will always be with us on Wrights Crossing Road.
The Kamps