Estelle Maureen Breen Knurek, 96, passed into heaven April 21, 2016. Estelle was a first generation Irish-American, born and raised in the Frog Hollow section of Hartford, CT. Estelle was pre-deceased by her husband, the late legendary coach Edward T. “Ted” Knurek, also of Hartford. Estelle was born on Russ St., the youngest of 6 children of Charles and Theresa Brown Breen. The home was large and always full of activity, as her father who emigrated from Ireland brought many of his siblings over to live and work in the Hartford area. Estelle graduated from the Immaculate Conception grammar school and Hartford Public High School. Soon after, she met the love of her life, Ted, and they married in November of 1943. As the children came, so did Estelle become a dedicated mother and homemaker. As the boys grew up, Estelle went to join the work force, excelling in all her endeavors. From a satisfying stint as a nurse’s aide, to office manager and bookkeeper at Chase Glass Company of Hartford in the 1960’s to a successful customer service career at the Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance Company, where from she retired in 1980. Estelle always kept busy with a variety of volunteer activities, in particular as a docent for many years at the Wethersfield Historical Society and serving as a Friendly Visitor to those in need of a helping hand. Estelle was a regular communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Old Wethersfield and involved so many, many worthwhile Church activities. Estelle leaves her three sons, Edward T. Knurek, Jr. of Panama, Robert N. Knurek and his wife Joan of South Windsor/Tolland and Steven C. Knurek and his wife Barbara of Manchester. Additionally, Estelle also leaves the many grandchildren and great-grandchildren she so much adored. Grandchildren Emily Slater and husband Jeremy, James Knurek and wife Kate, Abigail Knurek and her fiancé Patrick Morgan, Jennifer Mahon and her husband Brett, Charles Richard Knurek and Randall Edward Knurek and great-grandchildren Adriana and Nicholas Slater, Gabe and Grayson Mahon and Estelle A. Knurek. Estelle was also pre-deceased by her parents and by siblings Helen B. O’Leary, Sarah B. Fowler, Dorothy I. Breen, Charles F Breen and Leo P. Breen. Estelle was also pre-deceased most recently by Edward T. Knurek, Jr.’s loving wife, Pauline M. Knurek. Estelle also leaves numerous Breen, Knurek and Houldcroft nieces and nephews all of whom adored her. Estelle was very fond of her dear friends, Leah, “Ernie”, Sue, Laura and Ann, who played Mahjong and Bridge on a “more than” regular basis as well as good friends and neighbors Carol, Florence, Lee, Doris, Maria and so many others thanks so very much to each and every one of you.
The funeral will be held on Wednesday April 27, 2016 at 10:15 am at the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 34 Beaver Rd Wethersfield, CT 06109, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am in Sacred Heart Church, 56 Hartford Ave. Wethersfield. Friends may call on the Knurek family from 9:00 to 10:15 am at the funeral home. Burial will be in Mount St. Benedict Cemetery, 1 Cottage Grove Rd. Bloomfield.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wethersfield Historical Society, St. Jude’s Shrine or Wethersfield Social Service – Friendly Visitor Program. To extend online condolences, or for more information, please visit Farleysullivan.com.