Obituary of Esther Baczek

Esther Natowich Baczek, 103 years young, passed away peacefully on December, 20, 2017 at Griffin Hospital.  She was the wife of 57 years of Edward J. Baczek who preceded her in 1998.  Esther was born on April 21, 1914 in Derby, the fourth of six children of Philip Natowich and Elizabeth Wanca Natowich Necio, Ukrainian immigrants.  Mrs. Baczek lived in Ansonia for most of her life. She loved swimming, sewing, traveling (especially to Hawaii), and was a great cook and baker. Esther was a member of the Ansonia Senior Center, and was a communicant of Sts. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church for most of her life, until joining the St. Joseph Parish Family in Ansonia. Esther enjoyed watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. Esther is survived by daughter, Ellen Baczek Amodeo of Derby, brother, Michael Necio of Derby; and four generations of nieces and nephews, including her Goddaughter, Andrea N. Russo of Glastonbury and Godson, Arthur Benzi of Greenville, TX.  In addition to her husband and parents, Esther was predeceased by sisters, Lena Brushitis, Anna Preneta, Mary Benzi and Catherine Sheasby; brothers, John Natowich and Andrew “Bubby” Natowich; stepfather, John Necio; son-in-law, William F. Amodeo, Jr.; several nieces and nephews; and many cousins, friends and neighbors whom she held dear. Family and friends are invited to meet directly at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Derby at 11:00 AM on Friday, December, 22, 2017 for a graveside service.  There will be no calling hours.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ansonia Public Library, 53 South Cliff Street, Ansonia, CT 06401, TEAM Meals on Wheels, 30 Elizabeth Street, Derby, CT 06418 or Friends of Fisher House CT, PO Box 575, c/o The Creed Law Firm, Bristol, CT, 06010.  The Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Avenue, Ansonia, CT is in care of arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com.