Ella Zakrzewski

Ella Zakrzewski, 92, dedicated mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, devoted friend and gentle soul, passed peacefully into the hands of her Father on Monday, February 24, 2020. She died at home under the loving watch of family and trusted caregivers.

Ella was a lifelong resident of Plainville. She was born at home on February 4, 1928, to Nicholas and Millie (Windish) Wilfinger, and eventually moved next door into the house she built with her husband Edward S. Zakrzewski where she lived the rest of her life. In that home, she raised her three children and spent joyous moments with family and friends. Ella enjoyed traveling, working in her yard, riding her bike, playing with her grandchildren, and volunteering as a reading assistant in Mrs. Hogan’s first grade classroom at Wheeler School. Ella had many jobs to support her family, eventually retiring from the City of New Britain’s Tax Collector’s Department.

Ella was predeceased by her parents, her husband, her beloved brother Frank Wilfinger, her nephew Michael Baczewski and many friends. She is survived by her three children and their spouses, Mark and Jennifer Zakrzewski of Plainville, Matthew and Robin Zakrzewski of Plainville, and Paula and Todd Shepard of Columbia; her grandchildren Abigail and Zachary Shepard of Columbia and Justin Zakrzewski of Bristol; her nephews and nieces Diane Field, Maryann Mazulis, Joseph Baczewski, James Wilfinger, Susan Wilfinger Donovan, and David Wilfinger. 

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to the team of committed and loving caregivers who watched over Ella through the later years of her life, especially to Diane Lombardi, Cynthia Perreault and Czeslawa Zygnerski who cared for her until her death. The family would also like to thank Vitas Hospice for their knowledge, support and guidance.

Calling hours will take place on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the Bailey Funeral Home, 48 Broad Street in Plainville from 8:30 to 9:30am, with a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 94 Broad Street in Plainville at 10am. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Plainville. In lieu of flowers, consider donations to the Alzheimer’s Association or the animal charity of your choice. 

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