Genowefa “Gena” (Pulaski) Koprek, 70, widow of Czeslaw Koprek, of New Britain, passed away in her home, surrounded by her family on Feb. 7, 2019. She bravely endured a long illness. She was born on June 19th, 1948 in Kadzidło (Ostrołęka County) east-central Poland. Gena was the daughter of the late Józef Pulaski and Stephania (Kubel) Pulawska. She was the eldest of seven children. In her earlier life, she was a lead Polish folk dancer traveling throughout Europe to perform. As part of her dance troupe, she found her way out of Poland, immigrating to the United States in the late 1970s. She later focused on her love of cooking and started “Gena’s Catering Service,” in the New Britain area. She specialized in Polish, Italian, and American cuisine. She was also employed as a chef at CCSU, as well as various parishes, including Our Lady of Calvary in Farmington, Ct. For several decades she was employed by Johnson & Johnson. Most recently, Gena was employed by EURO Homecare and provided homecare services to the elderly. Gena was known to be a very dedicated worker and this always brought her joy. She was a very strong-willed and independent woman and overcame many obstacles. She had a bold and eccentric nature and definitely left an impression on those who knew her. When she wasn’t working, she enjoyed her grandchildren, David and Phoenix. Gena enjoyed giving nicknames and joking with those close to her. She loved her Linda’s coffee, Marta’s Polish food, and her favorite neighbor Jose. During her convalescence period, she appreciated her stay at Apple Rehab of Plainville. A special thank you to all the nurses, staff, and physical therapists (especially Jake). Gena will most be remembered for doing things “her way or the highway.” She is survived by: her daughter Mary Ann Koprek and her children David and Phoenix, her son Steven Koprek of Wallingtord, CT, her sister Jane Zera and her husband Richard Zera of Berlin, CT, her sister Mary Pulawska of Rochester, NY, her sister Helena Turek of Poland and many special nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two sisters and her brother.
Gena's family would like to express their deep gratitude to the HCC dialysis nurses, Apple Rehab of Plainville, AMR ambulance transport, and Hartford HealthCare Hospice for their wonderful care and to our wonderful neighbor’s Gloria and Jose for their many acts of kindness and support during her illness.
A time of visitation including catered Polish cuisine will be held WEDNESDAY, Feb. 13, 2019, from 4-7 p.m. at New Britain Memorial Donald D. Sagarino Funeral Home, 444 Farmington Ave., New Britain. A Celebration of Genowefa’s life will be held THURSDAY, Feb. 14, 2019, with a Prayer Service held at 11:45 a.m. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery.
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In lieu of flowers, donations in Genowefa’s memory may be made to:
Our Lady of Calvary Retreat Center
31 Colton Street
Farmington, Ct 06032
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