Newington Obituary: Florence Redekas, 91

Florence Redekas was born in the heart of "Little Poland" in Newington on the 9th day of November in 1925, to Magdelina and John Bedus, the 8th of 9 children.

She grew up in a time of economic hardship in this country, honing the skills her mother passed on to her, that would serve her well in the post war years. Her father founded the original Polish American Club in town, and was seen as the patriarch of the Polish community.

A wonderful cook and mother, Florence and her loving husband Anthony, a master carpenter, raised 7 of their own children in a Cape Cod house he built in 1954 on land that had been part of the family estate. Their family grew surrounded by the fruit trees and gardens of the small farm John had started in the early 1900's. They were lean but joyful times, filled with the sounds of energetic children in a neighborhood teeming with cousins, aunts and uncles.

As a youngster, Florence could be found walking barefoot through the meadow to the original St. Mary Church, which was then located near what is now Cross Street. She was often tasked with typical farm chores, like fetching Bossie the cow from a field near Robbins Avenue. She learned to cook by her mother's side at an early age. As an adult she could "stretch a nickel" into a meal, and did so many times. There were often pots of soup simmering on the stove, welcoming home the Redekas children after school and even during the summer. Nothing went to waste.

She loved flowers and the scent of lilacs that grew in abundance in the early days, and loved to dance, long after graduating from Newington High School. Her first job was as a medical transcriptionist working at the Veteran's Hospital in Newington, but her most important vocation has always been that of mother and wife. She was fiercely proud of that.

She is predeceased by 7 of her siblings; survived by one, her brother Stanley Bedus, whom she loved dearly. Stanley still lives in a house he built nearby with his wife Florence. Several nephews and nieces also survive Florence. They are scattered across this great country.

She leaves 7 children. Susan Redekas of Newington, Donna Redekas and her partner, David Behnke of New Britain, Tony Redekas of Newington, Lauren Redekas of Boston, Ma., Gary and his wife Jean, of Tariffville, Christine Cloutier and her husband Jerry, of Wardsboro Vermont, and David and his wife Linda, of Ellington. She is also survived by six wonderful grandchildren; Gwen Cain of Astoria, New York; Steve Redekas and his wife Lauren of Windsor, Jackie Calderon and husband Alberto, of Revere, Ma.; Jake and Josh Redekas of Ellington, Katrina Macher of Boston, Ma. and three great grandchildren, Sofia Calderon, Grace and Abigail Redekas.

In the final year, Mom was blessed to have several caregivers assist her. Amongst them were Russell, Gregory, Wojciech and Scott, as well as several from Masonicare, who helped ease her way in the last days.

Though we grieve for ourselves, we are happy that her faith has carried her onwards, and that she is at peace. We love you, Mom.

Calling hours will be Saturday, March 25 from 9-11 a.m. at Newington Memorial Funeral Home, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington.