Mildred Emilie Leonka, 94, of Wethersfield, born in Thompsonville, to the late John and Frances (Bajek) Bednarz, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 22,2009, surrounded by her loving family. Mildred was predeceased by her beloved husband, Leo. She is survived by her sisters, Mary Sonday, of Wethersfield; Joanne Bednarz, of Hartford; and Theresa Jacobson, of Simsbury; her brother, John Bednarz and his wife, Danuta, of Windsor Locks; and her five children, Louise Carroll and her husband, Martin, of Granby; Michael Leonka, of Wethersfield; Matthew Leonka and his wife, Carol, of Harwinton; Mark Leonka and his wife, Susan, of Wethersfield; and Martin Leonka and his wife, Christine, of Maryland). She is also survived by eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and countless cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Mildred started her life of service at the age of 14 when her mother died and she became a surrogate mother for her siblings. For the rest of her life, she continued to be an example of hard work, strength of character, and generosity. After her retirement, she remained active through her service to her church and community. She was a tutor and a Eucharistic minister, as well as an honorary member of the Polish Cultural Club of Greater Hartford and the S.S. Cyril and Methodius Ladies Guild, and she received S.S. Cyril and Methodius Church’s Stewardship Award. She served as first vice president of the United Polish Societies of Hartford for several years, receiving their Distinguished Service Award, and was a member of the Polish Legion of American Veterans, Post 51, and the Polish Democratic Club of Hartford. Mildred lived her life thinking of others, whether giving away her award-winning apple pies, making quilts for her family, or cooking for and hosting frequent family get-togethers. Her favorite times were spent playing setback with her friends and family, especially her grandchildren. [Her family's favorite times were spent getting routed by Mildred in setback and devouring her pierogies.] She was a devoted mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, who changed the lives of everyone around her. She lived an active and faith-filled life, and she will be missed very much by all who knew her. Funeral services will be held Monday, January 26, 2009 at 10:30 am from the Farley Sullivan Funeral Home, 34 Beaver Rd, Wethersfield, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am in S.S. Cyril and Methodius Church, 63 Popieluszko Ct, Hartford. Burial will follow at Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, 1 Cottage Grove Rd, Bloomfield. Relatives and friends may call on the family, Sunday, January 25, 2009, from 2-4pm & 6-8pm at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to S.S. Cyril and Methodius School, 35 Groton, Hartford. For further information or to leave condolences please visit www.farleysullivan.com.
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