Elizabeth Ann Godeck

Mrs. Elizabeth (Zyjeski) Godeck, age 81, of Lebanon CT, passed away peacefully Friday evening, May 2, 2025, at her residence. She was born May 9, 1943, in New Britain CT, a daughter of the late John and Leatha Zyjeski. She was pre-deceased by her beautiful daughter Linda Rizzo. She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Philip Godeck Jr. and her granddaughter Shaina Rizzo. Her legacy lives on through her son Philip Godeck III and her three other granddaughters, Emily Godeck, Heather Godeck, and Laura Laidley. She is survived by her brother John and sister-in-law Donna Zyjeski and brothers Andrew Zyjeski and Damian Zyjeski. She also leaves behind four nephews, Jeffrey, Michael, Charlie and David.

Elizabeth (Betty) grew up on Governor Street in New Britain. She attended high school at Mary Immaculate Academy. She was employed by SNET as a switchboard operator and worked at Central Pharmacy and Hamilton Curtain on Main Street. After meeting her lifelong love Philip, she married and spent the next 62 years as the proud wife of a military veteran. She was able to travel throughout Europe while raising two children. Later in life she, along with her husband Philip, went on to raise their granddaughter Shaina as their own daughter in the absence of her mother. Betty devoted her life to making sure Linda’s daughter would be safe and well protected. Once again going through an entire generation. Betty also found an interest in antique linens. This interest turned into a lifelong passion and a successful business for her, and over the course of over 40 years amassed a collection of some of the finest antique linens available. She was very particular about cleaning and carefully pressing each piece by hand creating works of art. If you knew Betty, you knew of her vibrant story telling. She was the happiest when having an audience and being able to talk of her adventures at home and abroad with family and friends. If you brought her flowers the more colors the better. Bright cheery colors always brought a smile to her face. May her memory bring comfort and peace to those who knew and loved her.

Her family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, May 15, 2025 from 10:00am and 12:00pm at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic. A eulogy and prayer service will commence at 11:00 AM at Potter Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, 1 Cottage Grove Road, Bloomfield, CT. For online memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com .