Esther A. (Gurka) Remsen, 73, of Columbia, loving wife of 55 years to Richard Remsen, passed away peacefully into the hands of our Lord (January 16, 2014) at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Torrington, CT she was the daughter of the late Reverend Martin Gurka and Bertha Tobin Gurka. Esther was a world traveler with a sense of adventure. She loved gardening and especially enjoyed growing flowers. Her motto was, "It's never work if it is for the family". She had a successful career holding many positions and retired from the Finance Department, Town of Columbia in 2004. A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, she will be dearly missed by her husband Richard of Columbia, daughter, Maureen Vernale and her husband John of Charlotte, NC, her daughter Dawn Bays and her husband Pastor Samuel Bays of Fredericksburg, VA, her son Richard Remsen and his wife Lisa of Enfield, CT, her daughter Colleen Tardif and her husband Keith of Manchester, CT, and her granddaughter Victoria Leigh Remsen. She was predeceased by her brother David Gurka. Calling hours will be held Sunday, January 19th from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm at The Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street/Route 195, Willimantic, CT. Funeral Services will be held Monday, January 20th at 10:00 am at First Baptist Church, 240 Hillstown Road, Manchester, CT. A private family burial will be held following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the doctors and nurses on the tenth floor at Hartford Hospital and the Visiting Nurses of Health Services of Vernon (Hospice) for their excellent care and appreciation to all the loving church family members for their prayers and support. Please visit
www.potterfuneralhome.com
for online memorial guest book.