Stephaine Belek

Stephanie Belek, 80, of Chaplin, widow of Earle E. Belek, died Sunday January 18, 2004 at Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam. She was born August 7, 1923 in Windham, the daughter of Joseph and Josephine (Zwierski) Lesniak and had lived in Chaplin most of her life. Prior to her retirement she was employed for many years as a school nurse in the Chaplin school system. Stephanie was involved in various community activities, was an active member of the Chaplin Senior Center and served on the board of directors. She was known for her love of animals, especially cats and wild birds and enjoyed bowling on Thursday afternoons at Willi Bowl. She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Ronald and Judy Belek of Coventry, a sister, Katherine Kozin of Mansfield, a brother, Andrew Lesniak of Oxford, 4 grandchildren, Melissa, Robyn, Jonathan and Ariel, several nieces and nephews. Her family will receive friends at the Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., Rte. 195, Willimantic on Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be a gathering at the funeral home on Thursday morning at 10:15 a.m. prior to the procession to her Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, Willimantic. Burial will follow in the South Cemetery, Chaplin. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Chaplin Senior Center, 132 Chaplin St., Chaplin, CT 06235.