Tessie Chowanec

Tessie Chowanec, 84, of Columbia CT, died peacefully on August 29, 2012 surrounded by family and loved ones. She was born April 27, 1928 to the late Mary (Madzic) and George Chowanec. She leaves her dear brother Peter and wife Sonja Chowanec of Columbia, CT as well as numerous nieces and nephews across the country. She was predeceased by two brothers and seven sisters. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, especially her beloved friend Myrna Riquier of Chaplin, CT who shared Tessie's love for music, and her dear friend and Godchild Sally Adams of Fontana, CA. In honor of Tessie's wishes, there are no calling hours and she will be buried in St. Mary's Cemetery in Stayton, Oregon at a later date. Tessie learned to play guitar at a young age when the western music of that era called to her. She went on to become a highly respected singer and performer, establishing her place in New England as an early country and western music pioneer. Appearing under the stage name of Tessie Chance, she played guitar and sang in numerous bands, traveling throughout the eastern states with such groups as Leo Watts and the Blue Ridge Mountaineers, Tex Pavel, a local TV personality and Smiling Jim Flaherty & the Western Caravan. Some highlights of her career included recording for a major record label, appearing on radio stations WTIC, WTNH and WLCR with Eddy Reed, the top country act in Connecticut, and being a featured performer with Bill Flagg and the Prairie Drifters. Tessie fashioned her own vocal style after that of her two nationally acclaimed mentors, Rose Maddox and Wilma Lee Cooper. The three of them remained fast friends throughout their lives. As a very popular entertainer in the area, Tessie was often called upon to MC country music functions, including judging talent contests and mentoring young musicians. Later in her career she produced her own country music radio show in Manchester and put together her own band, performing weekly with that group for many years. She continued performing well into the 1970's. Tessie is remembered fondly by fellow musicians for having played a key role in proliferating the country music genre in Connecticut. In addition to her beloved music career, Tessie earned the respect and love of many while working at Roosevelt Mills in Rockville, CT from the mid 40's to the late 70's. She also worked at Semco and Shaws in her "retirement" years. Tessie loved the "wild west" and moved between Oregon and Connecticut several times, torn between her love for the West and her family there and her love of her home state and family. An avid animal lover, Tessie enjoyed caring for her beloved dogs and cats over the years, helping with her brother's dairy farm, and most recently watching the various wildlife from her patio or dining room table. For an online memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com . Donations in Tessie's honor may be made to her favorite charity: The Humane Society of the United States, 2100 L Street NW, Washington, DC 20037 or online at https://secure.humanesociety.org/site/Donation2?df_id=1505&1505.donation=form1&s_src=owg .