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Elayne FUTERNICK Obituary

Elayne Futernick, 69, of Hartford passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 8, surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Steve; daughter Marisa and her husband Paul Huckerby; and son David and his wife Corey Podell; as well as loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Elayne spent the past 33 years in Hartford. She was especially proud of the lifelong impact she made on the hundreds of children she was privileged to have taught as a devoted kindergarten teacher. The family requests that any donations in Elayne's memory be made to a worthy non-profit of your choosing.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Hartford Courant from Aug. 10 to Aug. 16, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
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Miguel F

July 6, 2025

Oh my goodness... I am just seeing this & I am so saddened. Mrs. Futernick was an AMAZING teacher & co-worker. My daughter, Karina, was in her Kindergarten class in 2013 & I had the pleasure of working with her at Noah Webster School in Hartford's West End when I was the Behavior Technician there until 2018.

I appreciated her high standards. I knew I was on the right track with raising my daughter because she would compliment her on how well she was doing in her class & I know compliments aren't something she would give out easily. Lol.

I think she would be happy to know that Karina will be attending the University of Connecticut this Fall and will be in their Nursing Program.

My daughter learned so much in her class. Mrs. Futernick was a blessing.

Richard Skowronski

August 4, 2023

Always enjoyed being with Elayne. We had fun when I would help out in her classroom, I was so inspired during my classroom evaluations that I put my laptop down and started team teaching instead, great instructor & even better person. Think of her often, she will never be forgotten.

Cecilia Acosta

September 24, 2020

She was the best teacher and friend any child wants to have to grow up.
thanks for your words and friendship.
My condolences to her family ... We going to miss her a lot

Cheryl MacCluggage

September 21, 2020

My son, Conor, now 18 who was a student at Noah Webster in Elayne's class informed me she had passed. Conor and our family wanted to send our condolences. I've added a photo we had from when Conor was in her class 18 years ago.

Cathy Carpino

August 24, 2020

I am so sorry to learn of Elayne's passing. She was my educational colleague as well as a strong unionist. She worked hard to support Hartford children, parents, teachers and retirees.
Cathy Carpino, President Ret.
HFT 1018

Mirta

August 16, 2020

On behalf of the parents and para educators from Noah Webster Micro Society Magnet School I extend my condolences to Mrs,Futernicks' family.Elaine was a great kindergarten teacher and a true friend.

Cheryl Wojnilo

August 15, 2020

My sincerest condolences to Elayne’s family. I had the privilege of volunteering with Elayne at Connecticut Children’s. It was a pleasure to see her each week and watch her interact with the kids and bring a smile to their face. She loved to share stories of her travels and her children of whom she was so proud.
May the many memories bring you comfort.
She will be missed.

Mary Moninger Elia

August 13, 2020

I only met Elayne after retirement through several senior and social issues groups in which we were both involved. She was a joy to know. Her commitment to making things better for generations to come was clear and she was willing to go extra steps work toward that end. But it was her friendliness and warmth, knowledge and wisdom, and her humor that will always be remembered. I am saddened by her sudden loss and send condolences to her family.

Linda Labbadia

August 12, 2020

I met Elayne when her daughter Marisa was a 7th grade student in my Quirk Middle social studies class. Over the years I came to know her as wonderful mom and a dedicated fellow Hartford teacher. I was fortunate to have her son David as a student at Hartford High. Whenever I saw Elayne there was always a warm smile and proud stories about her loving family. She defined gracious. I send my sincere condolences to Steve, Marisa and David for your tremendous loss.

Christine Tatem

August 12, 2020

On behalf of the Child Life team at Connecticut Children's, I would like to extend sincere condolences to Elayne's family. Elayne was a warm-hearted person who always cam in with a smile on her face ready to brighten the day for many patients. She made meaningful connections and gave parents a much needed break as they were comfortable leaving their children in her care. Elayne touched the lives of many and made a difference. She will be missed.

Christine Williams

August 11, 2020

My Heart , Love and Prays to the Futernick Family.❤

Lisa Di Donato Cambria

August 11, 2020

My sincere condolences to Steve, Marisa and David.
I had the privilege of meeting Elayne many years ago via the CPTV Auction. We had many laughs not only during the 14 days of the auction, but any time she would stop by the office. I hadn't seen Elayne in several years, but I ran into her about a year ago -- it was like we just saw each other the day before. She was always smiling and would light up when she spoke of her husband, children and her 'other children' at school. May the love and memories of Elayne comfort you now and in the days ahead.
With sympathy and friendship,

Lisa Di Donato Cambria

Audrey Yellen Quinlan

August 11, 2020

To Elayne's Family, I extend my deepest sympathy to you. Elayne welcomed me into her kindergarten classroom at Parkville school where she wholeheartedly supported an English language development class. She was so supportive and involved with each child. Her ability to remain totally calm no matter what was happening impressed me so much. She calmly spoke with children with such respect and love. Elayne spoke proudly of her own children but always with humility even though each is highly accomplished. Elayne was a stellar teacher and friend to many. My thoughts are with you~~~

Darlene Hutchins Shell

August 11, 2020

Futernick family, our heartfelt condolences. I met Elayne years ago. Our sons David and Corey grew up together and they continue to have a great brotherly bond. May God comfort your hearts.
Grace, Mercy and Peace!❤

Marcelle Witten

August 10, 2020

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. She was a great teacher, genuine person and fun at the many school events. Prays and Condolences to the family .

Robin

August 10, 2020

My deepest condolences to Steve, Marisa and David! I have been blessed to have shared many happy times with Elayne! I worked with her for 6 years at Parkville and after I moved on to other districts, we remained friends, sharing MANY happy hours where we shared stories about our students and lives. She was so proud of her two children! She loved telling me about their many accomplishments and the time she spent with them! I will miss her!

HEATHER

August 10, 2020

What sad news! She was a great friend and could always make me laugh. She will be missed.

Ruth Tulin Cion

August 10, 2020

Elayne loved the lessons of hope in life, in the promise of her students, her deep faith, her beloved friends, and the promise of teaching. Her gifts bless us, and her memory is forever cherished.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

jamie silberhartz

Planted Trees

Jamie

August 10, 2020

I only had the honor of meeting Elayne once...at her baby's wedding. She watched with such a love and pride...her dancing...her smile....I wish I got to spend more time with her but am looking forward to hearing many more Elayne stories for years to come. Sending all my love to her husband and her kids...who loved her with all their hearts.

jamie silberhartz

August 10, 2020

What an incredible human. I only got to meet Elayne once, at David's wedding. She was so full of joy and pride watching her baby get married. Sending so much love to her beloved husband and her kids, David and Marisa. I look forward to many more Elayne stories for years to come.

Susan frazer

August 10, 2020

Elayne was a true friend, a loyal and active union member, and a fabulous teacher. My condolences to her family... please know she had a huge, lasting impact on so many young lives!

Win Heimer

August 10, 2020

My thoughts are with her family at this sad time. I knew her only briefly after her retirement. She was a kind, warm and caring person and I know will be missed by many.

My sincerest condolences.
Win Heimer

Anita Ford Saunders

August 10, 2020

Steve, Marissa, and David... I will always remember Elayne as a phenomenal woman AND Elayne the center of your family. She always made me feel like family whenever I was in her presence. The love she shared with so many will never be forgotten. May the memories keep you all surrounded with warmth and peace.

Jackson Miller

August 10, 2020

She was my kindergarten teacher and my neighbor. She was my favorite teacher because she was nice and funny. I am going in to 7 the grade now but I will always remember her. From Jackson Miller.

Bobby Abate

August 10, 2020

My condolences to you Marisa and David and to the family.

Jennifer

August 9, 2020

Elayne was my son’s kindergarten teacher, she was absolutely amazing. My condolences to the family.

Richard Skowronski

August 9, 2020

Elayne was a wonderful friend & colleague. I had the privilege of watching her in action, teaching and was amazed at how she connected with her students. I also have many great memories of teaching her children, Marisa and David enjoying their contributions in our class, it was great fun! Love always and condolences, Richard Skowronski & family

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