Louise W. Fabrykiewicz

NEW LONDON  -  Louise Weingarten Fabrykiewicz, native resident of New
London, CT, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday December 12, 2023,
with her loving family by her side. She was born on October 27, 1929 to the late
Benjamin Weingarten and Alice W. Wiesniewski. Louise grew up with her two
younger brothers, Morton and Morris, who predeceased her. She graduated from
WMI in 1947. Louise married the late Stefan Thomas Fabrykiewicz on September
11, 1948 and they raised three children.
She is survived by two of her children: Peter Fabrykiewicz of Stonington and Mary
McTeague of Waterford, as well as her daughter-in-law Beth McGuire; her half
sister: Marlene Leban; her grandchildren: David Giesing, Ali McTeague Grotjan
and husband, Randy Grotjan, Kitty McTeague, Peter Fabrykiewicz, Julie
Fabrykiewicz, Sam Fabrykiewicz, and bonus grandson Brendan McTeague; great-
grandchildren: Kylee Williams, Addison Hurd, Grace Grotjan, four bonus great-
grandchildren, eight bio and bonus great-great-grand children, and many nieces
and nephews. 
She was predeceased by her first born: Steven Fabrykiewicz; son-in-law: Bert
McTeague; daughter-in-law: Alice Phillips Fabrykiewicz; grandson: Steven
Giesing; bonus granddaughter: Sharon McTeague and bonus great-grandson: Tyler
Grotjan.
As foraging wild flowers and berries was a favorite pastime, Louise became
fascinated by the art of winemaking. In October of 1974, Louise was declared head
of household by her husband, Tom, permitting her to legally make wine in their
home. 
Being a wife and mother did not hold Louise back from pursuing her other
passions which included teaching, writing and Environmental Activism. The
fiercely independent Louise returned to school at the mature age of 47, graduating
Cum Laude with her BA from Connecticut College.
Louise taught third grade at Sacred Heart School in Taftville and was later a
substitute teacher throughout the Southeastern Connecticut region for many years.
Beloved by her students, she became known as “Mrs. Grandmother”. 
Developed from her teaching experience, Louise authored and held copyright for
an educational enrichment program, “Porta-Enrich”, a curriculum that provides
interesting day-specific information for the calendar year.

As a lifetime member of Girl Scouts, Louise was a leader for many years. She was
also a Day Camp Director at the CT College Arboretum. She went on to be the
Nature Consultant and Day Camp Director at New London Recreation Department
as well as the Nature Center Program Director at Rocky Neck State Park. 
Since the 1990’s, Louise coordinated and lead annual beach cleanup events. She
played a prominent role with Save Ocean Beach (SOB) where she developed the
current environmental educational program, “A Living Museum”. The initiative
consists of nature walks with a teaching guide, serving as an effective tool to
promote conservation, ensuring the ongoing health of sensitive coastal ecosystems.
Notably, Louise was on the Executive Board of the local Sierra Club Chapter and
was also involved with organizations such as New London Maritime Society and
CT Fund for the Environment/Save the Sound. Recognizing her dedication to
education and the environment, Louise was honored by many organizations and
received numerous awards from The State of CT General Assembly, CT Outdoor
Environmental Educators Association and the Sierra Club, just to name a few.
Louise especially got a big kick out of being presented an award by Robert F.
Kennedy Jr.
Louise marched to the beat of her own drum and lived by her convictions, such as
always leaving a place better than how it was found. She was often picking up
litter, organizing a shelf in a store, or just simply lifting someone’s spirits with her
charm and authenticity. Louise not only made a huge impact on the earth, but on
everyone who knew her.

Louise’s family will hold a celebration of life in the Spring of 2024 with more
details to be announced. Private burial was held in the Noank Valley Cemetery. In
lieu of flowers please make donations in her memory to Save Ocean Beach, 98
Neptune Ave., New London, CT 06320  Byles Memorial Home, New London is
assisting the family.  Please  visit www.Byles.com to sign the guestbook or to share
a memory.