Beverly J. Bajek

Beverly (Usanis) Bajek, 85, of Newington, widow of Joseph "Ski" Bajek, passed away peacefully Monday morning, Nov. 10th. She was born on January 1, 1940 in Hartford, CT to the late Anthony and Bernice (Gardas) Usanis.
She leaves behind her daughter, Karen Bajek of East Hampton; her son Robert Bajek of Findlay, Ohio; her daughter Linda Bajek of Marlborough; her two grandchildren Steven and Britney Bajek; her brother Anthony Usanis Jr. of New Britain; her brother Paul Usanis and family of Meriden. She also leaves many other loving relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her mother Bernice (Gardas) Usanis; her father Anthony W. Usanis, and her brother Richard Usanis of Raleigh, North Carolina.
Beverly worked as a secretary for the religious education office at Saint Mary's Church of Newington. She then worked for the Department of Labor in Wethersfield and eventually retired after working for many years in the personnel office at the Department of Transportation in Newington.
As a young mother, she was a Campfire Girl leader, Cub Scout leader, religious education instructor and involved in Ladies Guild. Bev was an avid bird watcher, and an animal rights advocate. By car, boat, bus or plane, Bev loved to travel. She saw our farthest states; Hawaii and Alaska and ventured to many countries abroad, seeing Russia, parts of Europe, Tibet, and China. Walking on the Great Wall of China was one of her favorite moments. She learned about their culture, architecture, churches, and of course their foods and drinks. She was also a voracious reader, loving nothing more than a good mystery novel and a glass of merlot.
Many thanks go out to Bev's live in aid, Deborah Adoms, for being a wonderful and kind caregiver and companion in her later years. Thanks also go out to the staff at Portland Care and Rehab Center for their kindness and care during her final days.
Family and friends are invited to join us for calling hours on Sunday, November 16th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Newington Memorial, 20 Bonair Ave, Newington. A Funeral Mass will follow on Monday, November 17th at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of the Incarnation at Christ the King Parish, 544 Prospect St., Wethersfield.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Audubon Society of CT at www.ctaudubon.org; the National Wildlife Federation at www.nwf.org, or to the Alzheimer's Association, P. O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011. For online condolences, please visit www.duksa.net.