Katharine Bielik

Katharine Bielik
Katharine Bielik, 91, of Milford, beloved wife of the late Joseph Bielik, passed away on August 21, 2025. Born on June 17, 1934 in Norwalk, CT, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Victoria (Sibiskie) Short.
Katharine and Joseph's love story began early on in grammar school, and from those early days of friendship, a lifelong love blossomed. The two were high school sweethearts and married in their early twenties in 1955, embarking on a journey together that would span decades.
For their honeymoon, Katharine and Joseph braved the historic flood of 1955 to drive across the country to Mountain View, California. What began as a trip to celebrate their new life together turned into a year-long adventure as they made a temporary home in California to complete Joseph's service in the U.S. Navy before returning to family in Connecticut when Katharine was expecting their first child. She remained closely connected to her family for the rest of her life.
Soon after welcoming her first child, Paula, into the world, she returned to work as a secretary for Bridgeport Brass, showing early on the unwavering work ethic that would become her hallmark. The goal of saving money for a down payment to purchase her first home was of upmost importance. She continued her professional journey with determination, eventually retiring from General Accident Insurance after many years of loyal service.
Her commitment to hard work was matched by an inspiring devotion to personal wellness. She remained active well into her later years, regularly exercising at the local YMCA and living by the principle that caring for oneself is just as important as caring for others.
Outside of her professional life, Katharine held both religion and connection close to her heart. Her deep devotion to her faith was seen as a longtime parishioner at Holy Infant Church, where she found community and spiritual nourishment. She regularly supported the Ladies' Guild at church, where she developed lifelong friends and their weekly dinner tradition.
She held her friends made throughout every walk of life close, and her family even closer.
She leaves behind a legacy of purpose, dignity, and unwavering love and will be deeply missed by those who loved her.
Katharine is survived by her children, Paula (Robert) Baranowski, Christopher (Rhonda) Bielik, and Joseph Bielik; her grandchildren, Erika (Patrick) Lesko, Melissa (Ryan) Plourde, Ahna Bielik, and Aleksander Bielik; her great-grandson, Landon Lesko; her brother-in-law, Richard (Nancy) Bielik; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. Katharine is predeceased by her grandson, Nicholas Bielik, and her brothers, Alvin (Sandra) Short and Anthony Short Jr.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the exemplary staff at Milford Health and Rehabilitation for the superior and compassionate care they provided Katherine over the last five months.
Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad Street, Milford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Infant Church, 450 Racebrook Road, Orange (MEET DIRECTLY AT CHURCH). Interment will follow at Mount Saint Peters Cemetery, 219 New Haven Ave., Derby. As a proud breast cancer survivor, memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society. Additionally, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may also be made to Holy Infant Church.
To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.