Agnes Ostertag

Agnes Borawski Ostertag, 101, of New Britain, Connecticut, died peacefully at home on Monday, October 13th surrounded by her loved ones. The youngest of three daughters in a family of 12 children, Agnes was born August 17, 1924, in New Britain, where she resided her entire life. A 1942 graduate from New Britain High School, she was the first in her family to attend college, and she earned her Associate's degree from Hillyer Junior College, the forerunner of the present-day University of Hartford, in 1944. She is survived by her four children, Shirley Ostertag of West Hartford, Lorraine Modifica and husband Joseph of Kensington, George Ostertag and wife Rhonda of Keizer, Oregon, and Barbara Ostertag-Holtkamp and husband Richard of Bedford, New Hampshire, as well as two grandchildren, Michael Modifica and wife Angela of Terryville, and Daniel Modifica of Bristol. She also leaves her brother Stanley Borawski of Hamden and many beloved nieces and nephews. Always known as a hard-working and independent lady from a proud Polish family, Agnes worked for many years as a confidential (executive) assistant at Central Connecticut State College (today - CCSU) where she relished her role helping students from all walks of life before retiring after seventeen years of service. Later in life, the University of Hartford came calling once more and awarded her and her Hillyer classmates honorary degrees. Throughout her life, she believed in giving, and she valued helping others, even strangers, above all else. She was especially devoted to her children and grandchildren, and eagerly followed their educational and professional endeavors. Agnes enjoyed visiting Shirley on her trips to California where she made sojourns to the many local and regional beaches, museums and gardens. There, mother and daughter developed a mutual admiration for and fascination with the world of flowers and gardening. They eagerly looked forward to attending annual orchid and flower shows together. After Shirley moved back to Connecticut, Agnes would often make the short trip to Shirley's house and enjoyed basking in the sun and relaxing on a chair in her beautifully landscaped yard. Especially in her final years, Agnes was elated to receive weekly floral arrangements that Shirley would fashion, often from her garden. Agnes also cherished family gatherings. She never missed a family celebration, especially during the holidays, at Lori and Joe's home where she partook in great meals, summer dips in the pool and lively conversation with family and friends. She and Lori shared a love of literature, especially poetry. In her final years, Agnes loved Lori's recitation of verse from their favorite poets including Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Pricilla Leonard and William Wordsworth. Always a big music fan, Agnes had an excellent ear and fine sense of timing, and she was very supportive of her son-in-law Joe's original music, instrumental prowess, and singing ability. It is also worthy of mention that she was a great dancer who, in her youth, won many local dance competitions. She enjoyed the great outdoors, especially hiking and nature. She went on many adventures to beautiful areas in North America with her photographer son George and author daughter-in-law Rhonda. As the local "representative" of Ostertag Scenic Prints, she hosted numerous exhibits of their books and photos during which she would share her enthusiasm through entertaining tales of each location pictured. George's pictures were ubiquitous throughout her home, and she took great pleasure in giving them as presents to others. In her final years, she enjoyed reading of her son's continued journeys through daily postcards she received in the mail. Agnes shared a truly special and extraordinarily close relationship with her youngest daughter, Barbara, with whom she was in daily contact, and son-in-law Rich. They shared her love for learning and education through their professions at colleges and libraries around the country. Barbara's beautiful gifts and cards, chosen with utmost of care and attention to detail and often handmade, would liven every holiday and birthday and bring her mother considerable and endless joy. Even today, one lovely poster-size card and ornate decorations from her recent 100th and 101st birthdays still adorn her bedroom wall. Never one to remain idle, she stayed active working around her own yard and, even in her nineties, it was a chore to wrest the rake, lawnmower or watering hose from her grip. That chore often went to Rich, with whom Agnes had fun doing yard work. She would often remark that he was the only one who knew how to cut the lawn according to her specifications. Her grandsons, Mike and Dan were the light of her life, and she had forged a special bond with each that was nurtured through love. She spent many wonderful days with them, and she witnessed them grow into fine, strong and caring men. She was always extremely proud of both. Agnes was indeed open to new ideas, approaches and concepts, and she encouraged her grandchildren to "march to their own drum" and to never shy away from being themselves. Agnes would often visit Angie, her grand-daughter-in-law, whom she considered a friend and beautiful soul. Agnes was also very close to her nephew George Borawski whose continued support and monthly box of "goodies" was a true joy for her during her final three years. The same applies to her brother Stan for his love; support and prayers which remained a constant beacon of hope her entire life. The family wishes to offer a special thanks to her team of dedicated caregivers, Aleksandra, Yolanta and Barbara as well as to her hospice team including Bridgett and Carmen, whom she truly appreciated and loved. They, along with Lori, Barbara, and Shirley, made up the core of "Team Agnes". With their loving care, help and dedication, Agnes was able to remain in her home until her passing. Indeed, Agnes will be greatly missed. Yet, as we grieve, we can take comfort in knowing that her journey will continue on to the great gardens, landscapes and universities in heaven. A private family service will be held in her memory. If you would like to make a donation to Nature's Conservancy in Agnes's memory, please do so at the following link. Nature's Conservancy To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Agnes (Borawski) Ostertag, please visit our floral store.