Ramona Nimirowski

Ramona (Mona) Madeline Nimirowski (née Furphy), 73, of Manchester, CT, passed away on Saturday, July 19, following a sudden and serious health complication after a long and complex health journey. As the eldest of six siblings, Mona lived a life defined by resilience, deep family devotion, and a commitment to lifelong learning. She was a devoted mother and grandmother whose strength and generous spirit left a lasting impact on all who knew her. Mona was born on March 10, 1952, to John (Ed) and Madeline Furphy in Manchester, CT. She was the eldest of six siblings: Kathleen Furphy, Sharon Daley (spouse: Richard Daley), Debra Furphy, John Furphy, and Jacqueline Furphy-Callahan (spouse: Joe Callahan). Though life in a large family came with its share of chaos and challenges, it was grounded in deep love and mutual support. Mona embraced her role as the eldest, always eager to help and, after her parents passed, saw herself as the family matriarch. In turn, her sisters stood by her during difficult times. After graduating from Manchester High School in 1970, Mona pursued higher education with determination and pride. She earned an Associate of Science in Accounting and Business Administration from Manchester Community College and was inducted into the Eta Mu Lambda Fraternity of Scholars in 1980. She went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from the University of Hartford's Barney School in 1987, and later, a Master of Science in Accounting from the University of Connecticut in 2012. Mona began working at The Travelers Corporation in 1981 as a part-time clerk typist and quickly rose through the ranks. She was a hard worker and built many of her closest lifelong relationships with the friends she met there. Her career continued to advance as she became Legal Research Specialist in 1982, Assistant Paralegal in 1984, Law Department Office Automation Coordinator in 1985, Assistant Systems Manager in 1986, Legal Systems Manager in 1987, and was ultimately named Second Vice President in the Law Department. She held this esteemed role until her retirement in 2007. She married in 1971 and had two children, Todd Nimirowski and Tess Nimirowski. Mona raised them as a single parent in Manchester, supported by her own parents and their paternal grandparents, John and Ella Nimirowski, whom she loved deeply. Education was a priority: both children attended Assumption School, and she went on to put Todd through East Catholic High School and college. Tess spent several years traveling, later returning to school in New York City and completing a year of study in the UK, with Mona's steady encouragement every step of the way. Together, they shared unforgettable trips to Ireland and England, as well as cherished summers in Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard, her favorite place to be. Mona worked tirelessly to support her children, who were her entire world. Her door was always open to them, and there was nothing she wouldn't do for them. Mona had two grandchildren who were the greatest joy of her life. Her daughter Tess and partner Justin Wollenhaupt welcomed Cooper Wollenhaupt in 2013, and her son Todd and wife Robin Nimirowski welcomed Jacob Nimirowski in 2014. Mona always surrounded herself with pictures of "her boys," and her face would light up at the mere mention of them. She loved nothing more than hearing about what they were up to: their interests, worries, and accomplishments. Her dream was to spend all her time with them. More than anything, she wanted to be the ever-present, doting grandma. Family meant everything to Mona. Though divorced, she maintained a deep and enduring love for her extended in-law family, and Mona's affection for them never faltered. She is survived by her sisters and children, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews, including Gary and Michael McGrath, Christin Daley-Gorden, Jason and Justin Pizzonia, Kyle Furphy, and Tim and Jessica Furphy, and grandnieces: Madelynn Pizzonia, Mary Gorden, and Carleigh McGrath. Services will be held at John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 W. Center Street in Manchester on Tuesday, July 29th. The Calling Hour will be from 9:00-10:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. at the Church of the Assumption, 27 Adams Street S. in Manchester, CT and the burial 12:30 p.m. at St. James Cemetery in Manchester, CT.