Esther Benitz Karafa

Esther Benitz Karafa, age 99, of Fairfield, beloved wife of the late Stephen J. Karafa, died peacefully at Carolton Chronic and Convalescent Hospital on July 1.

Born on November 25, 1903, in the Greens Farms section of Westport, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Julia Varga Benitz.

She will be sadly missed by her loving daughters, Esther Shanley of Fairfield, and Gloria Petersen and her husband, Richard, of Stratford; four grandchildren, Kevin Shanley and his wife of Arlington, Va., Lisa Petersen of Shelton, Richard S. Petersen of Sandy Hook, and Pamela Buchler and her husband, Bill, of Newtown; three great-grandchildren, Brendan Shanley, and Jackson and Olivia Buchler; her loving sister, Jennie Lotsko of Fairfield; and many nieces and nephews.

A resident of Fairfield for most of her life, Esther was a former employee of Bryant Electric Co. She was an avid gardener, producing many beautiful flowers, especially roses, in addition to other plants in her garden.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 5, at 9:15 am in the Lesko Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center, and at 10 am in St Thomas Church. Burial will follow in St Thomas Cemetery. Calling hours are on Friday, July 4, from 3 to 7 pm. For more information, visit www.leskofuneralhome.com.

The Newtown Bee        July 4, 2003