Josephine Berescik

Josephine (Sendra) Berescik, 98, passed away on Monday, September 20, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. Josephine was born in New Britain in 1923, grew up in Westchester County, and later returned to Connecticut with her family.

She was the devoted wife of New Britain Police Captain George Berescik for 57 years, prior to his passing in 2003.  Her parents, Eduardo and Amparo (Pons) Sendra, were natives of Alicante, Spain, and the owners of the Sendra Bakery in New Britain, among other businesses.

Josephine graduated from Bassick High School in Bridgeport.  She went on to obtain a Business Certificate in New York, which was unusual at that time for young women, and was fully encouraged to do so by her parents.  While living in New York, she enjoyed dancing the jitterbug, along with her sister, Barbara, as well as singing and dressing to the nines.

As an administrator at the Fafnir Bearing Company of New Britain, another accomplishment at the time, Josephine caught the eye of her future husband, George, who thereafter adored her until the day he died.  After their marriage and birth of their daughters, Josephine was elected to the position of Treasurer/Manager of the New Britain Municipal Employees Credit Union, located at City Hall.  She served in that capacity for 55 years.  In her leadership role at the Credit Union, Josephine was responsible for approving all loans and was known for her eternal belief in the members seeking funds to address their varied needs.  She was always proud of the fact that the New Britain Municipal Employees Credit Union had a stellar reputation of the full repayment of their loans.  If Josie believed in you, you did not want to disappoint her!

In 2007 Josephine led a merger with Achieve Financial Credit Union. She then took on the role of greeter to transition her members to their new credit union, and they were always happy to see her.  She finally retired at the age of 85, to the delight of her family.

Josephine was a member of the Spanish Cultural Club, and enjoyed many trips to the theatre and dining in New York City. Complementing her independent spirit, she took pride in her 1964 Mustang, that she purchased to the surprise of her husband. As the family’s matriarch, she used her father’s love of good cuisine and her mother’s cooking talents to ensure her table always had too much food, laughter, and was bursting with love for her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and recently, a great-grandmother, the glue of her family, and the best person to call when in need of a jolt of cheerleading, love, or humor.

Josephine was pre-deceased by her husband George. She leaves two daughters, Maureen Berescik of Simsbury and Patricia Olesh, currently of New Britain; a sister, Barbara DiGiore of Florida; three grandchildren, Brooke (Margot) of New York City, Austin (Joanna) of West Hartford, and Caroline of California; a great-grandson, Augustus; nephews Nicholas (Pam) DiGiore, Edward (Nancy) DiGiore, niece Sharon (Jordan) Arbit, and other extended family members.

Family and friends are asked to meet at Saint Francis of Assisi Church, 1755 Stanley Street, New Britain at 10:00 a.m., Monday, September 27 to Celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial.  Burial will follow in Saint Mary Cemetery in New Britain.  Friends may call at the Luddy & Peterson Funeral Home & Crematory, 205 South Main Street, New Britain, Sunday, September 26, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Masks are required for all indoor portions of the services.

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