Arlene J. (Gotowala) Andrews

Arlene Andrews (Gotowala), 94, of East Hartford, CT, passed away peacefully on vacation on August 31, 2026, with her family by her side.  She was the beloved wife since 1952 of Andrew Andrews, who unfortunately predeceased her in 2016.

Arlene was born December 23, 1931 in New Britain, CT to the late Stanley and Irene (Kochanik) Gotowala.  After High School and Business school, Arlene spent years as a receptionist and bookkeeper at North & Judd Inc., one of the earliest and most influential Hardware Manufacturing Industries of the global “Hardware City” of New Britain.  Then after meeting Andy, she went on to become what she considered her most important life role—as that of a Mom and Homemaker in East Hartford.

Arlene was a longtime parishioner of St. Christopher Church in East Hartford, CT.  She was also extremely active in her children’s various schools, PTA’s, Brownies and Girl Scouts; and anywhere else she could pitch in for the benefit of her children as they grew and explored the world.  Mom was also known for being most generous and open to any and all hobbies, athletics, and activities endeavored by her children.  This included an ever-changing menagerie of pets over the years; such as dogs and cats, fish, turtles, birds, mice, and the ones she would herself tell you she liked the least:  snakes.

When Arlene wasn’t working, or working around the house, she loved cooking for her family.  She was very proud of her Polish heritage, and therefore, there were always pierogi, golabki, kielbasa (from Martin Rosol’s), babka, makowiec, placki ziemniaczane, kluski noodles, chrusciki (faworki), and paczki around the house at any time.  Note:  this was in addition to the trout and pheasant Dad would bring in for Mom to cook, along with any other fish and game he brought in from his various fishing and hunting trips.  Needless to say, with these kinds of items—and also with Mom’s excellent imaginative approach to American and International cuisine—and particularly with her desserts—there was always something terrific to eat at home!  Holiday meals were monumental!

And if there was any time left over, Mom loved watching the Hartford Whalers, and UConn Women’s and Men’s Basketball Teams; and—Mom especially loved to read…  She was the classic voracious reader—she always seemed to have a book in her hand.  This prompted us all to be readers by example to this day.

Arlene will be most remembered for the energetic, tireless generosity and support she provided her family and grandsons; concepts that help promote learning, hard work, independent thought, and thoughtful discussion.  And Arlene fully was a role model by example for employing whatever unflagging perseverance, endurance, fortitude, and courage that was required to get something done!  She never stopped...

Arlene is survived by and will be dearly missed by her son Marc Andrews and his wife Michele of Durham, CT, and their sons (Arlene’s grandsons):  Jonathan Andrews of Malden, MA, and Eric Andrews, and his Wife Michelle, of Melrose, MA; Arlene’s daughter:  Laurie Andrews, and her husband Lawrence Mullett of Chester, VT; and many nieces and nephews, and many, many friends.

Arlene was predeceased by her Husband, Andrew Andrews, and her daughter Cynthia Balint and her Husband Jack of Lebanon, CT; her sister Maureen Chiger of New Britain, CT; and her brothers George Gotowala of Maston, CT, and Gerald Gotowala of Bristol, CT.

A Celebration of Life Event and Burial will be at a later date at the request of the family.

To leave amessage of Condolence for the family please visit www.warehamvillagefuneralhome.com

Instead of flowers, donations in Arlene’s memory may be made to the American Stroke Association https://www.stroke.org/en/

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