Jean Kowalski

Colchester — Jean (Maikshilo) Kowalski, 72, of Colchester, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018, at The William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich.

Born Jan. 25, 1945, in Norwich, she was the daughter of the late Maxim and Amelia (Kutis) Maikshilo. A lifelong resident of Colchester, Jean was a 1963 graduate of Bacon Academy and went on to work as a hairdresser for over 50 years. She loved to cook and entertain, especially during the holidays. Her greatest joy was found in her family, and she always delighted in following her grandchildren’s activities.

She was the loving mother of two, Jason Kowalski of Groton and the late Kristin Danaher; devoted grandmother of five, Jordan, Emily and Leo Kowalski, Jayden Danaher and the late Dylan Kowalski; sister of Thomas Maikshilo and his wife, Sue, of Colchester; and numerous extended family members and friends.

The family will receive guests from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21, at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Road, Colchester. A chapel service will be observed at 2:45 p.m. during the visitation. Burial will be private.

Donations in her memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org).

For online condolences, please visit www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com.