Winifred Hajla Hespe of Middletown passed away peacefully Sept. 16, 2022, at the age of 91. Winnie, the youngest child of Joseph and Lea Hajla, was born March 13, 1931. Her parents both emigrated from Slovakia and settled in Queens, New York, where they raised Winnie along with her sister Florence and brother Joseph, each of whom predeceased her.
Winnie graduated from the College of New Rochelle and had a career as an executive secretary.
In 1973, at the age of 41, she married George Hespe Jr., a widower with five sons between the ages of 10 and 15. This city girl moved to Middletown, learned to drive and joined our family. We are forever grateful for the love, companionship, kindness and joy she gave our father, who died in 2005.
Winnie was a longtime communicant of both St. Mary, Mother of God Church in Middletown, and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Whiting. In her spare time, she enjoyed creating art and was involved with the local Republican organization with husband George. She also enjoyed playing poker with the residents of Brighton Gardens in Middletown.
She is survived by her stepsons, George (Carolyn), Richard (Elizabeth), Robert (Karen), Francis (Amy) and Thomas, along with nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
John F. Pfleger Funeral Home was in charge of the services, which were held privately. Memorial contributions may be made in Winnie’s name to the charity of your choice.
We would like to thank the staff of Brighton Gardens of Middletown for their caring, kindness and support over the past five-plus years. In addition, we are grateful to Embracing Hospice Care of Wall for their compassionate support over the last several weeks.
The article originally appeared in the September 29 – October 5, 2022 print edition of The Two River Times.
