Steve & Emily Godek - Connie's Early Years - 1943

Seven months after her brother’s death joy would come to Emily as she became pregnant with her first child. She longed to have a family. In March of 1943 Constance Godek would be born at Springfield Hospital.

At this time war was raging overseas. Less than six months after Connie’s birth Stephen was inducted into the Army on September 8, 1943. He was sent to fight in Europe with the 120th Engineer Combat Battalion. Emily was strong, but inside feared that she would once again loose a loved one. She did the best she could and prayed for her husband’s safe return.

Fourteen month’s later Stephen came home in November of 1944. Shrapnel in the leg had wounded him, but these injuries would heal. With her family together once again she he had happiness. For the next six years Emily, Steve, and Connie would move several times.

In 1950 the family moved to 5 Burton Street. They liked the apartment and location. It would be their home for the next fifty-four years. The building, built in 1920, stood half way up Hampden Street hill. From their apartment they had nice views of the Connecticut River valley as well as Chicopee Center. There were large rooms and windows with hardwood floors and ornamental woodwork for the trim.

Emily & Stephen would try to have more children, but without success. Emily would become pregnant in 1946 and 1949 but both occurrences resulted in miscarriage. Connie would be their only child.

Emily was a hard worker, both at work and at home. She was devoted to her family and wanted to give Connie a better childhood than she had. At the F.W. Sickles Co. Emily did soldering and assembly. Work hours were long and conditions were unhealthful. Her supervisor gave better jobs and favor to the woman who would date him. Emily was faithful to her family, turning down propositions by her boss. As a result of this rejection she would be given the less desirable jobs.

Stephen continued to work for Westinghouse and did well there. He also continued to be active with the St. Stanislaus choir. Family gatherings were very important to Stephen especially time spent with his five brothers.

Emily worked hard to make a nice home and take care of the needs of her husband and daughter. She appreciated cleanliness and always kept the home immaculate. Emily also enjoyed sewing and would make many things including clothing, draperies, and crafts. Despite her busy schedule Emily found time to be active in a woman's club as well as church events.

Most of all Emily enjoyed cooking. She loved to prepare meals for her family and was always eager to try new recipes. To assist with her talents, her kitchen was filled with all types of cookware, devices, and gadgets for food preparation. She especially enjoyed preparing holiday meals. Emily would often make Polish favorites such as pireogi, goumbki, kapusta, and borscht. Her kitchen and table would be decorated for the occasion and she would use her finest china and silver.

Emily was proud of Connie and cherished her growing years. Connie did well in school and participated in dance, girl scouts, and other activities.

Throughout the 1940s and 50s Emily encountered health problems. She required surgery for breast tumors, gall bladder, cysts on her ovaries, and a hysterectomy. Emily also endured respiratory difficulties due to many years of inhaling solder smoke at her workplace. Severe allergies were also a problem for her. Emily was very strong, so despite all of these challenges she pushed on each day to work and care for her family.

Connie would graduate from Chicopee High School in 1960, get a job at Mass Mutual, and attend Bay Path College. Emily was very proud. On September 2, 1963 Connie was married to Leslie Fournier at St. Stanislaus. The wedding was a cherished occasion for Emily.

Emily’s breathing difficulties continued. In 1965 she underwent surgery that removed half a lung that was damaged from the years of solder smoke at work. After the operation she was unable to return to F.W. Sickles Co. {more photos}

return to top of page

Connie's Early Years - 1943 - 1966