Lesley (Howard) Swirski

Lesley H. Swirski, 82, of Prospect passed away peacefully while surrounded in the love of her family on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at Hartford Hospital.  Lesley was dynamic, genuine and a lively progressive woman of her generation.  She now joins her late husband, Robert J. Swirski, in heaven.  Born May 19, 1942 in Waterbury, a daughter of the late Edward J. and Helen A. (White) Howard, Lesley was a graduate of Naugatuck High School and Post University.

Lesley was the CEO of Howard Engineering Inc of Naugatuck until her retirement in 2018.  Always friendly and welcoming, she was the favorite mother, mother-in-law and Memere to all.  Dressing in her signature purple colors, extraordinarily patterned Bob Mackie jackets, with jewelry and hair just so, Lesley enjoyed trips to casinos, and the spectacular shows in Vegas.  Young at heart, Lesley was a Disney aficionado, keeping up to date on all the newest attractions at her favorite theme park.  The entire family enjoyed a 2012 trip to Disney: her contagious laugh vibrant in all their memories.

If you knew Lesley, you knew not to call her Monday through Friday from 2pm to 3pm because her favorite soap opera, General Hospital, was on the TV.  Even the nursing staff, during her long hospitalization, would be sure not to interrupt her rapt attention during this time.  When she wasn’t tuning into the soaps, she enjoyed the sounds of easy listening music, while reading from her vast library of mysteries and thrillers.

Lesley was a lover of Native American artifacts and pottery, as well as themed nutcrackers and mugs from around the globe.  Her collection was extensive and unique.  One might also say that Lesley had a “clairvoyant”, “mystical” ability as she had an uncanny sense of knowing who had lost loved ones and the circumstances of their passing. Her Tarot Card readings at family get-togethers made her the life of the party.  

Family was always the primary focus and joy of Lesley’s life.  She will be tremendously missed by all who knew her but certainly her legacy of joy, generosity of spirit and immeasurable love will be treasured always. 

Left to cherish her love and memory are her sons Stephen and wife Kathy Swirski of Wolcott, and Christopher Swirski and wife Danielle Herbst of Guilford.  Lesley was the best Memere to her cherished grandchildren Michael, Kaila, Brooke, Joshua Swirski and fiancé Grace Stone and great granddaughter Elora. Lesley will be missed by her brother Brian Howard and wife Sandy of Naugatuck and her sister Holly Duffy and her husband Mike of South Carolina. She also leaves nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  Lesley is predeceased by her husband Robert J. Swirski and her son Robert E. Swirski, and brother Edward Howard Jr.

Funeral services for Lesley will be held on Monday, September 30, 2024 at 11am at Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral Home, 122 Waterbury Rd., Prospect.  Friends and family are invited to visit with the Swirski family at the funeral home from 9am until the time of the service.  Burial will immediately follow services at Pine Grove Cemetery, 390 Meriden Rd., Waterbury.  Prospect Memorial/The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with all arrangements and to care for the Swirski family throughout their grief journey.  Please visit www.prospectmemorial.com for directions, information or to share your words of comfort for Lesley’s family.  In keeping with Lesley’s generous spirit, memorial donations in her name to the Salvation Army at Give.salvationarmyusa.org are greatly appreciated by her family.

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