Adele A. Behrens

Mrs. Adele A. "Penny" Behrens, of 87 Lanesboro Road, Cheshire, passed away on Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at her home. She was born in Adams on May 9, 1940, the daughter of Thaddeus and Adele (Bieniek) Wojtaszek. As a youth, Penny grew up in Adams and Cheshire, was schooled in the Cheshire School System and was a graduate of St. Joseph's High School in Pittsfield with the class of 1958. She enlisted in the Navy shortly after high school and served in the Washington D.C. Naval Security Group and also at the Naval Communication Station, Honolulu, Hawaii. Penny was especially proud of her military service. After her Honorable Discharge in 1964, Penny briefly lived in Michigan and subsequently returned to Cheshire and was employed as a secretary in the Naval Ordnance Division of General Electric Co., Pittsfield. It was there that she met her husband, Edward. Penny was a communicant of St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Cheshire, where she was a former choir member, Eucharistic Minister and RCIA member. She had also taught religious education for 23 years which she enjoyed and found extremely rewarding. Her love for family and church were the centerpieces of her life. In addition to her husband Edward Behrens, whom she married on January 1, 1971, she is survived by a daughter, Kimberly Mendes of East Taunton, a son Brian Behrens and his wife Tracy of Cumming, GA, a brother David Wojtaszek and his wife Beth of Adams, grandchildren Kaitlin Mendes, Nicolas Mendes and Alexander Behrens. She is also survived by a great granddaughter Madison Adele Marvel who was born on the day of Penny's passing. Survivors also include a Brother-in-Law Ernest Behrens and his wife Judith of Suffolk, VA an Aunt, Betty Godek of Adams, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 12, at 1:00PM in St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Cheshire, celebrated by Rev. David R. Raymond, Pastor. Burial will Military Honors will follow in Cheshire Cemetery. There are no calling hours. Memorial donations in Penny's memory may be made to St. Mary of the Assumption Church or the Cheshire Public Library through the PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St., Adams, which is in charge of arrangements.

Adele A. Behrens

May 9, 1940 - November 8, 2011