- Date Of Birth: November 16, 1925
- Date Of Death: January 13, 2021
- State: Connecticut
Griswold-Feliska Cholewa, 95, of Griswold, passed away at 12am, January 13, 2021,
at the Backus hospital. She was born in Jersey City, New Jersey on November 16,
1925 to John and Petrisia (Silkiewicz) Brzyska. She grew up in Jewett City, not far from
her home and at the New London County Home on Laurel Hill in Norwich, Connecticut.
At 16, Feliska was employed in the Weaving Mills in both Jewett City and Manchester
where she was well respected for her meticulous work. She married Mitchel Cholewa in
1950 and they had a loving relationship for 56 years.
Often called the “Rhubarb Lady”, Feliska is well known for her garden which was her
pride and joy.
trade recipes. When her husband was alive, she was known to bake at least two pies a
week. She pulled rhubarb to sell until last spring when she was 94.
Beside her garden, Feliska was most proud of her three Grandchildren; Jason, Vinny
and Caitlin- who lived next door. They were her pride and joy! She helped care for
them when they were young and attended their sporting events whenever possible.
Feliska loved to be active. In her later years, she attended the Griswold Senior
She also loved “Tori’s” classes at Griswold Recreation. You have probably seen
Feliska on her daily walks and waved or talked to her along the way!
Feliska is survived by her son Michael J Cholewa of Griswold, his wife Mary and
their three children Jason M Cholewa and his partner Ariel Weisman of Lynchburg,
Virginia; James “Vinny” Cholewa and his wife Ani and the first great grandchild Dominc
of Boston; and Caitlin and Dallas Brummell of Savannah, Georgia. Feliska is also
survived by her many nieces and nephews for whom she always had great love and
affection. She was predeceased by her husband Mitchell, sister, Sophie Minta and
step-brother Henry Polaski.
We wish to thank her live-in caretaker Dora for the wonderful care and support over
the last month.
or Ronald McDonald House.
