Obituary of Jean Frances Felner

Jean Frances Felner, age 88, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026. Jean was born on April 16, 1937, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the daughter of Joseph and Annette Fairhurst. She grew up in Stratford, Connecticut, and graduated from Sts. Cyril and Methodius School in Bridgeport.

In May 1956, she married Elmer Getts, Jr. Jean worked at Avco in Stratford until the birth of her first daughter in 1957. Following the death of her husband in 1976, Jean demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience, rebuilding her life while providing for her family and returning to the workforce. She went on to hold positions at MBI, the U.S. Census Bureau, and later United Illuminating, where she ultimately retired.

A three-time cancer survivor, Jean faced life’s challenges with courage and determination. She found joy in polka dancing, planting flowers, doing puzzles, and savoring her morning coffee. Known for her quick wit and warm sense of humor, Jean could always bring a smile to those around her, even during life’s most difficult moments. After marrying her second husband, Joseph Felner, in May 1990, Jean spent many happy years with Joe at Port Five in Fairfield, where they built lasting friendships and enjoyed the close-knit community they cherished. During retirement, they also loved traveling throughout the country and shared several cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska.

Jean was predeceased by her first husband, Elmer Getts, Jr. (September 20, 1976); her second husband, Joseph Felner (July 15, 2019); and her beloved daughter, Donna Jurkowski (October 20, 2020).

She is survived by her son, Elmer Getts III of Fruitland Park, Florida, and his wife Sandra; her daughter, Lori Pratt of Seymour, Connecticut, and her husband Christopher; her son-in-law, John Jurkowski of Seymour, Connecticut, her stepdaughter, Ann Felner Duncan of Fairfield, Connecticut, and her husband Richard; and her brother, Joseph Fairhurst, who resides in Hamden, Connecticut.

Jean was a loving grandmother to Megan Pezzino (Andy), Justin Getts (Stacey Czopor), Timothy Jurkowski (Caitlin), Starlin Gebbia (Michael), Ashley Pratt, Michael Jurkowski (Kelly), Allison Pratt, Jesse Williams, and Amanda Williams, and a loving great-grandmother to nine great-grandchildren. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Jean will be remembered for her unwavering strength, sharp wit, and loving sense of humor, along with her deep love for family and friends. Her resilience, warmth, and ability to find laughter in everyday moments will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 30, 2026 at 11:00 am in St. Stephen Church, 6948 Main St., Trumbull. Friends may greet the family on Friday morning from 9:30-10:30 am in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull. A springtime interment will be held in Huntington Lawn Cemetery, Shelton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306 (www.t2t.org).  For online condolences, please visit us at www.abriola.com.