Jean A. Dufek

Jean A. Dufek, a longtime resident in Alexandria Township, NJ and Bequia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines passed away peacefully at the age of 84, Wednesday December 25th, 2019 in Hunterdon Medical Center, Raritan Township, NJ. Jean was surrounded by her loved ones. Jean was born to Hugo and Ruth Wanander of Kenilworth, NJ on November 21st,1935 and was married to Frank Dufek of Hillside NJ in 1956. Together they had three children and Jean became the loving matriarch of the Dufek Family. Jean was raised in Kenilworth New Jersey where her Grandfather Oswald Nitschke was the Mayor. Her Grandfather's home is now a museum for the Historical Preservation Society of Kenilworth. The Nitschke House, one of Kenilworth's original clapboard-clad, wood framed farmhouses, is the most notable of the community's few remaining 19th century buildings. The house derives its significance primarily from its association with Oswald J. Nitschke (1867-1934, Jean's Grandfather). a historically significant local pioneer and political leader who came to Kenilworth (formerly known as New Orange) as a young German immigrant in 1899, at the height of the area's first major building boom. Nitschke was heavily involved and especially instrumental in the early development of the community. Jean's grandfather purchased the house in 1905. The house is now listed in the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places. Jean was an avid tennis player and later in life became a devout Bridge Player. She loved being with her friends and beloved family on her farm in Alexandria Township New Jersey. She enjoyed hosting many memorable 4th of July Picnics and get togethers through out the years on her farm. Jean lived a long, rich and family centered life. Jean and her husband Frank had enjoyed their life together on the island of Bequia for over 30 years where they shared their love for sun, sail, sea and dancing... they loved sharing their joy for life with family and friends. Jean is pre-deceased by her husband Frank Joseph Dufek in 2012 and her grandson, Dean Chapman Durling in 2019 and her sister, Norma Dickson. Surviving are her three children, Donna Dufek Durling and her fiance' John C. Chigounis of Pittstown, NJ. Frank J Dufek and his wife Susan Giebel Dufek of Milford, NJ. Joan Dufek Bolen and her husband, Brian Bolen of Mansfield Center, CT. Jean was the proud loving grandmother of Chapman Durling, and Jonathan Durling of Whitehouse, NJ and Ngaere Durling of Palm Beach, Fl. Kyley Dufek of Milford, NJ. Frank James Dufek of Stewartsville, NJ and Kristen Dufek of Milford, NJ and her niece Barbara Dickson Gotts and family, of Brick NJ. Also surviving are Jean's brother- in law Robert Dufek and his wife Mary Dufek of Bedminster, NJ and their children Marjorie Bollomey and Robert Dufek and her sister-in law Doris Dufek of Hillside NJ. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Jean's viewing, Jan 4th, 2020 at 10:30 AM- 12 PM at the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ There will be a funeral service following the viewing at 12 PM. Interment will follow at the Locust Grove Cemetery, Quakertown, NJ In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jean's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or send contributions to the Kenilworth Historical Society, 567 Boulevard, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033. Checks should be made payable to the Kenilworth Historical Society.