Muriel R. (Fishberg) Kesten

Muriel (Mickey) Kesten of West Hartford, cherished mother, grandmother, aunt, grand-aunt and great grand-aunt, passed away at the age of 96 on January 17, 2022. Born in Harford in 1925, she was a devoted daughter to mother Essa Fishberg. She was predeceased by brother Jack Fishberg and wife Rosalind, brother Leon Fishberg and wife Alice, and sister Bertha and husband Samuel (Bill) Gordon. Muriel Fishberg wed Martin Kesten in 1949. She took care of Martin through his final illness. Together with Martin, she supported many causes reflecting her commitment to the people of Greater Hartford and the Jewish community. She was an active member of the Beth Hillel congregation in Bloomfield. In the 1980s, Muriel researched and compiled four volumes documenting the family history for each branch of the Kesten and Fishberg families. Of herself she wrote, “A person interested in everything. She had many hobbies, such as gardening, sewing, knitting, drawing – all of which came in handy raising a family.” She loved animals, especially cats, and was an avid reader. She was also a jewelry maker. She was a member of the West Hartford Art League and volunteered as a docent for the Salt Box and Club House Galleries. Muriel carried on the tradition from her mother of large family gatherings for Thanksgiving and passed the legacy on to her nieces. In her final years Muriel often said “a sense of humor gets you through.” She loved to be silly and joke with her family and others. She was kind to all and much beloved by those who took care of her at Hughes Health and Rehabilitation, including her health aids. She is survived by her devoted children and grandchild: Sharon Kesten and husband Fred Wheeler; Harlie Kesten and husband Stephen Waite, Allen Kesten; Steven Kesten and wife Lauren and their daughter Madeline; Michael Kesten. She also leaves her cherished nieces Carol Bojarski and husband Larry, Marilyn Goodman and husband Alan, and Susan Steiner and husband Paul; her late nephew Warren Gordon’s wife Leslie; and her nephew Michael Lipton and Roxanne and family; her grand-nephews and nieces, Lindsay Bogard and husband Eric, Sarah Lewis and husband Stephen and their daughters Alexandra and Charlotte, Matthew Bojarski, and Warren’s children Richard, Bruce, Michael, Pamela and Alison and their families. Muriel remained close to Martin’s dear cousin Malvina Brady until Malvina’s passing and to many in his family. Funeral service and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Connecticut Humane Society, cthumane.org 701 Russell Road, Newington 06111 or the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, curealz.org, or the charity of your choice. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Connecticut Humane Society, cthumane.org 701 Russell Road, Newington 06111 or the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, curealz.org, or the charity of your choice.