Elizabeth Ann Mungenast

Born on May 16, 1945, in the Bronx, New York, Beth was preceded in death by her loving parents, Lillian and Robert Fless, and her twin sister, Rosemarie “Ro” Antol.

She is survived by her devoted son, Michael Mungenast (Janet), and her cherished grandchildren: Donovan Mungenast and Dori Irwin, who brought immense joy and pride to her life. She also leaves behind her best friend and sister, Susan (John) Olivo, of New Fairfield, CT.

She was the aunt to Jennifer Jenkins, (daughter) of Ro and Wayne Antol; Jay Olivo, Keith Olivo, (sons) and Erin Iacovo (daughter) of Sue and John Olivo.

Beth dedicated her life to education and the service of young minds. She began her teaching career in the Bronx, where she first discovered her passion for early childhood education. Later, she moved to Florida and became a treasured part of the Olinda Elementary School community, where she taught kindergarten for 36 years. Her love for teaching was evident in every lesson, every story time, and every child whose life she touched. She retired as a teacher in May 2006 and volunteered at Saint Maximilian pre-school for several years.

Beth was known not only for her dedication to her students but also for her deep love of reading. Surrounded by books, she found comfort, joy, and knowledge, and she shared that love freely with others.

A devout Catholic, Beth was a faithful member of Saint Boniface Catholic Church in Pembroke Pines, Florida, where she served as a Eucharistic minister and sang joyfully in the church choir. Her faith was a guiding light in her life and a source of strength for those around her.

She also had a lifelong passion for shopping—finding joy in the simple pleasure of browsing, gifting, and treating herself and others with love.

Beth was a wonderful mother and grandmother, always putting her loved ones first. Her kindness, gentle spirit, and generous heart will be remembered by all who knew her.

Beth’s legacy lives on in the countless children she taught, the lives she shaped, and the family she loved fiercely.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am at St. Edward the Confessor Church, 21 Brush Hill Rd., New Fairfield, CT on Monday, August 25, 2025. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 10 W. Stevens Ave., Hawthorne, NY.

Friends will be received from 1:00pm – 3:00pm on Sunday, August 24, 2025 at the Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Danbury, CT.

Contributions in Beth’s memory may be made to Save the Children, Suite 400, 501 Kings Hwy, Fairfield, CT 06825 or go to www.savethechildren.org