Estelle Koenig

Estelle G. Koenig of Concord, NH passed away peacefully at home on December 15, 2022, surrounded by loved ones at the age of 96. She was born in Queens, NY to Minnie and Edward Garland, the oldest of three children. Estelle was born at home and the story goes that when her father, Ed, went to register the birth at City Hall, he gave them the wrong date, much to Minnie’s chagrin. It took years to get a corrected birth certificate!

Estelle went to school in Astoria, Queens, excelling academically, and graduating 2 years early. After graduation, she went to work to help support the family. While working at the Equitable Life Insurance Company, she befriended Lillian and Eleanor Koenig, who invited her to a picnic and then home to supper one weekend. There she met her future husband, Charley, as he was walking into their home with a freshly caught tuna over his shoulder; quite a first impression. In spite of that, they began to date and were married in 1949. They bought their first home in Collingswood, NJ where both children, Ed and Ellen were raised. The family then moved to Malverne, NY, where Charley and Estelle lived for many years, until they moved to Concord, NH in 1996 to live closer to Ellen’s family. In retirement, they were snowbirds, living between their homes in Concord and Stuart, FL. Estelle mastered the game of mahjong and was an avid teacher to others.

Estelle was a woman of great faith and was always connected to her church, no matter where she lived. Bible studies and church social engagements were a mainstay for her.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Charles Koenig, her sister, Gloria Gallagher, and her brother, Warren Garland. She is survived by her son Edward (Teri) Koenig and their four children and spouses, Christopher (Aja), Melissa Stapleford (Tyson), Eric and Jonathan and her daughter, Ellen Koenig (Steve O’Connor) and their three children and spouses, Tim (Brittany Anania), Jesse and Elizabeth. In addition, she has two great-granddaughters, Madeline and Evangeline Stapleford.

The family will hold a small private ceremony prior to interment at the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery. A memorial service will follow on Friday, January 20, at 11 am Trinity Baptist Church, 80 Clinton St, Concord.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bennettfuneral.com for the Koenig family.