Anne M. Firmender

Anne Marie (Czukowski) Firmender passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at The Nathaniel Witherell in Greenwich, Connecticut where she resided for the last six years of her life. She was 79.

Anne was born on September 23, 1945, in Manchester, England, to Joseph Czukowski and Nora (Bond) Navarro. She was raised in Stratford, Connecticut and attended Stratford High, where she was known for her flair on stage as President of the Thespians and as a talented dancer. Soon after graduation she married and raised four children.

Anne's life was enriched by her deep love of music, dance, theater, reading and learning new things. She shared her talents as a dance instructor, retail buyer and counselor at a Men's and Women's Shelter. Later in life she attended Norwalk Community College and became a CNA at Jewish Family Services she was very proud of this accomplishment.

Anne drew strength from her spiritual communities. A longtime friend of Bill W., she found deep solace in her fellowship and believed very strongly in passing it on right up to the last weeks of her life. Her faith and friendships grounded her through all seasons of life.

Anne loved her life at The Nathaniel Witherell thanks to the Supportive Staff, Greenwich Chaplaincy Services, Recreation Department, Volunteers, The Gals at the Salon, and especially her Nurses, and Aids. TNW was her home and everyone there her family.

Creativity remained her enduring passion and sustained her through the last years of her life. Two years ago, she began taking watercolor classes. In August 2025, she was honored as Nathaniel Witherell’s Artist of the Month. She founded the first “Nathaniel Witherell Women’s Club”, started the “Women’s Choir” and became “President of the Resident Council”.

Her poetry was recognized as well: her piece I Wonder earned third place in the Greenwich Tree Conservatory’s competition, echoing her conviction that, like trees, people grow more beautiful when bent by life’s challenges.

Anne leaves behind not only her family and friends but also the countless lives she touched, a profound legacy: the belief that pain, like joy, becomes lighter when shared. Through her own experiences, she taught that love is needed most when it feels least deserved, and she made certain people felt her love at those very moments.

She is survived by her daughters Michele Andronowitz (Ron), Janet Firmender, and Anne Firmender (Terry); her daughter-in-law, Rose Firmender; her grandchildren, Joseph Andronowitz (Angel), Daniel Andronowitz (Katie), Matthew Firmender, and Rory Firmender; her great-grandchild, Mackenna Andronowitz; and her nephew, Ocean Ramos. She was predeceased by her beloved son, Matthew Firmender; her sister, Kathy Ramos; her parents and her former husband and friend of many years, Michael Firmender.

A celebration of Anne’s life will be held on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at 1 PM, at the Chapel of Nathaniel Witherell, 70 Parsonage Road, Greenwich, Connecticut. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Anne’s memory to:

The Friends of Nathaniel Witherell for the Resident Life Fund, 70 Parsonage Rd. Greenwich, CT 0683