Agnes Drnek

Agnes Drnek

Although Pythagoras wrote “choose rather to be strong of soul than strong of body” nearly 2500 years ago, his words could perfectly describe Agnes today. Having been afflicted with polio at a young age, she never let it get in her way. From her childhood days when she found ways to play kick-the-can and stickball, to when she learned to drive with her left foot, to when she hiked the trails of the Smokey Mountains, she never let it beat her. But when at her home in Delran, there was no better way to relax than with a good book, a rocking chair and some chocolate ice cream. Always with a soft spot for animals, her home was never complete without a Shetland sheepdog and the occasional stray cat.rnWhile working in the Navy shipyard in Philadelphia, Agnes caught the eye of a young sailor Joseph Drnek. They were together until his passing in 1992. Together, their lives were blessed by their children: Joanna Hellman (Jerry) of Medford Lakes, Susan Goldberg (Ed) of Marlton and Alicia Redfern (Mark) of Voorhees. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Danielle, Joseph Zachary, Lora and Madeline and her great-granddaughter, Kirstin.rnCome celebrate 83 tenacious years Saturday from 9:30 am at the Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside where the service will be at 10:30. Interment Arlington Cemetery, Pennsauken. Memorial donations may be made to Lourdes Health Foundation 1600 Haddon Ave., Camden, NJ 08103 because of the loving care Agnes received at the ER and the Critical Care Unit.rn

9 Comments

  1. Mary Drnek Wagner says:

    Agnes, you are not “gone”. You will live on forever in the hearts, the minds and the lives of your daughters, their families and all those who knew and loved you. May the blessings of God descend on you and on all who loved you.

  2. Barbara Brynko says:

    My thoughts and prayers go out to Ms. Drnek’s family at this very difficult time. May you find peace in the many memories you have of your time together.

  3. KEITH WRIGHT says:

    Joanna:rnrnNo doubt Agnes brought you more special memories than you can list; dwell on those things and know she enriched so many lives. I did not have the pleasure of meeting her, but if she is anything like her daughter, she was indeed a very special person

  4. Jean Lizzio says:

    To my Strider friend Joanna & family,rnI am sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. I want you to know that I am thinking of you and will remember you in my prayers. She sounds like she was such a grand person … full of great spirit and love for everyone. rnWith Sympathy, rnJeanie Lizzio

  5. Uncle Chuck says:

    We are so sorry to hear about Agnes and I know how you feel. Iam sorry I can not de there with you. God Bless all of you. Uncle Chuck

  6. Mark Abrams says:

    Sue,rnSounds like your mother lived a good live and rose above what life threw at her. I hope you and your family are doing OK.rnSparkyrn

  7. Karen & Chuck Digney says:

    Joanna, Jerry, and family – we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. A mother’s love is so powerful, and losing a mom is a profound loss. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

  8. Rich Wagner says:

    God bless Agnes and all of the Drnek family.nnMyself, my daughter Madeline (12) and son Owen (10) are keeping all of you in our prayers.nnWe will have one grand reunion when we are all back together some day!nnLove to all of you,nnRich, Maddy and Owen Wagner