Elke Gudrun Blumstein

Elke Gudrun (Nusser) Blumstein, age 82, of Wakefield, RI passed away peacefully on September 8, 2023, at home with her devoted daughter by her side.

Born in Boeblingen, Germany, Elke was predeceased by her father Karl Nusser and mother Maria (Gunser) Nusser.

She was the cherished mother to Robert P. Krajewski and his wife Olivia Orozco of Arlington, MA, Stephen J. Krajewski and his wife Gillian of London, UK, and Christine M. Krajewski of Wakefield, RI. She was exceptionally proud of her grandchildren Sarah, Sebastian, Sophie and Joseph.

Elke is also survived by her sister Ute Schlenker and her husband Edgar, and brother Volker Nusser and his wife Catharina. She also leaves her nephew Uwe and niece Ilka, as well as many treasured friends she made both on and off the tennis court.

Elke raised her children with her first husband Robert J. Krajewski in Medway, MA where she took on the roles of loving mother, bird watcher, den mother, terrarium pioneer, sewer of Barbie doll dresses and volunteer yoga instructor for special needs children. Even though times were tight, she made sure her children experienced Europe, spending time with family and traveling to many different countries.

As her children grew, she entered the workforce as a temp and took night classes at Mass Bay Community College. Her smarts and work ethic landed her an event management role at Cullinet where she met her second husband Edward D. Blumstein. As she grew through the ranks, she ultimately led the company’s international education center. Not only did the company benefit from her brains, her picture was featured in much of the company’s advertising material.

Elke enjoyed an early retirement living in Brookline, MA. It was during this stage of her life where she turned her talents to quilting, sewing maternity wear, baby clothing and curtains for her children while reveling in being a Grandma.

In the mid 2000’s, Elke made the brave move to the Ocean State. She quickly made devoted friends as she enjoyed playing tennis, traveling abroad, hiking, volunteering at Jonnycake, puzzling, and of course quilting. She always had one to two quilts in the works. And if she took you on a drive to show you the local sights and sounds, she could point to numerous places and say, “Oh, I’ve walked here.”

Her children and family admired her immensely and will miss her deeply. We will see her presence in ourselves, her grandchildren and the beautiful quilts she left behind.

Her family wishes to gratefully acknowledge the support of her many friends who provided good times and, more recently, delicious meals and beautiful flowers. They’d also like to acknowledge the extremely compassionate care given by the nurses and CNAs of Hope Health.

Visitation will be held Friday, September 29th from 12:00 - 2:00 pm, with a service beginning at 2:00 pm at Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield, RI. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jonnycake Center, https://www.jonnycakecenter.org.