Gloria (Gajda) Melecsinsky, 81, of New Britain, CT peacefully passed away Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at LiveWell of Plantsville, CT. Gloria was born in New Britain, CT in 1937 and was the daughter of the late Teofil and Rose (Was) Gajda. She lived in New Britain her entire life until last year. Gloria attended New Britain High School and graduated with the class of 1955, where she was active in the Tav Aleph sorority, enjoying many activities and trips to the beach with her sorority sisters, whom she remained close to for many years, especially her beloved cousin Felicia (Gajda) Noetzel. After high school, Gloria worked as a secretary at Middle Atlantic in New Britain, where she met her charismatic husband, John Melecsinsky. They were married in 1963 and honeymooned on a cruise of the Caribbean—just the start of many years of travel, fine dining, and countless trips to Europe, Mexico, and various locations in the United States. Gloria also participated in “girl” trips with her cousins and her sister, Geraldine (Gajda) Palmer. After leaving Middle Atlantic, she spent the bulk of her career as an Executive Assistant at Northeast Utilities. Gloria was a constant, steadfast individual who was fastidious, organized, and able to multi-task. She could always be depended upon to host a holiday, sew on a button, or bake for a bake sale. Gloria kept an immaculate, beautiful home and never left the house without being dressed impeccably, coiffed, and perfectly made up. Always the class act, she could be spotted driving her black Lincoln Town Car with Frank Sinatra blasting and her flaming red hair. Gloria spent her retirement years babysitting for her beloved great niece, Allison Rose Camp, with whom she shared a special relationship.
Gloria is survived by her stepson, Paul Melecsinsky and his partner Jan Kneeland of Burlington, CT, as well as her beloved goddaughter/niece Carolyn Palmer-Camp of New Britain, CT. She leaves behind a brother Ted Gajda and his wife Joan, and a sister, Geraldine Palmer, both of New Britain, CT. She is survived by several nieces and nephews including Ted Gajda Jr. of New Britain, CT, Patricia Beloff and her partner Hank Stregowski of Plantsville, CT, Pam Gajda and her partner Larry Bradley of Plantation, FL, and Paul Gajda and his wife Melissa of New Britain, CT as well as a brother-in law Michael Rayder of Whitter, NC and his wife Donna. She also leaves behind her great niece Allison Rose Camp of Cromwell, CT, great nephews Jeffrey and Michael Gajda, both of New Britain, CT as well as several cousins. Gloria was predeceased by her husband, John Melecsinsky, her infant brother, Charles Gajda and brothers-in-law Francis R. Palmer and Richard Rayder. Gloria’s family would like to thank the staff at Community 1B at LiveWell in Plantsville for the loving care they showed Gloria, as well as her beloved home health aide Irina Perzan, who cared for Gloria at home for two years.
Funeral rites for Gloria will be held Monday, December 10, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. with the procession departing at 9 a.m. from the Paul A. Shaker Funeral Home, 764 Farmington Ave., New Britain, CT., followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Holy Cross Church, Farmington Ave, New Britain, CT. Committal service and final resting place will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, 662 Burritt St., New Britain, CT. Relatives and friends may call at the Paul A. Shaker Funeral Home, Sunday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Directions to funeral home – I-84 east or west – exit 37 (Fienemann Rd) right off exit – one mile down on right. To extend condolences to the Melecsinsky family or to share a memory of Gloria, please visit SHAKERFUNERALHOME.COM
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