Gertrude M. Korona, age 93, passed peacefully on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at The Suffield House.
Spirited, smart, witty, and astute, she enlivened many conversations with her personal observations of life around her. She was born Gertrude Edith Maskowski on June 16, 1929, youngest child of Alexander and Catherine (Podlesney) Maskowski of Agawam, Massachusetts where she spent her early years. She moved to Suffield with her family where she was an active member of St. Joseph Church. It was here in Suffield that Gertrude met her lifelong friends, graduating from Suffield High School in 1947. The marriage of Gertrude and Walter Joseph Korona took place on April 29, 1950, at St. Adalbert Church in Enfield. Gertrude and Walter were faithful members of St. Adalbert. You could find them there at the 7:30 a.m., Mass every Sunday, until the Mass time changed to 9:30 a.m., when they changed too. Gertrude and Walter were married for 57 years and resided in their Allen Street home in Enfield for those years. Gertrude loved to dance. Gertrude and Walter could be seen Polka dancing many weekends. They would travel and dance with their friends at various venues in the region, often following their favorite Polka bands. Gertrude also loved to winter in Florida and had a keen eye for fashions. Gertrude was an avid Red Sox fan. The story goes that Walter had to give-up being a fan of the New York Yankees and become a fan of the Boston Red Sox to marry Gertrude. The Red Sox games would always be playing on their radio or television. As a smart, organized woman, Gertrude was proud of her career in business that began before her marriage to Walter when she was a young typist. She went on to work at Hamilton Standard in Windsor Locks as a secretary from 1957 – 1976. Capping her career at United Technologies Corporation in Hartford from 1976 – 1987, when she retired, as Executive Secretary/Administrative Assistant. She was honored to work with Harry Gray and Alexander Haig, and meet Astronaut Neil Armstrong. More importantly, her love of friendship and faithfulness can be seen in her abiding friendships with and faithfulness to family and lifelong friends.
Gertrude was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Walter J. Korona (1924 – 2007); and her son, Bruce John Korona (1952 – 1988). She was also predeceased by her bothers, Edward Maskowski and his wife, Gertrude (Richter) Maskowski; Henry Maskowski and his wife, Frances (Maggio) Maskowski. Gertrude is survived by her close advocates and advisors, niece Mary Jane Sobinski-Smith, and nephew, John Korona; and many additional nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Visitation will be held from 9 to 10 a.m., Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Rd., Enfield. Following visitation, a procession will leave the funeral home for a 10:30 a.m., Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at St. Patrick Church, Enfield. Committal will follow at St. Adalbert’s Cemetery.
Donations may be made in honor of Gertrude Korona to a charity of the donor’s choice.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.Leetestevens.com
Published by Journal Inquirer from May 25 to May 29, 2023.