Gerda Marion Woelk

Gerda Woelk

February 10, 1932 – December 6, 2020

Gerda Marion Woelk, a life-long resident of Manchester, CT, died unexpectedly, on Sunday, December 6, 2020 at the wonderful age of 86. Gerda was born in Manchester on February 10, 1934 to late Alfred Marion and Gertrude Louise (Foth) Woelk.

Gerda was a compassionate, happy and thoughtful sister, aunt, friend and neighbor, who loved others unconditionally. Her family is heartbroken to say goodbye to such a special person, whose love and care for others extended far beyond her family and friends to include all creatures and the world around her.

Gerda was a graduate of Manchester High School, class of 1952, and a faithful member of St. Teresa of Calcutta Roman Catholic Church of Manchester. She worked as a head file clerk at Connecticut General Insurance Company of Hartford, and following her retirement, devoted many years to volunteering and caring for children of friends, family, and neighbors.

During her lifetime, Gerda shared her passions for growing African violets, baking cookies, crocheting prayer shawls and potholders, listening to Christmas records, and telling jokes. She loved dressing up for Halloween, decorating for Christmas and always sent a card for birthdays. She was a master at games and often beat her nieces and nephews playing Racko and Pokeno. She enjoyed a hot turkey dinner and sitting by a roaring fire on Vermont family vacations. How thrilled she was every time it snowed! Gerda’s qualities of kindness, gentleness, love, and laughter are the precious legacy she leaves us.

Gerda is survived by her three sisters, Ursula Woelk of Manchester, CT, with whom she lived most of her life, Christel Carini of Martinsburg, PA and Jane Vichi of Bellingham, MA. “Auntie Gerda” exemplified what it means to be an aunt and is deeply missed by her nine nieces and nephews, including Peter Vichi (Shuk Yuen), Paul Vichi (Barbara Aitken), Thomas Vichi (Patricia), Miriam Beck (John), Christopher Carini, Timothy Carini, Rosemary Betar (Stephen), Margaret Carini, and Cathy Carini, 18 great nieces and nephews and a great great niece and nephew, all whom she loved dearly. She also leaves behind 14 cousins and extended family in the US, Canada and Germany.

Gerda was laid to rest in a private graveside ceremony on Friday, December 11, 2020 at St. James Cemetery, Manchester, CT officiated by the Reverend Jamie Maldonado of St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish. A funeral Mass and celebration of Gerda’s life will be held at a later date. In her memory, tell a joke, wear purple, play a game, bake cookies and enjoy the snow! Donations in her honor may be sent to St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, 80 Main St. Manchester, CT 06042.

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