Gloria Ducharme's Obituary
Gloria F. Ducharme, 83, of Stafford Springs, CT, wife of the late William R. Ducharme, Sr., passed away on Thursday, April 21, 2011 at Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT. She was born in Stafford Springs, CT, daughter of the late Valentino and Elizabetta (Campo) Fontanella. She was a graduate of Stafford High School, received her Bachelor’s in Music from the New England Conservatory of Music, and later in life earned her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and Master’s in Reading from Eastern Connecticut State University. Gloria retired as third grade teacher from St. Edward School, and taught private piano lessons out of her home for over 40 years. She was a member of St. Edward Parish, Stafford Senior Center, and the director of the Golden Tones. She was awarded the honor of Stafford Citizen of the Year in 2003. After her retirement, Gloria spent her time volunteering at Evergreen Health Care Center where she played piano twice a week for many years, as well as tutoring at St. Edward School where she was known as “Grandmama”. She was an avid UCONN basketball fan and loved traveling, her beautiful flower gardens, and had a great appreciation for the arts, especially opera. Gloria is survived by her son, William R. Ducharme, Jr. and his wife Patricia of Stafford Springs, CT; three daughters, Andrea Brunelle and her husband Robert of Sebastian, FL, Nancy Glinsky and her husband Michael of Woodstock, CT, and Krista Hicks and her husband David of Stafford Springs, CT; six grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; brother; Aldo “Tracy” Fontanella and his wife Agnes; sister, Elda Bruce; five sisters-in-law, Paula, Frieda, Esther, and Linda Fontanella, and Virginia Baxter; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by four brothers, Ateo, Alfio, Duffy, and Alfred Fontanella; and two sisters, Lillian Panciera and Dora Kellner. Her funeral will be held on Thursday, April 28, 2011, with a procession forming by 10 A.M. at Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., 51 East Main St., Stafford Springs, CT, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 A.M. at St. Edward Church, High St., Stafford Springs, CT. Burial will follow in St. Edward Cemetery, Stafford Springs, CT. Calling hours are on Wednesday from 5-8 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the St. Edward School Memorial Fund, 6 Benton St., Stafford Springs, CT 06076. For online condolences or directions, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com
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