Gertrude D. Bitzkowski

Gertrude (Day) Bitzkowski, 85, of Mansfield Center, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away January 7, 2004 at the Windham Hospital after a brief illness. Gertrude was employed at the A&P Supermarket in Willimantic and later retired as a cook at St. Thomas Aquinas Rectory in Storrs. Gertrude loved watching UConn Men and Women's Basketball and faithfully never missed a game. She leaves behind her husband of 25 years, Benjamin S. Bitzkowski, her son Russell F. Giard and his wife Karen of Willimantic, a stepson Jerry E. Bitzkowski of South Windsor, 2 grandchildren, Michelle Giard, Dawn Stewart and her husband Vance of Willimantic. She also leaves behind a great a great granddaughter Emily May Stewart, many nieces and nephews, several close friends. Three brothers and a sister predeceased her. There will be a gathering at the Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., Rte. 195, Willimantic on Saturday at 9:15 a.m. prior to the procession to her Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, Willimantic. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Windham. There are no calling hours. Donations may be made in Gertrude's honor to St. Joseph Renovation Fund, 99 Jackson St. Willimantic, CT 06226. Please visit www.potterfh.com for directions and online memorial guestbook.