Gilda "Jill" Mckenna

Gilda "Jill" McKenna, 85, of Columbia, died January 2, 2015 at St. Joseph's Living Center in Windham, surrounded by her family and devoted caregivers. Jill was born January 3, 1929 in Jamestown, New York, daughter of John Fondi and Annemarie Guarino. Jill leaves behind her beloved spouse, Hugh McKenna, of Columbia, and two daughters: Michele Pare and her spouse, Andre, of Columbia; and Anne Burnham and her spouse, Jeffrey, of Chaplin. Jill also leaves behind five grandchildren who were the light of her life: Connor, Spencer and Sean Burnham; and Gracelyn and Abigail Pare. Jill is survived by her siblings, Margaret DeSimone, of Ormand Park, Florida, Chap DeSimone, of New Jersey, and Mary Cherrotte of Commack, New York, as well as numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. Jill was predeceased by her siblings Louise Terhune, Butch Fondi, Fred DeSimone and Bruno DeSimone. Jill's family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 from 5:00pm to 7:00 pm at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street, (Rte. 195) Willimantic. Her funeral mass will be held Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Columba Church, 328 Route 66, Columbia, meeting at church, with burial to follow at West Street Cemetery, Columbia. Jill's family extends heartfelt thanks to the entire staff of St. Joseph's Living Center, for the compassionate care they provided Jill these past two and a half years. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph's Living Center, 14 Club Road, Windham, CT 06280. For online memorial guest book please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com .