1938
Gundula
2023
Gundula Brunhilde (Prietzel) Halpin
July 24, 1938 — July 1, 2023
Gundula Halpin Obituary
Gundula Brunhilde Prietzel, 84, of Mansfield, Conn., passed away quietly in her sleep on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Born in Northern Germany on July 24, 1938—in what was once known as the Province of Pomerania until it was dissolved in 1945 following World War II—she was the daughter of Fritz and Erika Prietzel.
Growing up during the aftermath of World War II in Germany proved to be an arduous childhood for her; she often shared stories of rummaging through bombed buildings as a child, searching for wood and any other items that could be burned to keep her baby brother warm. She later attended and graduated from a trade school with a Certificate in Photography. While working as a photographer in Wiesbaden, Germany, she met her husband Gerald Halpin, a soldier in the United States Army at the time.
At the age of 38 following the birth of her seventh child, she decided to start distance running, much like many of her children were already doing. Despite some of her sons doubting she could do it, she persevered and logged countless miles, participated in many road races, and ran two marathons, demonstrating just how strong-willed she truly was. Later in life, she enjoyed going on walks and being outdoors. She always loved art and was rather talented herself, spending many hours gardening, sewing, knitting, reading, or making jewelry. Her grandchildren carry memories of having sleepovers at her previous home in Colchester, Conn., which typically involved delicious German pancakes for breakfast the next morning.
The meaning behind the Germanic names Gundula and Brunhilde were “fight, secret/magic” and “protected by the shield,” respectively. During the final days of her life, she eagerly told those surrounding her who asked about her uncommon name that her name means: “she who fights with a shield and leads to victory in battle.” This is a perfect encapsulation of her character, as it emphasizes the magnitude of her strength, courage, spirit, and fiery compassion.
She was preceded in death by her husband Gerald Hamilton Halpin and grandson Austin Halpin. She is survived by her seven children: Andrew, Diana, Michael, Robert, Edward, Kerstin, and Steven; nine grandchildren: Celia, Evan, Cory, Erik, Brett, Alaina, Astrid, Avery, and Rebecca; sister Sabine Ruff; lifelong friend Erika Dauth; her beloved cat Hilda; and numerous extended family members and friends.
A celebration of her life will take place later this year with family, friends, and loved ones.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Gundula Brunhilde (Prietzel) Halpin, please visit our floral store.
Read More
Gundula Brunhilde Prietzel, 84, of Mansfield, Conn., passed away quietly in her sleep on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Born in Northern Germany on July 24, 1938—in what was once known as the Province of Pomerania until it was dissolved in 1945 following World War II—she was the daughter of Fritz and Erika Prietzel.
Growing up during the aftermath of World War II in Germany proved to be an arduous childhood for her; she often shared stories of rummaging through bombed buildings as a child, searching for wood and any other items that could be burned to keep her baby brother warm. She later attended and graduated from a trade school with a Certificate in Photography. While working as a photographer in Wiesbaden, Germany, she met her husband Gerald Halpin, a soldier in the United States Army at the time.
At the age of 38 following the birth of her seventh child, she decided to start distance running, much like many of her children were already doing. Despite some of her sons doubting she could do it, she persevered and logged countless miles, participated in many road races, and ran two marathons, demonstrating just how strong-willed she truly was. Later in life, she enjoyed going on walks and being outdoors. She always loved art and was rather talented herself, spending many hours gardening, sewing, knitting, reading, or making jewelry. Her grandchildren carry memories of having sleepovers at her previous home in Colchester, Conn., which typically involved delicious German pancakes for breakfast the next morning.
The meaning behind the Germanic names Gundula and Brunhilde were “fight, secret/magic” and “protected by the shield,” respectively. During the final days of her life, she eagerly told those surrounding her who asked about her uncommon name that her name means: “she who fights with a shield and leads to victory in battle.” This is a perfect encapsulation of her character, as it emphasizes the magnitude of her strength, courage, spirit, and fiery compassion.
She was preceded in death by her husband Gerald Hamilton Halpin and grandson Austin Halpin. She is survived by her seven children: Andrew, Diana, Michael, Robert, Edward, Kerstin, and Steven; nine grandchildren: Celia, Evan, Cory, Erik, Brett, Alaina, Astrid, Avery, and Rebecca; sister Sabine Ruff; lifelong friend Erika Dauth; her beloved cat Hilda; and numerous extended family members and friends.
A celebration of her life will take place later this year with family, friends, and loved ones.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Gundula Brunhilde (Prietzel) Halpin, please visit our floral store.
Read More
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gundula Brunhilde (Prietzel) Halpin, please visit our flower store.
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