Loretta Sarnowski Durand

Loretta Leontine (Thiffeault) Sarnowski Durand, 95, of Baltic,CT, died peacefully after a brief illness, on Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012 at Harrington Court in Colchester CT. She was born on Oct. 7, 1917 in Willimantic, CT the daughter of Joseph and Ardina (Garceau) Thiffeault. Loretta was predeceased by her nine siblings, Anthony, Rose Alma, Henry, Yvonne, Emil, Eugene, Dennis, William and Armand. She was also predeceased by her husbands Stanley Sarnowski and Joseph Leo Durand. Affectionally known as Mom, Gram, Great Gram and Aunt Loretta, she leaves two daughters Barbara Bioty and her husband Joseph of Dennisport, MA and Carol Shefer and her partner Kenneth Allyn of Baltic, CT. She is also survived by her four grandsons "The Boys", Stephen Bioty and his wife Lisa of Guilford CT, Christopher Bioty and his wife Kathleen of Marshfield MA, Timothy Shefer and his wife Sherry of Uncasville CT, and Shawn Shefer and his partner Karla Bragdon of Hanover, CT. She is also survived by her precious great grandchildren, Ashlee, Courtnee, Haylee, Ava, and Olivia Shefer; Isabella, Abigail, Jaiden, John, Grace, and Charles Bioty. Loretta will be missed by her special friend Barbara Alfiero of Baltic, CT. She is also survived by a sister in law Helen (Sarnowski) Light and her husband David of Windham Center, CT and numerous nieces and nephews. She spent most of her early years working in various manufacturing plants in Willimantic, CT. After retirement she moved to Baltic, CT and especially enjoyed her time volunteering at the Sprague Library helping children enjoy her love of books. Her family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday Dec. 12th between 10:00 and 11:00am at Potter Funeral Home 456 Jackson St., (Rte. 195) Willimantic, CT prior to the celebration of her Funeral Mass at 11:30am at St. Joseph Church, 99 Jackson St. Willimantic, CT. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Windham, CT. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to the Sprague Public Library, 1 Main Street, Baltic, CT 06330. For an online memorial guestbook and directions to the funeral home, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com .