Evelyn Z. (Zemina) Budzinski

Evelyn Z. Budzinski, 97, passed away at home in Mansfield on March 27, 2024. She was born on May 22, 1926, in Hamden, Connecticut, the daughter of Mary (Cavar) and William Zemina.  She was a woman of remarkable spirit and grace who was fiercely independent and touched the lives of all who knew her.

Evelyn worked for many years for the state of Connecticut at the Mansfield State Training School. Her work ethic and attention to detail were unmatched, leaving a legacy of efficiency and care that remained long after her retirement.

Beyond her professional contributions, Evelyn was a talented seamstress, creating countless beautiful outfits for herself and her beloved daughter Carol, including complex and intricate garments such as gowns and suits.  When her children were still in school and before she began working for the state, she worked part-time for numerous years in the domestics department of a local department store, where she became well-known for her creativity and sewing skills. She was often asked to help set up other stores.

A testament to her vitality, Evelyn embraced a healthy, active lifestyle, walking three miles several times a week and tending to her own yard work until she was in her early 90s. She took meticulous care of her flower and vegetable gardens, which were a source of pride and enjoyment.

Evelyn's love for her home was evident in every corner of her meticulously kept Mansfield residence. Her pride in her surroundings was a reflection of the pride she took in her personal life, and her fierce independence was an inspiration to all. Even after she moved in with her daughter in her later years, the essence of her caring and attention to detail remained ever-present.

Music and literature were among Evelyn's greatest pleasures. She was an avid reader until her final days, immersing herself in countless books of different genres. She had accumulated a large collection of CDs over the years of different styles and artists and she enjoyed having music playing in her home.

Above all, Evelyn's greatest joy was her family. She was a loving mother to her children, Carol and Stanley Budzinski, of Mansfield and Willimantic, respectively, and cherished the memory of her son Steven Budzinski and her granddaughter Jacquelyn Nicole Smith, both of whom predeceased her. She very much loved her great-grandchildren, Sage Budzinski and Shawn Paul Budzinski.  Additionally, Evelyn's numerous nieces and nephews also held a special place in her heart. She also enjoyed the friendship and conversation of numerous friends of her daughter’s, who visited frequently in later years.

Besides her parents, she also was predeceased by her brother William of Wallingford and sister Doris Braccidiferro of Willington. She and her sister and brother-in-law Andy Braccidiferro had an extremely close bond, enjoying visits and conversations, along with excursions to the casinos, shopping, restaurants, and senior bus trips together. She deeply missed them after Andy’s death in 2016 and Doris’s in 2017.

Evelyn lived her life with a selflessness that knew no bounds, always putting the needs of others before her own. Her loving presence will be profoundly missed, but the impact of her kindness and the memories she created will live on forever.  As we say farewell to this extraordinary woman, we take comfort in knowing that her legacy will continue to inspire us and we will hold onto the love she shared with us all.

There are no calling hours. Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 11:00 am at Baptist Fellowship Church, 195 Rt.6, Columbia, CT. Burial will be private at a separate time. 

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