Obituary: Sylvia B. Sumski, age 82

Sylvia B. (Gruda) Sumski, 82, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus, on Friday, February 8, 2013. A longtime resident of Milford, she was the wife of the late Edward F. Sumski.

A proud member of 1199 Healthcare Workers Union, she also served several terms as a Union delegate advocating for working conditions and quality compassionate care for the elderly. She worked as a nurses aide at Pond Point Skilled Nursing Facility in Milford for many years until her retirement.

Gardening was a passion she enjoyed along with her daughter Monica. Both would often discuss what new plants to add to their garden at the first sign of spring. Their flower gardens were tended to with love and were beautiful in full bloom.

Passersby would often ask for gardening tips or a clipping of a plant. She used to love sitting on her front porch especially when young couples would pass by imagining that they too would be inspired one day to plant their own seeds creating a beautiful garden and beautiful life.

Together, she and Monica would fill the bird feeders they had placed in the backyard and then sit on the back deck and marvel at the variety of birds that would come to feed.

The mother of seven children, she was predeceased by her eldest daughter Michele Sumski, son Mark E. Sumski and youngest daughter Marguerite M. Sumski. Surviving children are Mary Sumski-Tsolis and husband William, Edward F. Sumski, Jo-Anne Sumski-Peregrim and husband David, and Monica Sumski-Hanson.

She also is survived by her beloved son-in-laws Paul E. Chadbourne of East Haven and Robert M. Hanson of Milford. Her beloved grandchildren Paul “PJ” Chadbourne and wife Wendy, Melissa Hanson-Tanner and husband David, Mark M. Sumski, Jr., Katherine “Katie” Chadbourne-Toth and husband Richard, Andrew Chadbourne, Danielle “Dani” Marie Peregrim, David James “DD” Peregrim, Michael Sumski, Amanda Sumski and her special Angel Robert “Bubba” Hanson. She is also survived by several great grand-children.