Antoinette Gwiazdowski
Niantic — Antoinette “Toni” Gwiazdowski, 99, a longtime resident of Norwich, died peacefully with family at her side at Fairview Odd Fellows Home in Groton on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017. Toni was predeceased by her cherished husband of 50 years, attorney Leo M. Gwiazdowski. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt.
Antoinette was born in Norwich on Jan. 9, 1918, to the late Frank and Grace (Pastore) Falcone. She was one of four children, and in her later years often expressed bittersweet amazement how she, who had experienced such frail health as a little girl, could be the one remaining — and about to reach her 100th birthday. She greatly missed her siblings — her beloved big sister, Rose Amodeo of Norwich, and her two younger brothers, Frank Falcone, also of Norwich, and Dr. Ralph Falcone of Paxton, Mass.
Toni graduated from The Norwich Free Academy, class of 1936, and continued her education at New London Business College to become an executive secretary. At NFA she met the love of her life, Leo. They married at St. Mary’s Church in the Greeneville section of Norwich on Feb. 1, 1943. It was World War II, and then Sgt. Leo was stationed stateside with the U.S. Army. Toni often shared many happy memories of those early years together living in Florida and Delaware, and, of course, the return to their hometown of Norwich after the war. They moved to Golden Street where they raised their two children, a son, Paul Gwiazdowski, now of Marlborough, Mass., and a daughter, now Carol Russell of Niantic. Toni and Leo were soulmates and their love touched us all. They hosted many fun-filled family gatherings, and were active members within the larger Norwich community. They enjoyed the simple things, like walks around the block, and the big things, like their trip to Italy. They were avid bridge players. And they loved joining in events or celebrations where lots of dancing would be involved!
Family was paramount for Toni. Her loving presence and guidance will be forever cherished and remembered by her grateful children, Paul and Carol, her grandson, David Gwiazdowski of New York City, her granddaughters, Jill Roderick of Niantic, and Amy Russell of Somerville, Mass., and her great-grandsons, Griffin and Keegan Roderick. Toni was predeceased by her beloved granddaughter, Chelsea Grace Russell. Toni was also the beloved family matriarch for her many nieces and nephews.
Toni was also a presence outside the home. In 1960, she supervised the federal census for Connecticut’s 2nd Congressional District. She is also a past president of the Norwich Women’s City Club. Toni retired from the City of Norwich where she served as the secretary to the Director of Public Works. During much of her retirement she served as a member of the Norwich Senior Commission.
Calling hours will be from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, at the Labenski Funeral Home, 107 Boswell Ave., Norwich, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, 120 Cliff St., Norwich. Burial will immediately follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Norwich.
To leave a condolence or share a memory, please visit www.labenskifuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Norwich Free Academy.