Kalinka Gospodinoff Gateff

KALINKA GOSPODINOFF GATEFF, 92, of Greenwich, died on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at home with family by her side. She was born on May 20, 1919 in Selo Kormiansko, Bulgaria, the daughter of the late Elia and Neda Gospodinoff. In 1935, she came to Greenwich with her mother and two brothers to join her father, who had come to this country in 1928 to make a better life for his family. Her greatest joy was when her family came to visit and her home was always open to everyone. She delighted in cooking for her family and when our plates were empty, she would always add more. She also loved caring for her flowers and vegetable garden. Even in her final days, she wanted to take care of her garden. She always looked forward to the summer, where she was a regular at Island Beach, spending many hours swimming and sunning. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have many fond memories with her there. Kalinka was predeceased by her loving husband, Danko, in 1993. She is survived by a son, Eli D. Gateff and his wife, Esther, of Springfield, Va.;, and a daughter, Penie Jarrett and her husband, Bill of Stamford; her grandchildren, John M. Gateff and his wife, Carrie, David Gateff, Tammy Perrone and her husband, Greg, Eli M. Gateff and his wife, Wendy, Cindy Wettenstein and her husband, Paul, Christine Cocchia and her husband, Dave, Cathy Linask and her husband Erik; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter. In addition, she was predeceased by her brother, Pencho, and her brother, Din, who joined her in Heaven two days after she passed. Family and friends may visit at Castiglione Funeral Home on 134 Hamilton Avenue, in Greenwich, Connecticut on Sunday, September 18th from 4 to 8 pm. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, September 19th at 11 am at Castiglione Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Putnam Cemetery.