Josephine Shinder

Josephine Mary Gaetano Shinder was taken from this life and entered into the arms of God joining her mother and father, May 14, 2009. She was surrounded by her loving family, leaving her true love and husband, Ray Shinder; her loving sister, Florence Gaetano Tulin and her husband, Mark Tulin; and her loving brother, Philip Gaetano. Along with her family, she will be missed by many colleagues and friends.
Born March 21, 1950 in Alife, Caserta, Italy, she was the daughter of Umberto and Angela (Fusco) Gaetano. She came to the United States at the age of 6 years old. She was an acute intellectual, a brilliant and uncompromising scholar. She had a passion for sharing her gifts and in doing so, earned many degrees during her successful career. She began with her undergraduate degree in education from Cental Connecticut State University, thereafter receiving her master's degree in business administration from the University of Hartford, a master's degree of professional studies in health services administration from Quinnipiac College and then achieving a sixth year and administrative certificate from CCSU.
She was a dedicated and gifted educator for 36 years. Her 30-year career with the Southington school system began as a middle school teacher for the gifted and talented students. She moved on to teach English at the high school, and spearheaded the business school partnership as the administrator. She later accepted the position as the assistant head of the English Department. During the 30 years with the Southington school system, she taught at CCSU as a member of the adjunct faculty, and was also an instructor with the Alternate Route to Teacher Certification. In 2004, she joined the East Haven school system as an administrator (instructional leader) of the English Department, enabling her to put her experiences and visions into helping students create and achieve their visions and goals. One of the most touching tributes to her legacy was when a graduating student wrote on a car window, "Mrs. Shinder gave me wings."
Her interest in the continual well-being for the Southington community included her service on the board of directors at Bradley Memorial Hospital, and the Southington Rotary Club. As a member of the Southington Chamber of Commerce, she co-organized the Southington Apple Harvest Festival, concentrating on the arts and entertainment and parade.
She saw life through an artist's eyes. Whether she was creating art, traveling, gardening or cooking, she created artistic poetry, transforming something ordinary into the extraordinary. She was always excited by life's possibilities and loved to share all of her experiences with her family and friends.
Her funeral was held May 20, 2009, from the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, Southington, to St. Dominic Church. Burial will be in St. Thomas Cemetery.
At her request, direct donations to the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center, in care of Hartford Hospital, Attn: Fund Development, 80 Seymour St., P.O. Box 5037, Hartford, CT 06102. Forms are available at the Web site hartfordhospital.com.