Pauline Kuzmich

KUZMICH Pauline Kuzmich, age 88, of Shelton, entered into rest on Friday, October 30, 2009, at Bridgeport Hospital with her daughter by her side. She was the devoted wife of 61 years of the late John Kuzmich, Jr.. Pauline was born in Boston, Mass., on May 19, 1921, daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Burin. She settled in Shelton after her marriage and lived there for the remainder of her life. She worked as a bookkeeper for many years and as a sales clerk at the former Read's and Jordan Marsh in Derby. She was also a former choir director at the Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church in New Haven. Pauline greatly enjoyed arts and crafts projects, especially needlepoint, crochet, and ceramic works, that she donated to organizations in need. She will best be remembered by those who knew her as a lifelong and selfless caregiver, who faced the many challenges life presented her with grace, dignity, and love. She is the beloved mother of Sandra Kuzmich and her companion, Gregoire Sideleau. Pauline embraced her life in Shelton after her marriage with a lifelong bond with her husband's cousin, Florence Malec and her husband, Walt. The countless hours spent together at picnics, holidays, impromptu family gatherings, and later the bus trips to the casinos brought joy and happiness to Pauline. Pauline's survivors also include Walt and Florence's daughters, Margaret Boos of Shelton and Jane Barth of Ansonia. She is also survived by two sisters, Vera Dalton and Mary Kazenek, and several nieces and nephews. She was also predeceased by two sisters, Helen and Katherine Burin. Friends are invited to greet the family at the Edward F. Adzima Funeral Home, 253 Elizabeth Street, Derby, on Monday from 4 to 6 p.m. Her funeral service will be private, and burial will take place at Pine Grove Cemetery in Ansonia. Contributions can be made in her memory to the Alzheimer's Association Connecticut Chapter, 279 New Britian Road, Suite 5, Kensington, CT 06037. If you are unable at attend, please offer condolences online at www.riverviewfh.com. Sandy and Greg wish to thank all of the staff at Atria Assisted Living in Stratford for the caring and kindness they gave to Pauline during her many years at the residence. Particular thanks go to the CNAs in the Life Guidance Neighborhood, especially to Debbie, Claire, April, April, Liz, Carol, Melanie, Phyllis, Diane, and Rochelle. Thanks also go to Eartha, who shared many evenings with Pauline, and a very special thank you is sent to Pauline's companion Luz, whose never-ending energy and kindness added so much joy and love to Pauline's life.