Mary Elizabeth Gatzak

Mary Elizabeth (Collevechio) Gatzak, 91, of Wethersfield, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 23, 2014, at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late John P. Gatzak, Sr. for 46 years. Born and raised in PA, daughter of the late Amelio and Susan (Peruch) Collevechio she lived in Newington where she raised her family before moving to Wethersfield to live with her daughter Marlene. Mary had a strong commitment to her faith and was a devoted member of St. Mary's Church in Newington, its Ladies Guild, the Polish American Club Women's Auxiliary and the Traveler's Retiree Group. She loved to sing and was a gentle and loving woman who enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren. A beloved mother and grandmother, she leaves her two sons, Rev. John P. Gatzak, Director of Radio and Television for the Archdiocese of Hartford, with residence at the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Waterbury, and Robert P. Gatzak of Newington; her daughter Marlene Gatzak of Wethersfield, with whom she made her home for the last eight years and her four grandchildren, Christopher and Bobby Gatzak, and Lauren and Jenna DeMio, and many of their friends who also knew Mary as their beloved "Mema". She also leaves her sister Josephine Peroncik of Edison, NJ and several beloved nieces, nephews and dear friends. She was predeceased by her four brothers, Carlo, James, Francis and Alfred Collevechio. Mary's family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to her aides, Millie and Jocelyn Class for their care and compassion. Mary's funeral service will begin on Thursday at 9:45 a.m. at the Newington Memorial Funeral Home, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, Newington, with Rev. John P. Gatzak presiding. She will be laid to rest beside her husband in West Meadow Cemetery, Newington immediately following the Mass. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Newington Memorial. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mary's name may be made to The Office of Radio and Television, Archdiocese of Hartford, 15 Peach Orchard Rd. Prospect, CT 06712-1052, for the Celebration of the Eucharist, 10:00 a.m. Mass on WCCT TV. To share a memory with her family, please visit us at www.newingtonmemorial.com.