Shirley Gandza Obituary

Shirley (Shorey) Gandza (90) of West Hartford, wife of the late Nicholas Gandza, passed away on December 6th, 2022. She was born to the late Vernleigh and Florence (MacDonald) Shorey on May 5th, 1932. She attended the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, Connecticut and spent nearly four decades teaching middle school. Shirley leaves behind her three children Brenda Brede (Jeffery), Carol Zenke (Scott), and Michael Gandza (Donna); five grandchildren Scott Zenke Jr (Jennifer), Nancy Dawicki (Thomas), Matthew Brede (Carissa), Douglas Brede (Anastasia), and Nicholas Gandza (Amy); as well as six great-grandchildren Carson Zenke, Mia Zenke, Sloane Dawicki, Rowan Dawicki, Faye Dawicki, and Mackenzie Brede. She was predeceased by her sister Beverly McKeon and brother-in-law Bob McKeon. Shirley took great pride in her Scottish heritage and was knowledgeable on many different cultures. She spent many summers at Chalker Beach in Old Saybrook, Connecticut with friends and family. Shirley enjoyed trips to the casino with members of the Elmwood Senior Center, playing bridge with her long standing group of friends, and spending time with family. She was fond of bird watching, yard sales, antiques collecting and flowers - particularly orchids. Shirley will be buried in a private ceremony at Fairview Cemetery in West Hartford, Connecticut with her late husband. In lieu of flowers, in Shirley's honor, please perform an act of kindness to brighten someone's life. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com

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Published by Hartford Courant on Dec. 11, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Gandza

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9 Entries

Chris Rutsch

July 31, 2024

I was in Mrs. Gandza's fifth grade class in 1986 and, wow, what a teacher! I remember her propensity to stray from the curriculum and allow us tons of free reign to work on and learn about what interested us most, individually, in an unstructured environment. Ahead of her time!

Many of the things I learned at Roaring Brook are lost to memory...but Mrs. Gandza's teachings, outside the curriculum, I'm sure, about the local history of Avon and the amazing field trip she led us on to so many historical spots within Avon are things I'll never forget.

To this day, whenever I drive through town, I still point out where the old school house on Lovely Street is. She managed to get the homeowner let us inside! And I can pull the name Ebenezer Booge out of a hat, from the 1700's, because of her teachings at the old, hidden, off the road Cider Brook Cemetery off of Waterville Road.

I keenly remember the bus driver, Bud, questioning her repeatedly -- you want me to turn up there? Mrs. Ganda, deadpanning, "Yes.".

What an amazing teacher. What an amazing lady.

Michelle Gladue

January 11, 2023

Shirley was a colleague and mentor at Roaring Brook School. I was a brand new teacher who was also taking graduate classes, and she helped me learn the ropes. I am so grateful for having known her.

David Cohen

December 17, 2022

Dear Brenda, Carol and Mike and all your families.....
I just heard about your Mom's passing and both my Mom Florence and I wanted to send our most heartfelt condolences.
I remember your Mom always greeting me with a sincere and warm greeting, and always asking about the family.
Many fond memories at Chalker Beach and of your big clan.
May your Mom rest in peace and may her memory be a comfort to all who mourn.
Dave Cohen

Brian P Quigley

December 13, 2022

Mrs. Gandza was a great teacher who made an impact in my life. The world is diminished without her in it.

Dan Diachenko

December 12, 2022

Mrs. Gandza was by far one of my favorite teachers. Not only was I lucky enough to have her for homeroom, but also as my history teacher at Avon Middle School. She was a great influence on me and also had a heart of gold. In fact, every time I would go back to visit the middle school years after, I would ALWAYS make it a point to say hi to Mrs. Gandza! (followed by a hug of course!) I send my heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Gandza's family. Humanity has lost an incredible person, but the lessons she taught us and memories we cherish energize our souls. Sincere regards, Dan Diachenko

Jon Elliott

December 12, 2022

I will miss Shirley. She was a wonderful colleague, and an even more wonderful friend. The kids loved her and she loved them. My condolences to the family. Jon

Lil Diachenko

December 11, 2022

Shirley was a wonderful colleague and friend at Avon Middle School. She gave her all to the students and staff, who loved her dearly! My condolences to her family and friends. She will be missed..... especially those bright mischievous blue eyes!
Lil Diachenko

Jan Brennan

December 11, 2022

My first teaching assignment was on a wonderful fifth grade team of which Shirley was a part. Her support and compassion are as poignant as the ever-present sparkle in her eyes! She made a lasting impression on her colleagues as well as her students. May I speak for the thousands of us who will remember her fondly.

Lisa Cleveland

December 11, 2022

I have many fond memories working with Shirley at Avon Middle School. She always cared for the students she taught. She will be missed. My deepest sympathies to her entire family who she loved dearly.

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