Kathleen Willinsky

WILLINSKY, KATHLEEN (PARODI) Kathleen (Parodi) Willinsky, of East Haven, formerly of Portland and Moodus, died peacefully on Wednesday, November 27th at Village at Mariner’s Point after a courageous nine year battle with ovarian cancer. Kathleen was born on January 3, 1944, in Middletown, daughter of the late Frank J. and Catherine (Shea) Parodi. She was a 1962 graduate of Nathan Hale Ray High School and a graduate of Central Connecticut State University. A devoted member of St. Mary’s Church in Portland, she taught English and Spanish at Portland and Valley Regional High Schools and home tutored students with illnesses and students pursuing their GED. Kathleen is survived by four children: Karen Campo and her husband, David, of Enfield, CT; Michael Willinsky and his wife, Sheila, of Chester, NH; Jeanne Willinsky of Branford, CT; and Brian Willinsky of Medford, MA. She is also survived by her sister, Nancy (Parodi) Schroeder and her husband, Marc, of East Haddam, CT. Kathleen was also the loving grandmother to four grandchildren: Jonathan Robertson, Nicholas Robertson, Matthew Campo, and Jewel Willinsky; Her former husband is William Willinsky of Portland. Those who knew Kathleen will remember her love for family, particularly her children and grandchildren, along with her humor, quick wit and sarcasm, homemade raviolis, devotion to UConn basketball and the Boston Red Sox, and most importantly, her commitment to helping others in need in so many different ways. Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown is in charge of arrangements. Friends and family may attend calling hours on Sunday, December 1st from 4 to 7 p.m. A Funeral Liturgy will be held on Monday, December 2nd at 11a.m. at St. Bridget of Kildare Church at 75 Moodus Leesville Road in Moodus followed by a reception for family and friends. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Kathleen’s family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at Village at Mariner’s Point, The Connecticut Hospice and Dr. Thomas Rutherford and his staff at Yale-New Haven Hospital for their friendship, support, comforting care and compassion during her journey. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Kathleen’s memory to one of the following: Dr. Ursula Matulonis Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, c/o Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215. Office of Development; Attn: Smilow Cancer Center; Yale-New Haven Hospital; PO Box 1849; New Haven, CT 06508-9979