Gretchen Pokorny

Gretchen (Becker) Pokorny, 87, of Columbia passed away peacefully on Monday, November 3, 2025, at St. Joseph Living Center in Windham, Connecticut.

Born on January 14, 1938, at Windham Hospital, Gretchen was the daughter of the late George and Sophie (Ulrich) Becker. She attended Buchanan Elementary School in Mansfield and graduated from Windham High School with the Class of 1955.

On June 18, 1960, Gretchen married the love of her life, John Charles Pokorny, Sr., at St. Joseph’s Church in Willimantic. Together they shared nearly 44 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 2004.

Gretchen worked for many years at Sumner & Sumner Insurance Agency in Willimantic, beginning in July 1955 and continuing until her retirement in January 2000, apart from a few cherished years she took off to raise her children. Known fondly as the “Voice” of Sumner & Sumner, she welcomed everyone with her kindness, warmth, and ready smile.

Gretchen loved music, animals (especially dogs), cooking, her dear friends, and celebrating holidays—but above all, her greatest joy came from time spent with her family.

She is survived by her daughter, Cathy Pokorny-Slater and her husband Barry Slater; her son, John Pokorny, Jr.; her niece Sally Razak and her nephew Michael Becker and their families; her grandson Jeremy Slater and his family; and numerous friends who will miss her deeply.

Gretchen was predeceased by her sister Marianne Mann and her brother Emil Becker.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, from 10 to 12 PM at Potter Funeral Home 456 Jackson Street, Willimantic, Connecticut, followed by a 12 PM Chapel service at the funeral home. Burial will take place immediately after in the St. Joseph Cemetery on Club Road in Willimantic.

Gretchen’s family thanks the staff at St. Joseph Living Center for the compassionate care they gave Gretchen in her final months.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Gretchen’s memory may be made to the Mansfield Animal Shelter, 230 Clover Mill Rd, Storrs, CT 06268, or the Covenant Soup Kitchen, 220 Valley Street, Willimantic, CT 06226 (www.covenantsoupkitchen.org/donation).