Christine "Chrissy" Gawrys

Christine Gawrys, 71, of Plainville, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 4, leaving her family and friends both shocked and saddened. Chrissy was predeceased by her parents, Stanley and Lena (Morante) Gawrys; her beloved cousin Rusty Camp; and, just two months ago, her cousin-in-law, Paul Lickwar, whom she absolutely adored.

Chrissy attended school in Plainville and then graduated from Central Connecticut State University. She worked many years as a trainer at The Hartford, but her first love was early and elementary education. For the last several years, Chrissy worked at St. Luke Catholic School in Southington, and she often remarked how it was the best job she had ever had. She frequently shared stories about classes, activities, and students along with how many hugs she had gotten on any particular day. The children of St. Luke held a very special and prominent place in Chrissy’s heart.

And that heart was made of pure gold. Chrissy lived to make others happy and bring them joy. She made friends wherever she went, literally. If she discovered a shop she particularly liked, it wasn’t long before she was friends with the owner, bringing them homemade pizzelles. If she found a restaurant she loved, she frequented it regularly, told everyone else about it, and often stopped by with gifts for the employees. She grew close to several of Lena’s caregivers too, many of whom she kept in contact with over the years. Chrissy considered her neighbors in her tight-knit cul-de-sac to be members of her family too, and she enjoyed catching up with them as she worked on her lawn and garden, both areas of pride for her. Chrissy was always thinking of these people and others, often buying birthday and Christmas gifts well in advance, especially if something caught her eye at one of the many craft fairs she visited with her sister, Kathy, all across Connecticut.

Chrissy’s favorite place to be was the beach, particularly Old Saybrook and Old Lyme. In recent years, she spent many days at the home of her good friend, Joe Berarducci. The two especially enjoyed cooking and baking together and, when apart, sharing their latest creations with each other, regularly driving the distance between Plainville and Old Saybrook to drop something off on the other’s porch for delightful end-of-day surprises.

Chrissy is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and David Kershaw of Southington, and it is perhaps Kathy and Dave who will feel the loss of Chrissy most profoundly. Kathy and Chrissy often spent the whole of their weekends together, shopping in their favorite hidden gems; driving to their favorite locations across the state, including Old Wethersfield and the towns of Litchfield County, particularly Kent and Washington; and stopping by to visit their many, many friends.

Chrissy also leaves behind her cousins, many of whom were among her best friends: Kathie (Camp) Lickwar, Rosemary Morante, Joanne (Morante) Thibault, and Charlie Morante. She also leaves behind her lifelong friends, Linda Kohl, Wanda LaChance, and Jane Prior, as well as all those people with whom she shared a smile, story, or laugh as she went about her days. This includes her devoted, lovely, and warm coworkers at St. Luke whom she grew close to in recent years.

Chrissy’s heart was second to none, and it is that generosity and love that we will all remember in the difficult days ahead.

Visiting hours will be Saturday, March 14, from 10:00 am to noon, with a prayer service immediately following, at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad Street, Plainville. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, Chrissy’s family asks that you consider a donation to St. Luke Catholic School. It is in this way that Chrissy can continue to make a lasting impact on the children she so loved.

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