Obituary for Gloria Teresa Wachowiak
Gloria T. (Vecchiarelli) Wachowiak passed away on February 7, 2024, at the age of 91. Remarkably, her departure coincided with the anniversary of her cherished husband's passing, Melvin J. Wachowiak, Sr., 21 years prior. Born to Angelo Vecchiarelli and Angelina (Santaniello) Vecchiarelli, Gloria was raised in East Longmeadow, MA, amidst the challenges of the Depression Era. Her upbringing instilled in her a profound sense of empathy and an unparalleled work ethic. As the eldest child in her family, Gloria assumed immense responsibility and provided unwavering support to her parents and siblings, embodying a stalwart presence of strength and kindness.
Her education went well beyond her years of formal schooling which concluded at the High School of Commerce in Springfield, MA. Gloria remained a lifelong learner and avid reader, which fed her intelligence and curiosity. For 67 years, Gloria called Enfield home, where she was a communicant of St. Adalbert’s parish and a patron of the Pearl Street branch of Enfield Libraries. Always a rule-follower, she did things “by the book” and when others did not, those who knew her could easily read her facial expression and knew how she felt. She was the memory keeper of the family and had an incredible ability to recall everyone’s birthday, the middle names and birth order of her many nieces and nephews, and so many other details throughout her well-lived life. Gloria dedicated over two decades of her life to serving the Town of Enfield, commencing in the Parks and Recreation department and culminating as the Secretary to the Public Works Department upon her retirement in 1997.
Alongside her husband of 47 years, Gloria excelled as a devoted wife and mother, nurturing their five children with love and wisdom in a home filled with laughter.
She is survived by her son Christopher Wachowiak and daughter-in-law Nancy of Poncha Springs, CO; daughter Mary Ballachino and Gloria’s “favorite son-in-law” Jeffrey of Old Lyme, CT; son Carl of Enfield, CT; eight grandchildren: Benjamin, Ariel, Nikolas, Natalie, Matthew Jr., Sarah, Emma, and Jacob; and five great-grandchildren: Kellen, Emery, Ryan, Blake, and Olive. Gloria is also survived by her sisters Mary Longo of East Longmeadow, MA; and Veronica LaSalandra of Enfield, CT; her brother Robert Vecchiarelli and sister-in-law Joyce of Arvada, CO; her sister-in-law Therese Vecchiarelli of Westfield, MA; her brother-in-law Joseph Joseph of Hampden, MA; her goddaughter Christine Berryman of Dearborn, MI; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
In addition to her husband Mel, Gloria was predeceased by her beloved sons Melvin Jr. and Matthew Sr., as well as her siblings Richard and Teresa.
Gloria lived a life characterized by compassion, resilience, and grace. Her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved her.
The funeral will be held on Friday, February 16th from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. at the Browne Memorial Chapels, 43 Shaker Road, Enfield, followed by an 11:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Martha Church, 214 Brainard Road, Enfield. Burial will immediately follow at St. Patrick’s King Street Cemetery, 1558 King Street, Enfield.
In honor of Gloria's passion for reading, the family suggests contributions to your local library in lieu of flowers.
Her education went well beyond her years of formal schooling which concluded at the High School of Commerce in Springfield, MA. Gloria remained a lifelong learner and avid reader, which fed her intelligence and curiosity. For 67 years, Gloria called Enfield home, where she was a communicant of St. Adalbert’s parish and a patron of the Pearl Street branch of Enfield Libraries. Always a rule-follower, she did things “by the book” and when others did not, those who knew her could easily read her facial expression and knew how she felt. She was the memory keeper of the family and had an incredible ability to recall everyone’s birthday, the middle names and birth order of her many nieces and nephews, and so many other details throughout her well-lived life. Gloria dedicated over two decades of her life to serving the Town of Enfield, commencing in the Parks and Recreation department and culminating as the Secretary to the Public Works Department upon her retirement in 1997.
Alongside her husband of 47 years, Gloria excelled as a devoted wife and mother, nurturing their five children with love and wisdom in a home filled with laughter.
She is survived by her son Christopher Wachowiak and daughter-in-law Nancy of Poncha Springs, CO; daughter Mary Ballachino and Gloria’s “favorite son-in-law” Jeffrey of Old Lyme, CT; son Carl of Enfield, CT; eight grandchildren: Benjamin, Ariel, Nikolas, Natalie, Matthew Jr., Sarah, Emma, and Jacob; and five great-grandchildren: Kellen, Emery, Ryan, Blake, and Olive. Gloria is also survived by her sisters Mary Longo of East Longmeadow, MA; and Veronica LaSalandra of Enfield, CT; her brother Robert Vecchiarelli and sister-in-law Joyce of Arvada, CO; her sister-in-law Therese Vecchiarelli of Westfield, MA; her brother-in-law Joseph Joseph of Hampden, MA; her goddaughter Christine Berryman of Dearborn, MI; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
In addition to her husband Mel, Gloria was predeceased by her beloved sons Melvin Jr. and Matthew Sr., as well as her siblings Richard and Teresa.
Gloria lived a life characterized by compassion, resilience, and grace. Her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved her.
The funeral will be held on Friday, February 16th from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. at the Browne Memorial Chapels, 43 Shaker Road, Enfield, followed by an 11:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Martha Church, 214 Brainard Road, Enfield. Burial will immediately follow at St. Patrick’s King Street Cemetery, 1558 King Street, Enfield.
In honor of Gloria's passion for reading, the family suggests contributions to your local library in lieu of flowers.