Obituary: Stella (Strusinski) Klukis Dies at 103

MIDDLEBURY – Mrs. Stella (Strusinski) Klukis, 103, of Middlebury, formerly of Naugatuck, passed away on Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at Middlebury Convalescent Home.  She was the widow of John Klukis. 

Mrs. Klukis was born in Naugatuck on August 30, 1907, a daughter of the late John and Apolonia (Prill) Strusinski. She attended St. Hedwig School and later worked in various local factories throughout her life. She was a loyal caregiver for her mother until her mother passed away at 90 years of age. Although a tiny woman, Stella was blessed with a strong will, stamina, and good health through all her years. To those who knew her well, her unique sense of humor and her special stories of old will be missed.

Stella was predeceased by her four brothers, Felix, Frank, William, and John; and her sister, Anna Raczkowski. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Dorothy Strusinski of Naugatuck; nieces, Doris Novakowski of Waterbury and Patricia Mitchell of Florida; grandnephews, William Novakowski of Mass. and Jon Novakowski of Prospect; great-grand nephews, Paul, Gary, and James Novakowski; and a great-grand niece, Anna Novakowski.

Family and friends are asked to meet directly at St. Hedwig Church, 32 Golden Hill Street, Naugatuck for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated on Saturday, July 9 at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery, Cross Street, Naugatuck. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers and donations, the family requests that you perform a good deed in honor of Stella’s long life. To send an on-line condolence, please visit www.naugatuckvalleymemorial.com