1917 – 2016
Edwina Vaida passed from this life, after a short illness, on July 6, 2016 at the age of 99 years. She was surrounded by family, friends, and love.
Edwina was born on April 3, 1917 in East Lyme, CT to John Paul Jezierski and Antonia Wolowicz Jezierski. Mrs. Vaida is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Charles H. Vaida, her brothers, William, Edward and Wesley Jezierski, and her son Charles T. Vaida.
She is survived by her son Paul Kalman Vaida, his wife Cecelia Vaida and her daughter-in-law Patricia Vaida. Edwina was a grandmother to six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was the adored matriarch of the Vaida family.
Edwina graduated high school in East Lyme, CT. A woman before her time, with the support and encouragement of her father, she earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut in Sociology. Edwina worked as a guard in a women’s correction facility. To support her country during World War II, she then took a position United States Navy Underwater Sound Lab, in New London, CT working to detect submarines. In 1956, Edwina met her beloved husband, Charlie and moved to Phoenixville, CT to work at the family-owned Vaida Dairy Farm. Edwina went back to school and earned her Master’s degree in Education from Eastern Connecticut State University. She taught in the Eastford Elementary and Killingly Middle Schools. Edwina shared her passion for farm life and science with her students, many of whom still reside in the area and remember her fondly.
Edwina was an adventurous woman who enjoyed playing Scrabble, ice skating, swimming, canoeing, and sledding with her grandchildren when they were young. She and her husband enjoyed traveling together. Family and friends were first and foremost for Edwina. She and Charlie hosted gatherings and spent endless hours sharing meals and conversations at their home. Edwina was a dedicated UConn women’s basketball fan. She loved animals, singing, reading, caring for her gardens, watching hummingbirds, and eating chocolate. Edwina was a woman with great dignity who lived everyday appreciating the many gifts of nature and life.
There will be no calling hours and her memorial service will be private. Donations in her memory can be given to the Eastford Public Library or the Eastford Independent Fire Department. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Gilman And Valade Funeral Homes and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam. For memorial guestbook please visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Janice & Mark Chumsae
Paul, Cecelia, and family we are saddened by your loss. Edwina was a joy to be with. She is now reunited with her husband, parents and siblings. She lived a long, joyful life. You were all blest having her this long in your lives.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love and hugs to all of you.
Jen Donovan
Gram Vaida will truly be missed! Edwina was an incredible elegant lady full of love for her family. I have such fond memories growing up a part of the entire Vaida family. From our times at the lake and the farm, family dinners and ping pong in the basement. I’m blessed to have grown up a part of such a loving caring family. To all of the Vaida family, my sincere condolences and thank you for sharing Gram with me!
paul L dussault
A great Lady, I’m sure she will be sorely missed by all in the family. I am very sorry for your loss.
Madelyn Madow
To Paul, Cecelia, Pat – and the entire Vaida and Jezerski families – my sincerest condolences for your loss. Edwina’s many accomplishments, and her adventurous spirit, was an anomaly for most women of her generation. How privileged you must feel to have been loved by her. How honored you must be to have called her Mum, Gram or Edwina. May you find comfort in knowing she will be missed by many.
Eve Fields
I have such fond memories of Aunt Edwina. I had no idea that she had done such extraordinary things before marrying Uncle Charlie until I read her obituary. She had warmth, strength and independence ahead of her time. My condolences to Paul, Cecelia, Pat and all.
Kayla
My sincere condolences to the whole family. It was a pleasure to know Edwina.
Lucy and Phil O'Malley
To the entire Vaida family our sincere thoughts and prayers for your loss. You can be joyful for the wonderful long life she has lived. Now she can be with her parents and her beloved husband. Good rest her beautiful soul.
Lucy and Phil