Patricia Ann (Tenczar) Gardella

Patricia Gardella passed peacefully at age 82 on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at her home in Voluntown, Connecticut after a prolonged battle with chronic illness.  She was foremost a beloved wife and mother, but also a teacher, friend and community member who touched the lives of many.  She leaves a hole in our world that cannot be filled and we will miss her for all our remaining days.

Born in Jewett City, Connecticut, Patricia had a lifelong love of learning.  She attended Plainfield Parochial Schools, Griswold High School, Teacher’s College of Connecticut and ultimately received her Master’s Degree from the University of Connecticut.  She was a respected teacher who worked at elementary schools in Canterbury, Norwich and Voluntown.  She loved to follow her students’ careers and took great pride in their achievements.  She often remarked fondly on her former students and their parents.

Throughout her life, Patricia was active in her community.  She was a Cub Scout Den Mother, a President of the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Voluntown Fire Company and a member of the Voluntown School Board.  She was also a member of the Voluntown 250th Anniversary Committee and subsequent town festival committees.  Patricia loved animals and enjoyed birdwatching, reading and traveling.  She was an excellent baker and was skilled at identifying wild plants and mushrooms.  She was well-traveled, having visited many parts of the United States and Canada, including the Grand Canyon, and numerous other countries in Europe and Latin America.

Patricia was a devoted wife of 59 years to Louis Gardella, whom she met in high school, and a loving mother to her children Gregory Gardella and Kristen Gardella.  She was predeceased by her parents, Catherine and John, and is survived by her husband Louis, her son Gregory and his partner Ida Parker and her daughter Kristen and her husband Montana Norvell.

Services will be private.  In lieu of sending flowers, the family invites you to make a donation to the charity of your choice in Patricia’s honor.

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