Gwendolyn (Bache) Gunther

Gwendolyn Gunther, 87, of Ansonia, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, August 20th 2020 at Griffin Hospital in Derby, surrounded by her loving family following a brief illness.

Born on Waverly Place in Greenwich Village on June 28th, 1933, Gwen was the daughter of the late Theodore and Ruth (Lawyer) Bache. Following an early childhood in New York City, Gwen and her family moved to Grant Street in Milford, Connecticut.

In addition to her home in Milford, she would travel to visit her beloved family in Dayton, Ohio for extended periods of time. Following her mother’s untimely death when she was 23, Gwen stepped in to care for brothers Theodore and Robert.

A graduate of Milford High School’s Class of 1951, Gwen married Edward J. Voccola in 1957. She, her husband, and two stepdaughters, Jean Marie and Diane, lived in a loving home in Trumbull, Connecticut and raised their family.

In addition, Gwen was involved in the community outreach alongside her husband, participating in local programs and fundraisers through their family’s bicycle shop in Bridgeport, Rocky Voccola, Inc. on East Main Street.

Later in life, Gwen went on to lead a career as a corporate relocation professional at Richardson-Vicks of Shelton, as well as organizing and managing rated horse shows. She furthered her education by taking courses at Sacred Heart University and Housatonic Community College.

Following Edward’s passing in 1996, Gwen moved from Shelton to Waterbury, where she lived with her partner Charlie Suglia for several years, along with their beloved dog Chadwick.

She also spent several years living in Tucson, Arizona with sister in-law Gerri Bache, until finally residing with her daughter Elaine and her family in Ansonia.

Gwen was a devoted sister, mother, stepmother, grandmother, step grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend. She carried a great love for her family and friends, and a deep admiration for her children and grandchildren.

Along with the love she carried for her friends and family, Gwen was an avid supporter of the arts. She loved attending concerts and plays with her friends, as well as a passionate hobby of painting and reading.

In her leisure time, Gwen could be found playing bridge with her friends, and Scrabble with her grandchildren. She was also an avid traveler, visiting countries such as England, Portugal, Switzerland and Egypt. In addition, Gwen drove annually to Ohio to reunite with her cousins.

Gwen is survived by her younger brother Robert Bache (Mary) of Niantic; children Edward Voccola (Jody) of California; Elaine Edwards of Ansonia; Marlene Piscioniere of Seymour; stepchildren Jean Marie Melita (Russell) of Bethlehem; Diane Lawler (Pepper) of Lordship; loving grandchildren Vannah Barger (David) of East Hartford; Kyle Piscioniere of Massachusetts; Matthew Edwards (Riley) of New Britain; Julia Piscioniere (Brianna) of Seymour; and Jason Edwards of Ansonia; along with many loving nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, friends and caregivers. Additionally, Gwen will be missed by her loving canine companions, Eloise and Lilly.

Gwen was predeceased by her loving husband of 26 years, Edward J. Voccola, partner Charlie Suglia, brother Theodore Bache III and sister-in law Gerri Bache.

It’s hard to imagine what it will be like without her in our lives — Gwen was a blessing and a joy to all.

A Graveside Service will take place on Friday, August 28th 2020 at 11 a.m. at Saint Mary Cemetery, Buckingham Avenue, Milford, CT 06460 (MEET DIRECTLY AT THE CEMETERY). Memorial contributions may be made to ASPCA. 

A special, memorial website of photos and memories has also been established at https://www.jedwardsphtgry.com/gwengunther

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