Fay Gumkowski

Fay Gumkowski, 85, of Old Lyme, Connecticut, passed peacefully from this earth into the presence of the Lord on December 22, 2025. Her life was grounded in faith, shaped by love, and defined by her care for others—especially her family.

Her faith in God brought her comfort, especially after the passing of her husband earlier this year. She often found reassurance in the words of Scripture, particularly, “…We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).

Fay was born in Enfield, Connecticut, to George Noble Sr. and Doris Noble. She took great pride in being a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt.

Fay found happiness in the simple things in life. She loved taking trips to a local park overlooking Long Island Sound, where she spent countless hours enjoying the beauty of nature and the calming presence of the waves. She also enjoyed shopping, decorating, gardening, and playing games, especially dominoes and card games.

Fay treasured time spent with her loved ones on Sunday afternoons, holidays, and birthdays. She was happiest when everyone was together, especially when the kitchen was full and the house felt busy. Nothing made her more joyful than being together and seeing the people she loved enjoy those moments.

Fay was preceded in death by her parents, George Noble Sr. and Doris Noble; her husband of 53 years, David Gumkowski; and her granddaughter, Sophia Margiotta.

She is survived by her brother, George Noble Jr.; her sister, Shirley Zarzycki; her children, Lisa Mills (Ken), Michael Margiotta (Christine), and Guy Margiotta (Melissa); six grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; five nephews; and two nieces.

As we remember Mom with love and gratitude, we take comfort in these words:

“The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another” (Genesis 31:49).

A celebration of life will be held in the spring to honor and remember Fay.

The family requests that those wishing to express sympathy consider making a donation to the Sophia Rose Margiotta Foundation in Fay’s name. All donations will benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (mda.org).