Catherine L. Palmieri

Catherine Lillian (Zebzda) Palmieri, 92 of East Hartford, devoted and beloved wife of the late Bruno R. Palmieri died peacefully on January 21, 2016 at her current home at Mountain Laurel Memory Care in Glastonbury. She was a woman of strong faith whose love of God and family was foremost. Throughout her life she was called by many names-Kosha, Kosh, Koshie, Katie, Catherine and Cathy. Regardless of her name, she was recognized by all as the loving Matriarch. She was born in Hartford, CT on March 6, 1923 to Josephine (Bonarowski) and Anthony Zebzda. Early in life she developed a motherly and nurturing manner which she carried with her throughout her lifetime. She had a love of family that transcended generations. Her loving nature, kind ways and warm, endearing smile touched the lives of many, which drew them into her family. Many fondly think of her as their second mother. Her home, her arms and her heart were always open. Catherine was a wise woman who without any advanced education gave sound counsel and advice in a non-judgmental way. She was always ready to lend emotional, physical or financial support-whatever was needed. Sometimes it was just a big "Koshie hug" which engulfed you with her love. Her most famous saying was "Do it while you can" and she encouraged everyone to take advantage of opportunities as they arose. Throughout life she always smiled, it was just the way her face liked to hold itself. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Lillian and Peter Greenwood of Cheshire and daughter, Catherine T. Palmieri of South Glastonbury and significant other Scott Campanele of Glastonbury. She is also survived by her grandchildren Victoria, Matthew and Justin Greenwood whom she often cared for in their early years and who brought her great joy. She leaves behind many nieces and nephews and their families who were all very special to her-Judy Orzechowski of Vero Beach, FL, Shirley Scata of Wethersfield, Karen Mazrek, Stephen Daniels and Joan Estra all of Plantsville, Judith Dender of Palm City, FL and Joseph A. Zebzda of East Hartford. Catherine was predeceased by her siblings Frank and Shirley Zebzda, Virginia and Joseph "Pippie" Scata, John Zebzda, Theodore and Wilhelmina O'Brien, Joseph Zebzda, Genevieve and Henry Daniels and Edward "Tony" Zebzda and her nephew, Joseph B. Scata. The family will be forever grateful to Dawn Anderson and the staff and nurses of Mountain Laurel's Memory Care unit who for the last few years have tended to Catherine with love and compassion.

Friends and family are invited to attend a period of visitation on Thursday, January 28, from 4-7 pm at Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Avenue, East Hartford.

Services will begin at the funeral home on Friday, January 29, at 10 am, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am at St. Mary’s Church, 15 Maplewood Avenue, East Hartford. Burial will follow in St. Augustine’s Cemetery, South Glastonbury.

Donations can be made in Catherine’s memory to St. Mary’s Church, 15 Maplewood Avenue, East Hartford, CT 06108.