Sister M. Charles Marie Gwiazdowski Enters Eternal Life
The Diocese of Norwich mourns the passing of Sister M. Charles Marie (Patricia) Gwiazdowski, Sister of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church, who entered into eternal life early Thursday morning, May 7, 2026, after a long illness. Born in Norwich, Connecticut, in 1943, she was the daughter of Lillian (Arabik) and Frank Gwiazdowski, both of whom predeceased her.
Sister attended school in Norwich and at the Academy of the Holy Family in Baltic before entering the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church on September 8, 1961. She professed perpetual vows on August 15, 1970.
Sister devoted many years to the apostolate of teaching in Catholic schools throughout Connecticut, serving in Baltic, Taftville, Willimantic, Manchester, North Grosvenordale, and Norwich. From 2003 to 2005, she shared her musical talents with the elderly at Regina Pacis Villa in Pomfret. She later served local parishes as an organist for weekend Masses and weddings until declining mobility brought her back to the Motherhouse, where she taught music at St. Joseph School until her retirement in 2016.
In her final years, Sister spent frequent extended stays at St. Joseph Living Center in Windham, Connecticut, where she received excellent treatment and compassionate care during many challenging health crises. Through it all, Sister found comfort in quiet prayer in the chapel at the Center and in attending musical and social activities whenever she was able. She was deeply appreciative of the personal attention she received from members of the pastoral care staff, as well as the dedicated CNA, nursing, food service, and physical therapy professionals who cared for her so compassionately.
Besides her parents, Sister was predeceased by her sister, Barbara, and her brother-in-law, Stanley Kokosky. She is survived by her loving Religious Community and by her cousins, Kathleen and Stanley Luty, Gregory and Christine Mackin, and Deborah and Andrew Eld. Sister will be greatly missed.
Calling Hours and Funeral Mass
Friends may call at the Motherhouse, Academy of the Holy Family, in Baltic, Connecticut, on:
Monday, May 11
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 12
1:00 p.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 3:30 p.m. in the Motherhouse Chapel. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Baltic, Connecticut.
Godere-Guillot Funeral Home is assisting the Sisters with the arrangements.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church, Baltic, Connecticut.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.
May she rest in peace. Amen.