Obituary of Gloria Danielson

Gloria A. Danielson 90, of Pomfret Center passed away Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at Matulaitis Rehabilitation and Skilled Care in Putnam surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late Charles Leonard Danielson. She was born August 2, 1933 in her grandfather’s farmhouse in Woodstock Valley, daughter of the late Harry and Maude (Perkins) Keith.

Gloria lived the majority of her early years in Putnam, graduating from Putnam High School. In 1956 she married the love of her life, Charles (Charlie) Danielson and together designed and had built a home in Pomfret Center in 1961, where she resided ever since. While in high school, she worked part time at Bugbee’s Department Store and as a waitress at the Ben Grosvenor Inn in Pomfret. After graduation, she worked at Wellington Curtain in Putnam as Payroll Administrator, and retired to become a mother of her three children (her most important job). After the passing of her husband, she opened up the Country Loft Gift Shop with her dearest friend, the late Lynn Marshall.  Gloria also worked as a classroom aide and vocational instructor for EastCONN where she throughly enjoyed working with students with special needs. During retirement she worked part time at the Scranton’s Antique Shop. 

Gloria was a life long member of the Congregational Church of Putnam serving as a Sunday school teacher and on many committees,  a member of DKH Women’s Board for more than 30 years where her most significant accomplishment was establishing the annual Woman’s Board golf tournament. Gloria was also a Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader. She was an avid golfer and was a member of several women’s leagues in the area. She loved gardening, “tag saling”, crafting and decorative painting including her painted rocks cherished by her family and friends.  She enjoyed reading and loved to travel especially with her family. At 90 she still managed a vendor booth at Scranton’s selling vintage items ,which gave her enjoyment and purpose. Most of all she was very proud of her children and grandchildren and loved to spend time with them.

Gloria leaves her children, Heidi Bzdyra and her husband James of Glastonbury, CT, Holly Harder of Woodstock, CT, Hans Danielson and his wife Marlea of Coventry, CT, grandchildren, Jaime Bzdyra and her fiancé Michael Ciommo of Watertown, MA, Alexander Bzdyra of Boston, MA, Jacob Harder of Woodstock, CT, Caleb Harder of Vernon, CT, Mason Danielson of Coventry, CT, Brody Danielson of Coventry, CT, several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings Joan Keith, Judith Salvas, Harry Keith, Jr. and by companion Gordon A. Smith.

Calling hour will be Wednesday, January 3, 2024 from 10 to 11 AM at the Congregational Church of Putnam, 175 Main Street, Putnam, CT. Funeral service to follow at 11 AM. Burial will be in the spring at Barlow Cemetery in Woodstock, CT. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Congregational Church of Putnam, PO Box 463, Putnam, CT 06260 or Barlow Cemetery Maintenance Fund, PO Box 100, Woodstock, CT 06281. Share a memory at Smithandwalkerfh.com