WORCESTER____Adeline A. “Kitty” (Szklarz) Conner, 88, of 52 Crowningshield Rd, died Monday June 5 at home surrounded by family. Her husband of 58 years, Irving L. Conner died Dec. 6, 2001.
She leaves two sons, Kenneth F. Conner of Worcester and Robert S. Szklarz and his wife Marion of Auburn; a brother, Henry J. Szklarz of Worcester; three grandchildren, Matthew M. of Portland, ME, Peter R. of Salem, MA and Stephanie C. of Brighton; several nephews and nieces including Donna Anger of Sutton; Judith Fritz of Philadelphia; James Sklarz of Worcester; Geraldine Jaworski of Auburn and Daniel Szklarz of Worcester; several grand nephews and grand nieces including Jeffrey Anger of Auburn; sisters-in-law Phyllis Szklarz of Worcester and Doris Connor of Woodville and favorite cousins, Harriet and Tony Salvadore of Barre and Victoria Czaja of North Brookfield. She was predeceased by two brothers and a sister, Stanley B. Szklarz, Chester F. Szklarz and Jane V. Pusateri. She was born in Worcester, a daughter of Felix and Kazimiera (Mosiej) Szklarz and lived her all her life.
Adeline graduated from St. Mary’s Grammar School and attended Providence St. Junior High School but left when her mother died to help her father care for the family. Later during World War II she worked for Norton Co. making gun parts and ammunition and also worked for several envelope companies. She was a self made woman and in her late 40’s and early 50’s returned to school earning her G.E.D high school diploma. Adeline then took the civil service test and received a very high score and accepted an entry level clerk position with the Building Dept. of the City of Worcester. She continued to take promotional exams and became the principal clerk for the City of Worcester Building Dept. at City Hall. She worked there 27 years before retiring. She was an accomplished dressmaker and even as a young girl made her own patterns. After retiring she traveled widely for Navy - USS South Dakota battleship reunions. She loved attended family gatherings for holidays and birthdays. Adeline was a life member of Our Lady of Czestochowa Church and was active with and a supporter of the Mercy Centre and the Seven Hills Foundation.
The funeral will be held on Friday June 9 from HENRY – DIRSA FUNERAL HOME, 33 Ward St, with a Mass at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, 34 Ward St. Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery. Calling hours in the funeral home are Thursday June 9 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to VNA Care Network, Hospice, 120 Thomas St, Worcester, Ma 01608