WEBSTER – Gertrude Loretta (Laferriere) Wonoski, 98, passed away Thursday, October 30, 2025 in UMass at Harrington, Southbridge, with family at her side. Her beloved husband of 71 years, Victor Joseph Wonoski, also passed away in November of 2018. May their reunion be full of light and joy.
She leaves a son, Victor J. Wonoski, Jr., and his wife Joyce of Dayville, CT; two daughters, Sandra A. Wonoski with whom she lived, and Nancy C. Voutour and her partner David of Uxbridge; two grandchildren, Victoria N. Voutour and her spouse Caroline Calder of London, England, and Joshua Henries and his wife Colleen of Billerica; many beloved nieces and nephews including her godchildren, Joan Christenson and Lisa Keogh. She was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Catino, and her brother, Joseph Laferriere.
Gertrude was born on July 14, 1927 in Southbridge, a daughter of Leland and Anna (Vincelette) Laferriere. She lived in Webster and Dudley all her life.
Mrs. Wonoski first worked as a floor lady at the Key Department Store (later Mammouth Mart) in Webster and then was a packer at the former American Optical Company in Southbridge for 18 years before retiring in 1989. The moments that truly brought her joy were Sunday night
spaghetti dinners with her family…and successfully out-bowling several champions back in her
prime!
She was a member of Saint Anthony of Padua Church in Dudley.
Her funeral will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 11:00 AM in Saint Anthony of Padua Church, 24 Dudley Hill Road, Dudley (please meet at the church). The burial will be in Saint Anthony’s Cemetery, Webster, with military honors for her husband, Victor (who served in World War II), provided by the Webster-Dudley Veterans Council.
To honor Gertrude’s love of birds – she always watched for them in the trees outside her window and believed that if a Cardinal appeared then her husband had come to visit her – please, consider supporting Mass Audubon Pierpont Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary in Dudley, MA.
(https://www.massaudubon.org/places-to-explore/wildlife-sanctuaries/pierpont-meadow)
Arrangements are under the direction of Sitkowski, Malboeuf & Hickey Funeral Home, 340 School Street.