Hazel C. (Witkowski) Pasqua

Hazel Corrine Pasqua, 96, of Bridgeport, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at St. Vincent’s Hospital. Hazel was the devoted wife of  the late John Pasqua, Sr. (who passed away in 2016). Born on August 29, 1926 in Huntington, Connecticut, Hazel was the oldest daughter of the late Walter Witkowski and Frances Adeline Schlosser Witkowski Goldspink. She later moved with her family to Beacon Falls, and finally settled in Bridgeport with her dear husband where they raised their family.

Hazel is survived by three children, John Pasqua, Jr. & wife Diane, of Nevada, Pamela Franco of Hamden, and Janice Tyler & husband Gerald, of Oxford. Her memory will also be cherished by her son-in-law Harold Tolmie (Patricia), five grandchildren: Cindy, Lysa, John, Brittany, & Steven, four great-grandchildren Malkia, Imani, Kilian, Luke and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to John her beloved husband of 72 years and her parents, Hazel was predeceased by her son Steven Pasqua and daughter Patricia Tolmie as well as, by her sisters, Adeline *Lolly” Margiano, Clare Occhipinti and her brother. Walter Witkowski. 

Hazel was a skilled homemaker and devoted mother of five children who never seemed to tire. She kept the family home in order, tirelessly working daily to ensure that the kitchen floor was sparkling clean, every bed was made and each room was as neat as a pin. She taught her daughters the art of homemaking and the proper way to make a bed, fold towels and sheets and also to iron clothing so that not a wrinkle could be seen! As busy as she was, Hazel took care of the bookkeeping for her husband John’s carpentry business. She was an excellent cook and always had dinner & dessert prepared and waiting for John & the family at the kitchen table. Birthdays were made special by Hazel’s homemade devils food cake layered with bananas and whipped cream.

Hazel was very creative and enjoyed drawing, sewing and making small craft projects with her kids. She dressed her children in matching outfits for holidays and made sure their patent leather shoes were polished before church. Hazel loved books and each week after shopping, she would return home with a book for each child. She always signed the inside cover and those books have become cherished heirlooms now. Because of Hazel’s creative influence, each of her children developed their own talents in art and graphic design, music and crafts. Her kids also have a love of pets which comes from Hazel’s influence as a pet lover. 

Hazel was a Christian woman of strong faith who read the Bible throughout her life and who could quote Bible scriptures. She kept her Bible by her side when she sat in her favorite chair in the evenings.  Her husband John was a World War II Veteran in the 83rd field artillery, who bravely served in the Normandy Invasion and the Battle of the Bulge. Hazel awaited his return from the war and after a few years working as a carpenter, John built the family home where Hazel still lived in 2023. Hazel enjoyed family get-togethers with her husband, John, and the most special time of year was Christmas Eve at home. Hazel always made her holiday fruitcake and Swedish meatballs. Everyone gave each other gifts and unwrapping time was a giant sea of wrapping paper! 

Hazel was a cat lover who adopted many cats over the years including Kushka, Miss Kitty, Casey, Riley and Spooky.  Most times she had over 10 cats. The cats had their own room in the basement with an outdoor run. She also had many dogs over the years who she spoiled with treats and home prepared foods. Hazel was a member of Salem Lutheran Church on Park Avenue in Bridgeport for over 50 years. She enjoyed meeting with her circle friends at Salem weekly, where they created care packages for the needy. She made many long-lasting friendships with her Salem family. In her later years, and when she couldn’t cook any longer, Hazel enjoyed her son-in-law Gerry’s cooking. Her favorite was the beef stew that he specially prepared for her. Hazel had devoted caregivers and especially Lisa Boyd, who was her main caregiver for over 4 years. 

All funeral services for Hazel will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made directly to Hazel’s children. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Larson Funeral Home Preplanning & Cremation Services, (Now Located in the Lesko Building) at 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center. To sign her online guest registry, please visit www.LarsonFH.com