Rita Pavlak Borowy, 87, of Plantsville, CT, passed peacefully into her Lord’s arms on July 31, 2016. Her life on earth ended due to natural causes after spending less than two days at Hartford Hospital. She was surrounded by family and a flock of angels.
On August 24, 1928, Rita was the 4th of 13 children born to Julia and Bernard Pavlak of Norwich, CT, where she grew up and fell in love with her late husband of 48 years, Joseph Borowy, also of Norwich.
Rita and “Joey” settled down in Southington shortly after marrying and raised their family in Plantsville, where she enjoyed living for the past 70 years. One of her favorite pastimes was shopping with friends and family and stopping at Friendly’s for a bite to eat. In her later years, she greatly enjoyed shopping trips via the Calendar House bus, especially to Price Chopper.
She worked at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in North Haven for 25 years as a quality control inspector of jet engine parts. Rita always strived to do her best in everything, but especially at work. She never missed a defective part because she was so aware that many lives could be lost if she had. She had so much energy that she later enjoyed working at Lori Lock until she was 75 years old.
Those who knew Rita will remember her cheerful smile and many acts of kindness. She generously gave of herself throughout her life to help family and anyone she met who was in need. She had a special passion for helping the children at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and took in many homeless pets over the years.
Rita is survived by all three of her children, daughters Joyce (and Keith) Lanzer and Jo-Ann (and Charles) Deno and a son, James Borowy. Her grandchildren include Heather Johnson; Jason and Joy Deno; and James, Joseph, and Nathan Borowy. She is survived also by one sister and a brother, Julia Sicotte and Raymond (and Marianne) Pavlak, as well as great-grandchildren Dustin, Jayson, Aria and Thiea, and a special nephew and niece, Brian and Deborah Marek. She was predeceased by grandson Kyle Borowy.
To honor her memory, Rita requested that her family and friends donate to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. A private service and burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery at the convenience of her family.