Obituary: Emily (Trella) Bryda, 95, of Middlefield

MIDDLEFIELD, CT - (From Wallingford Funeral Home) Emily (Trella) Bryda, 95, of Middlefield, beloved wife of the late Benedict F. Bryda, passed away Saturday, June 19, 2021, at MidState Medical Center surrounded by her family.

Born in Meriden on June 27, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Aniela (Yara) Trella. Emily graduated from Meriden High School, Class of 1943, and was a parishioner of St. Colman Church in Middlefield, and St. Stanislaus Church in Meriden.

During her life, she worked at Cuno Engineering where she met and married her husband of 55 years. She also worked in the office at International Silver Company. She was proud of her volunteer work at Meriden Hospital as a nurse's aide during World War II, when she was a teenager.

Throughout her children's school years, she volunteered at every school, club, and activity that her family was involved with.

Later in life, she volunteered at St. Colman Parish in the Care and Share program.

Emily enjoyed gardening, cooking, canning, reading cookbooks, going to “the lake,” the beach, and traveling anywhere at a moment's notice. Her biggest joy in life was her family. She was the happiest when her house was filled to capacity, especially during the holidays.

She took special care to make every holiday rich in tradition and wonderful- and always hoped to fill a spot at the table with an unexpected guest. She spoiled everyone with her kind and gracious ways.

Among the places she called home- Johnson Avenue, Oak Street, and Valley View Drive- she always said, "I have the best neighbors!"

Emily loved everyone, and everyone loved her back. She will be missed so much but she has left us with valuable life lessons for how to be strong, to pray, forgive, care about others, and how to live a beautiful life.

She is survived by her daughters, Ellen (Richard) Greguoli of Wisconsin and Beverly Bryda of Meriden; a daughter-in-law, Jennifer Bryda; seven grandchildren, Carrie Bryda, Benedict Bryda III, Jonathan Bryda, Austin (Sarah) Greguoli, Marisa (Jon) Maehler, Alisa (Drew) Sparks, and Martin Kearney; five great-grandchildren, Brayson, Tanner and Taegan Greguoli, and Preston Maehler and Juliette Sparks.

She is also survived by many very loved nieces, nephews, and Godchildren; her sister-in-law, Marge Trella; and her kumoszka, Betty Kielbasinski.

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her son, Benedict M. Bryda; her son-in-law, Thomas Kearney; eight brothers; and two sisters.

Her family extends special thanks to the Visiting Angels of Middlefield for the love, care, and friendship they bestowed upon Emily the last several years.

Her family will receive relatives and friends in The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 N. Main St., Ext., Wallingford, Friday, August 13, 2021, from 5 to 7pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, August 14th, directly at St. Colman Church, 145 Hubbard St., Middlefield, CT, at 10am.

Interment will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Meriden. ###emwww.wallingfordfh.com on Saturday, August 14th starting at 10am.

Emily’s life began on the farm. She always had an appreciation for that lifestyle and the farm to table skills that she mastered. She also had a place in her heart for a special young man, Konrad, whose days have been enriched because of a farm located in Winslow, ME.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Ephphatha Community Farm, an innovative therapeutic and accessible farm for people with physical and emotional challenges.