Lori Pujda

Lori Gerstenberger Pujda, of Milford, passed away on February 13, 2025 at the age of 72 after a long battle with cancer. Lori was born on March 17, 1952 in Bridgeport, CT to the late Walter Gerstenberger and Virginia Smith Gerstenberger.

Lori was raised in Milford, CT and graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a BA in Spanish. Her adventurous spirit led her to Europe to broaden her horizons. She spent many years working as a ski instructor at Club Med in Switzerland, the United States and Argentina before transitioning into a career as a lead English translator for Salomon Ski Company in Annecy, France and then in the United States. Fluent in English, Spanish, and French, Lori had a deep passion for languages and embraced every opportunity to immerse herself in different cultures.

A true explorer at heart, Lori loved traveling, often backpacking in her younger years. She married in Montreux, Switzerland and lived in Europe for over 20 years. Her journeys took her across the world from Africa to South America, Mexico, Spain, and beyond-whether seeking adventure or visiting cherished friends and family. She found joy in staying active, skiing and playing tennis, and more recently, becoming a dedicated pickleball player. Through pickleball, she formed an incredible group of friends, spending countless hours playing, talking, and laughing together.

Lori had a warm and generous spirit, always ready with a smile, a kind word, and open heart ready to help others. She cherished time with loved ones and took great joy in hosting family gatherings, especially during the holidays. Above all, being a mother was her greatest pride, and she adored her son, Mickey, more than anything.

Lori is survived by her beloved son, Michael “Mickey” Pujda; sister, Krissa Gerstenberger Bolton (James); brother, Eric Gerstenberger (Jane); sister, Beth Gerstenberger Zucker (Richard); and the father of her son Patrice Pujda. She is also survived by four nieces and nephews: Jamie Bolton, Robert Bolton (Gunjan), Fera Gerstenberger Smith, and Erik Gerstenberger, as well as her beloved great nieces, great nephew, beloved family and friends.

A Celebration of Life ceremony for Lori Pujda will be held at the end of April. Anyone interested in attending, please send an email with your name to celebratingthelifeoflori@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com