Gerda I. (Kuehl) Behlen

Gerda I. Behlen, 93, of Torrington, died peacefully on Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016, surrounded by her family. She was mentally clear and passed without pain or suffering. Gerda was born in Elmshorn, Germany, the youngest of the three children of Karl and Alma (Meyer) Kuehl. She was predeceased by her brother, Carl Kuehl, and his wife, Ann, and her sister, Erica Crockett and her husband, Norman. She was also predeceased by her first husband, Angelo Franculli, and her husband, John Behlen.

Gerda is survived by her son, Frank Franculli and his wife, Vickie, her son, John Franculli, her daughter, Kathryn Goodhouse and her husband, Edward. She is also survived by her granddaughter, Karla Goodhouse and her husband, Kenneth Howes, her grandson, Caleb Goodhouse, and her “adopted” grandson, Shane Vickers. She loved her children and grandchildren dearly. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews and truly appreciated their many visits.

Gerda was employed as a nurse’s aide at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital for many years. She was a hard worker and cared deeply for her patients. Gerda’s greatest joy in life was giving. She would buy things solely for the purpose of giving them away. Everybody needed a flashlight or an angel or a bag of Luden’s cherry cough drops. “Buy one get one free” was her great ally in this campaign. Rarely was one able to escape Gerda’s company without something in hand. This applied to everyone she came in contact with no matter if she knew you for five minutes or 50 years.

She loved plants, animals, cats, dogs, and birds. Gerda was once bitten trying to rescue a chipmunk from the paws of a cat. She owned an African Grey parrot, Isabo, for many years that she was adept at handling. She delighted in showing Isobo to all her visitors.

During the 28 years that Gerda was married to Angelo Franculli, they lived on High Street where she was a sort of neighborhood mom. She doled out advice along with her chocolate chip cookies and blueberry muffins. As her three children grew and made friends beyond the neighborhood, she endeared herself to them as well. Many are still close friends remembering her with cards and visits. Although Gerda and Angelo’s marriage ended in divorce, in their later years they spent time together with their family and became dearer to each other than ever. It was sweet to see them sitting together to celebrate birthdays, holidays, and special occasions such as Angelo’s 90th birthday.

Although Gerda certainly was given her share of life’s troubles, she chose neither to regret the past nor to worry about the future. She had an amazing ability to be truly happy in the present. Gerda was one of a kind. She made an impression on everyone she met. She was truly loved and will be truly missed.

If you are inclined to make a donation in Gerda’s memory, please consider the Susan B. Anthony Project or your favorite animal shelter. Following Gerda’s request, there will be no funeral services. Condolences to Gerda’s family may be sent to www.cookfuneralhomect.com.