HARTFORD, Conn. – Belle Grodinsky, the light and matriarch of our family, died Oct. 5, 2009, at a Hartford, Conn., hospital. She was born in Bangor, the youngest daughter of Abraham and Esther Katz, and was married for 49 years to the late Harold Grodinsky. She lived in Bangor and Augusta for many years surrounded by friends and family, and in her later years moved to Connecticut to be closer to her family. Belle did it her way. Her independence was evident in many ways – taking pride in her appearance, discussing her perspective on current events, entertaining her friends and family, shopping, keeping in touch with her daughters on her new cell phone and starting yoga classes at The Retreat. Belle will always live in the hearts of family and many friends for her joy, inspiration and positive attitude. She is survived by her loving children, Barbara Steinfeld and husband, Mark, of West Hartford, Conn., and Avra Novarr and husband, Dan, of Bloomfield, Conn.; five cherished grandchildren, Shana Decsi and husband, Henry, David and Aaron Steinfeld, Matt and Jason Novarr; and two beloved great-grandchildren, Alexandra and Julia Decsi. Belle was predeceased by five brothers and sisters. The family thanks the wonderful and caring staff and residents at The Retreat, Hartford, Conn. Funeral services will be held noon Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Jewish Funeral Chapel, 118 Center St., Bangor. Interment will be at Beth Israel Cemetery, Bangor. A reception to celebrate her long and loving life will be held at the Chamoff home, 88 Leighton St., Bangor, after the interment. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Temple Beth El, P.O. Box 871, Augusta, ME 04332. A memorial observance will be held Sunday night at the home of Avra and Dan Novarr. A service of Brookings-Smith, Bangor. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.
BELLE GRODINSKY
