NATALIA (COOK) GASKELL

Natalia J. (Cook) Gaskell, 84, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, April 6, 2022.

Born on December 2nd, 1937 in Middletown, CT, daughter of the late Keith H. and Norma J. (Brainard) Cook, Natalia was a resident of Somers, CT, and previously had lived in Enfield, CT for many years.  Natalia was known to many close family and friends as Tal and to her children as Mom aka Tilly the Tank. An avid nature lover, born with an exceptional green thumb, Natalia grew to become a Greenhouse Manager for many Enfield Garden nurseries including Frank’s Nursery and Crafts where she eventually retired.

 Natalia was an outstanding plant lady- she could identify any plant and tell you exactly what it needed to survive. An outdoors girl at heart, she loved fishing and all animals-especially her cows since growing up on a dairy farm.  She was also known throughout her Robbin Road neighborhood as the backyard bonfire lady, as she loved sitting fireside. When not outside, Natalia enjoyed playing cards, going to the casino, going shopping for animal t-shirts, eating out, and watching movies (about animals of course).

Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild were her life.  Family was extremely important to her and making lifelong memories. Her grandchildren and great-grandchild knew her as fun-loving and always down for a good time. She made the best jelly and fluff sandwiches, and always had a song to sing, a joke to make, and a laugh to share.

She is survived by her children, Wendy Gaskell and her fiancé, Michael Czepiel of Hebron, CT, her son, Steven Gaskell of Hebron, CT, and her daughter, Bonnie Masamery (Gaskell) and her husband, Gary of Somers, CT.  Her daughter, Cheri McDonald-Hudgins, of New London, CT, another daughter from another mother. Her grandson, Ryan Sherman, and fiancé Heather Hathaway of Windsor, CT.  Her Granddaughter, Julianna Masamery of Somers, CT, and her great-grandchild, Hunter Gaskell, of Somers, CT. 

Natalia was predeceased by her husband, Edward F. Gaskell, and her sons, Keith David Van Roon and Edward P. Gaskell (Rick). Her daughter-in Law Jill Gaskell and granddaughter, Chelsea Gaskell, and her grandson, Brendan Masamery.  In addition, she was also predeceased by her longtime companion, Jack Holeman of Enfield, CT, her fishing partner, her casino partner, and the man who made her travel to Sanibel Island, Las Vegas, and Dallas.  In her own words, he was the best part of my life.  That man gave me everything.

The family would like to give a special heartfelt thanks and recognition to Ada Lamson, her PCA, who was incredibly compassionate and gave her the strength and love to carry out her final earth journey.  Our family is forever grateful to her.

A graveside memorial service for Natalia will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 29, 2022, at the Palisado Cemetery located at 69 Palisado Avenue (Re. 159) Windsor, CT 06095.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or plant a tree in her memory.

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