Katherine Eileen (Gaylord) Christinat

EAST CANAAN — Katherine Eileen (Gaylord) Christinat, 94, died at Geer Nursing and Rehabilitation on Oct. 6, 2015, after a long illness. 

Eileen was born in Torrington on June 1, 1921. She was the daughter of Katherine (Morris) and Irving Gaylord. 

She was predeceased by Vincent, her husband of 68 years; and her son, Thomas Irving Christinat. 

Eileen grew up on her parents’ farm in East Canaan. She kept a strong connection to the farm community all her life. After graduating from Canaan High School, she worked at the telephone company in North Canaan until her marriage to Vincent in 1947. 

As was typical of women at that time, Eileen devoted the next 20 years to tending to her home and raising her four children. She re-entered the workforce as a clerk at Kauttu’s Pharmacy for several years, continuing there after it became Canaan Pharmacy. 

She then became the receptionist at Gateway, a new concept that offered day care for the elderly so they could continue living at home. 

Eileen concluded her working life as an office worker and tutor at Northwestern Connecticut Community College in Winsted. During that time, she enrolled as a student; and in 1987 she received her associate’s degree, at age 66!

Eileen had a quiet and unassuming demeanor. She did not seek acclaim, yet she received it over the years, due to her unflagging kindness and consideration toward family members, neighbors and her church community. She went out of her way to let others know that they mattered, with a kind word, a note or a card, a casserole or baked goods, or a visit if they were ill or alone. 

From 1942 to 1992, she sent letters, cards and/or food to those from the area who served in the military. 

She became a Eucharistic minister, serving Communion to those unable to attend Mass. She spent many hours visiting the residents of Geer Nursing. A person could go anywhere in North Canaan today and encounter a recipient of her kindness.

Although Eileen took life seriously, she loved a good laugh, even if the joke was on her. Her children loved and respected her; and her grandchildren, godchildren and nieces and nephews adored her. She shared with them her love of the outdoors, walking in the woods or up Canaan or Haystack mountains. She taught them about cooking, woodworking and gardening. She read to them often and took countless pictures of them. Indeed, she was the family archiver for both the Gaylords and the Christinats. 

She continued these activities until her 80s, when she had to slow down for health reasons. Even then, she continued to reach out to others as much as she was able.

In 2011, Eileen and Vinnie moved to Geer Village. In 2013, Eileen needed to be moved to Geer Nursing. The Christinat family would like to thank the staff at Geer Village, Geer Rehab and Geer Outpatient Therapy for the kindness and excellent care they bestowed on Eileen during these last four years.

Eileen is survived by her brother, Robert Gaylord and his wife, Vera, of Harwinton, Conn.; her son, Robert Christinat and his wife, BJ, of North Canaan; her daughter, Anne Jackson and her husband, Randy, of Millinocket, Maine; her daughter-in-law, Francee Christinat of Dennis, Mass.; her son, Gerard Christinat and his wife, Debbie, of East Canaan; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial Mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Church in North Canaan on Oct. 17 at 11 a.m. Burial will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Jack Brown Fair Association in care of Douglas Carlson, 141 Canaan Valley Road, North Canaan, CT 06018.

Arrangements are under the care of the Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home in North Canaan.