Leonore Kodis

Leonore (Heidrich) Kodis, 92, of West Hartford went to heaven in the early morning hours of Sunday, September 14, 2014 after a long illness. She was born to August and Lina Heidrich on August 20, 1922 in Blomberg, Germany. Leonore spent her young adult life working for Town Hall in Blomberg. She focused much of her free time on painting and drawing. She was a talented artist. In Germany after World War II she met and fell in love with her future husband Jonas Kodis. After moving to the U.S. in 1952 they married and raised a daughter and son who were the source of immense joy to her. She was endlessly devoted to her family, putting the needs of others before her own. With her young family she enjoyed traveling to Germany to visit relatives; swimming at Rocky Neck and summer vacations at Sound View. She also enjoyed music, singing, dancing, laughing with friends and socializing at the Lithuanian-American Citizens Club. Although from Germany she supported her husband’s wishes to raise their children with involvement in the Lithuanian community, being that he was Lithuanian. Leonore worked at Hughes Health and Rehab. for many years, finding great fulfillment helping the sick and elderly. After retiring from Hughes in 1984, she would become a snowbird, spending winters in Florida and forming close friendships there. She loved “drives to nowhere” with her dear friend Rita. They always managed to find their way home. When her grandchildren were born she found a new source of joy and contentment, and cherished the times the whole family could be together despite the miles apart. She was grateful for the many blessings in her life; an endlessly loving son who devoted his life to her care for many years and with whom she shared a special bond words cannot describe; the deeply loving relationship with her daughter, with whom she shared her motherly wisdom and a closeness unique to a mother and daughter; the warmth and sense of humor she shared with her son-in-law; and the special joy she shared with her grandchildren that emerges from the magic between young and old. “Wir lieben dich, Oma”. She enjoyed being pampered and dolled up by Sharon whose friendship, love and special times with Sharon’s son Ethan gave Leonore a spark of energy. Until the end Leonore showed gentleness and grace that was unmistakably genuine. Her faith gave her strength and comfort. Her bright spirit and warm smile touched all who knew her. Leonore was a true sweetheart. She was predeceased by her husband of 40 years, Jonas, and her brother Otto. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Vera and Thomas Gutsche and their children Hanna and Kevin of Germany; a son John of Avon.; her sister Margarete; 2 nieces and a nephew in Germany. The family would like to thank the staff at Governors House for the care they provided Leonore. Funeral services will the Thursday, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. directly at Holy Trinity Church, 53 Capitol Ave. Hartford, CT 06106. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave. West Hartford. Burial will be private. Memorial donations may be made to Holy Trinity R.C. Church.