Obituary of Josephine S. Lay

Woodstock Josephine S. Lay, 93, died Monday, July 30, 2007. She was married to Willoughby Lynde Lay for 57 years. Born on August 15, 1913 in New Haven, CT, Josephine was the daughter of Ralph and Wanda (Sobocienski) Surgalis. She lived most of her life in Milford, CT, working at the R.F. Almond Co., a gift wholesaling business where she was a partner, until her retirement in 1989. During World War II, Josephine worked at Chance-Vought Aircraft in Stratford, CT as a quality control inspector for the F4U Corsair carrier-based fighter aircraft. After retiring, she and Will moved to their summer home in Woodstock. In her later years, Josephine enjoyed baking, reading and playing cards, especially 500 Rummy and spending time with her family & friends. Besides her husband she is survived by her daughter Laura Ann Curley and husband Raymond Gravelin Jr. of Woodstock, her grandson Kevin Curley of Woodstock and a sister Florence Chmielewski of Milford, CT. She was predeceased by her sisters Laura Surgalis, Ann Surgalis and Mildred Hoponick and her brother William Surgalis. Graveside services were held Friday, August 3, 2007 at Woodstock Hill Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Bungay Fire Brigade, EMT Unit, 1256 Route 171, Woodstock, CT 06281. Smith & Walker Funeral Home 148 Grove Street, Putnam was in charge of the arrangements. To share a memory with her family Light a Candle at www.smithandwalkerfh.com