Janina M Drodwill

It is with sorrow we announce the death of our Mother, Gramma and ‘Gramma-Nana’. Janina M. Drodwill of Portland, CT, wife of the late Joseph J Drodwill, died surrounded with love from her family on October 13th, 2020. She was born on May 25th, 1920. All her life mom’s age was a closely guarded secret but as she reached her late nineties, she decided that she darn well would live to the grand old age of 100. Finally, she was proud to announce her age to anyone listening. (She actually lived to 100 and a half and might still be here if not for covid!) She was born to Julian and Nellye Malinowski and was raised on their large farm in East Longmeadow, MA. Janina always said she was Daddy’s little blonde, blue-eyed favorite girl. She shared her parents with two sisters- Veronica and Mary.

Janina and Joseph had a wonderful marriage of 54 years with great love for one another. She fell in love with Joseph through letters written during World War II from his Army Ranger posts. They had two loving and caring daughters- Denise and Danette. Danette (known as ‘Starr’) has two lovely children from her first marriage- Akaljeet and Dhram. Akaljeet is married to Evan Zislis and they have Janina’s first great-grandchild, spirited Juniper, now 11 years old. Dharm recently married Shelby Riss and they have a lively young daughter named Aloura Skye, age two years. Denise married William J Hiers Jr. who had a very special place in Mom’s heart since he cared for her at their home when he was laid up with a broken leg and she was recovering from a heart event. They have two awesome children- William J Hiers III and Elisabeth Hiers. William has a lovely daughter named Theadora, age 5. Elisabeth married Philemon Krilles and they have a sweet son named Narmer, age 1 ½ years.

Janina and Joseph travelled throughout their marriage. They enjoyed vacationing all over the USA and also visited many European countries. They joined the Ranger Battalions Association of World Ward II and attended many reunions culminating in a 50th anniversary ranger reunion in Normandy France.

Janina and Joseph moved to Palm Coast, FL. in their late years. They had beloved animals all their married lives, but in Florida fell in love with Dachshunds and adopted two females when an illegal puppy mill was closed. After the passing of these girls, Janina adopted Minnie Rose (another Dachshund) who was her faithful and loving companion for many years. Also in Florida, Janina was proud to volunteer her time at the Flagler County Humane Society.

A few years after Joseph died Janina moved back to Connecticut to be around her daughter Denise and family. She enjoyed living at the Atrium in Portland, CT at 55+ older community. There were lots of group activities, socializing in the pub, walks with the ladies, movie nights and parties for all occasions.

Janina had a peaceful passing from this world. Her family celebrates her by continuing their love for her.

Care of funeral arrangements is entrusted to Spencer Funeral Home in East Hampton, CT. There will be calling hours at the funeral home at 9:30 am followed by a Mass celebrating Janina’s life at St. Patrick’s Church in East Hampton at 10:30 on Monday, June 14th. Janina’s ashes will be placed in the same plot as her beloved husband at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Middletown, CT following the Mass.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Janina M Drodwill, please visit our floral store.