Eugenia Gil: Remembering A Staunch and Caring Democrat

“I like what the Democrats stand for – people, families, workers. I tell my kids, ‘You register Democrat. When you make your millions, then you can switch to Republican.’ “

– Eugenia Gil upon receiving the 1998 Lawrence F. O’Brien Achievement Award for contributions to the party, November 17, 1998. The Hartford Courant

Eugenia Gil, a survivor of a Nazi work camp in World War II, trailblazing union member , mother, grandmother, author, devout member of Sacred Heart Church and a very proud Democrat, died July 24th at the age of 88.

To Democratic politicians at all levels from Hubert Humphrey to John Kerry, from Don DeFronzo to Tim O’Brien,  Gil was a tireless volunteer. At every election she exhorted neighbors, her Sacred Heart Ladies Guild members and anyone she could reach to vote Democratic in English and Polish.  When failing health forced her to relocate to a nursing home in Avon a few years ago, one of her chief worries was how could she still vote in the next election.

Eugenia Gil received the CT Lawrence F. O’Brien Achievement Award for her service to Democrats in 1998.

You’d always see her allegiances on display in the living room of her Mansfield Avenue home — autographed pictures of Democratic leaders, a framed and signed photo of  Pope John Paul II, a scrapbook of clippings on the strikes and struggles of United Auto Workers Local 133 at Fafnir Bearing.  Gil was the first woman elected to the Local 133 union shop at Fafnir at the same time she got involved in Democratic politics.  Gil served on the city Aging Commission as its Chair,  but her lifetime of activism never required a title or position in office or the  party.

“Eugenia was the most compassionate, giving person I have ever met,” said her friend,  Carol Nadolny,  in a comment on her obituary. “She shared herself and her talent with her church, her community, and her family and friends. It is not possible to describe all of Eugenia’s accomplishments, so I am grateful that she left behind an autobiography that details her life experiences. Her words will certainly continue to inspire others to a life of service.”

Eugenia Gil, another  irreplaceable leader from New Britain’s union movement, will continue to inspire Democrats for her passion, positive partisanship and example.

Black Dems’ Soul Food Fest Is Saturday August 18th: Don’t Miss Emma Pierce’s Peach Cobbler

The Black Democratic Club of New Britain will hold its annual Soul Food Fest on Saturday August 18th beginning at noon at Pride of Connecticut Lodge of Elks, 24 Elm Street.   Join President Shirley Black and Black Democratic Club members for traditional southern cuisine and good company.   $15 per person with proceeds to benefit the Black Democratic Club.

NAACP Thank You Reception For Former Chief Carr Sat., 8/4; Freedom Fund Dinner September 29th

New Branch of the NAACP will host a thank you reception for former Fire Chief Mark Carr on Saturday, August 4th, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the New Britain Senior Center, 55 Pearl Street.

Carr, now living and working in the Washington, DC area, last March became  chief safety officer at the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)  of the U.S. Department of Transportation.During his tenure as New Britain Fire Chief, Carr was active and supportive of the NAACP and other community organizations.

The NAACP is gearing up for its annual Freedom Fund Dinner on September 29th at CCSU’s Alumni Hall starting at 6 pm with a theme of “Your Power, Your Decision – Vote”  with New Jersey Civil Rights Activist and Lecturer Larry Hamm.  New Britain’s Art Perry will serve as Master of Ceremonies.   Tickets are $65 pp; Youth under 18 $30.

T-Minus 10 Days: Help Get Out The Vote On Primary Day 

The O’Brien for New Britain Committee held a reception on July 27th at Tools Restaurant in downtown New Britain. Participating were State Senator Terry Gerratana, BOE President Sharon Beloin- Saavedra and Rosemary Klotz, Chief of Staff for Mayor Tim O’Brien.

Mayor O’Brien and family at the July 27th O’Brien for New Britain Reception held at Tools.

New Britain Democrat e-letter: John McNamara, Chair and Editor, Post Office Box 2112, New Britain, CT 06050. New Britain Democrat e-letters and updates and ways you can participate may be found at www.newbritaindemocrat.org. 

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