Jean Pawlak Gowel, age 92, formerly of Ansonia, entered into rest on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at home with her loving family by her side.
Jean was born in Derby on June 25, 1934, daughter of the late Harry and Antoinette (Blanko) Colwell. She attended the Derby school system, graduating from Derby High School. At that time, Jean was a member of the Children of Mary Sodality at St. Mary’s Church and was chosen to crown the blessed Virgin Mary. After graduation, Jean went to work at B.F. Goodrich in Shelton where she met her late husband Charles. She also worked at Hull Dye & Print Works in Derby. Jean and Charlie enjoyed attending many formal dances at Falcon Hall and events with the “Ritz Boys” Club members.
Jean was a devout Catholic all her life. She was an active parishioner at St. Joseph’s Church in Ansonia, where she was also a member of the Women’s Guild, volunteered at the school, and worked as the Rectory housekeeper for twenty-five years.
Jean enjoyed family vacations to Atlantic City, Florida, Virginia Beach, Cape Cod, and casino trips with Margaret and Ralph. She was the local “Avon lady,” an avid doll collector, UConn basketball fan, and known for her special Jello desserts. Family was most important to Jean and she attended all her grandchildren’s events through the years.
She was the beloved mother of Gerri Malloy (James) of Ansonia, Kathleen DiLella of Branford, Maureen Pawlak (Jimmy Zanor) of Branford, with whom she resided the past six years, and sister of Margaret Falbo (Ralph) of Seymour. She was the loving grandmother of Paul DiLella (Mary Liberatore), Charlie DiLella (Marissa Cort), Caitlin Malloy, Eddie Zanor, and Anya Zanor; and great-grandmother of Julian Carlo DiLella. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and dear friends. Jean was predeceased by her husband Charles Pawlak, brothers Harry Jr. and George Colwell, and former husband Joseph Gowel.
The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to Jean’s longtime caregiver, Jean, as well as Teagan, April, Samantha, and Lauren for their love and support throughout the years.
On Sunday, July 26, friends may call from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the Edward F. Adzima Funeral Home, 253 Elizabeth St., Derby. On Monday, July 27, friends may call from 9:45-10:15 am at the funeral home. Her funeral procession will leave at 10:30 am for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am at St. Joseph Church, Ansonia. Her burial will follow at Mt. St. Peter Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Sacred Heart Academy in Hamden.
Condolences may be shared at www.adzimafh.com.