Gricelda Verastegui

Gricelda Verástegui, 83, of Willimantic, CT, passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on Friday, December 8, 2017. She was born April 14, 1934 in Lima, Peru to her late mother, Maria Jesús Castro. She married the late Leoncio “Lucho” Verástegui on November 2, 1956.

Known affectionately as “Mama Chela”, she was a kind, loving, and nurturing woman, who was a mother figure to many. In her spare time, she enjoyed baking, gardening, and sewing, but her greatest joy and passion were her family and friends. Her smile and her warmth were contagious and adored by the countless lives she touched.

Mama Chela is survived by her children, Victor “Tito” Verástegui, Carmen Batchelder, Chela Verástegui, Sylvia Verástegui, and Johnny Verástegui; her sons-in-law David Batchelder and David Judd; her grandchildren, Monica Keppenne, Jaime Verástegui, Michelle and Tyler Robinson, Stacey Batchelder, Timothy Verástegui, and Nolyette Verástegui; and her great-granddaughter, Andrea Robinson. Also surviving is Gladys Centeno of Lima, Peru and several other close relatives and friends.

Mama Chela’s mother, husband, and her son Carlos “Kike” Verástegui preceded her in death.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Potter Funeral Home 456 Jackson St. (Rte.195) Willimantic, CT. A Funeral Service will be 10:00 AM Thursday, December 14, 2017 also at Potter Funeral Home with burial at St Joseph Cemetery to follow.

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