Phyllis Bierce

WINSTED — Phyllis (Roraback) Ostapko Bierce, 81, of Gay Street died Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010.

Mrs. Bierce was a longtime employee of W.T. Grant Co. of Winsted and in later years was employed by Rexam Corp. and The Winsted Journal. A Golden Sheaf member of Riverton Grange 169, she was also a longtime leader of the Riverton Junior Grange and for many years was active in Mountain County Pomona Grange and the Connecticut State Grange. She was a charter member of the Winsted Area Ambulance Association and served as a volunteer ambulance attendant for many years. In recent years, she continued her community service projects by knitting for the Riverton Congregational Church Prayer Shawl Ministry.

She is survived by a sister, Gladys Roraback Anstett of Barkhamsted, and will be missed by her many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, Gertrude and Earl Roraback; her husband, Joseph Ostapko; her husband, Carlton Bierce; her brother, Earl Roraback Jr.; and her sisters, Gertrude (Peggy) Prelli and Kathryn Millard.

A service to celebrate Mrs. Bierce’s life was held Feb. 6 at Riverton Congregational Church. Donations may be made to Winsted Area Ambulance Association, PO Box 56, Winsted, CT 06098. Visit an online guestbook at montano-shea.com.  

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