Halina “Bobby” Gubinski, 94, passed away on Jan. 9, 2018, after suffering a stroke on New Year’s Eve. Born in Kremeny, Belarus on April 1, 1923, the daughter of Jan and Maria Lipski met her husband, Wasili Gubinski, in Germany in 1950. The couple arrived in the United States in 1951 and settled in Byram, CT, purchasing their home on Church Street in 1960, where they have lived ever since.
For 30 years, Halina worked at Lifesavers in Port Chester, while raising her two sons and spending summer days at Island Beach, catching countless lobsters in Long Island Sound, learning to waterski, and walking two miles around her neighborhood nearly every day.
Halina’s first grandchild was born in 1985, and three more followed in the summer of 1988. Helping to raise her grandchildren was one of the great honors and sources of joy in her life. She was accurate in telling them that she knew, even in her third language, that “grand” mother really meant “very good” mother.
She extended that love and care to her entire family, insisting that everyone have a full plate at all meals and never neglecting to send a birthday or anniversary card. Beyond her generous love, Halina’s family will forever remember her extraordinary recall, incredibly sharp mind, surprisingly sly sense of humor, and unmatched strength.
Halina is survived and deeply loved by her husband of 67 years, Wasili Gubinski. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her daughter-in-law, Joy Gubinski. She is also survived by her sister Valentina Zaluski, sons Peter and Victor and wife Alison Haney, grandchildren Jason, Natalia, Lucas, and Alexa, and nieces and nephew and their families. A service was held at Our Lady of Mercy/Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Port Chester, N.Y. on Jan. 12. Calling hours were at Castiglione Funeral Home on Jan. 11.
