Waterbury-Doris S. (Strusinski) Novakowski, widow of Walter A. Novakowski, passed away peacefully at Southington Care Center of Monday March 2, 2026 at the age of 97.

Born in Meriden CT on January 12, 1929, she was the daughter of the late William and Natalie (Marcheski) Strusinski.  Doris was a lifelong resident of Waterbury where she and her late husband raised their family.  She loved to travel and enjoyed summers with Walter in New Hampshire and winters in Florida.   Doris was a talented artist and  painter and was a member of the Watertown Art League.  She was a lifelong active member of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church until its closing and was a member of the parish Ladies Guild. 

She is survived by her family, her sons Jon (Darlene), William (Andrea);  her four grandchildren Paul (Lisa), Gary (Sarah), James and Anna (Becca); her seven great grandchildren; and her sister Patricia Mitchell.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff at Southington Care Center for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Doris over the past six years.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday March 10, 2026 from 8-9:30 a.m. at the Naugatuck Valley Memorial/Fitzgerald Zembruski Funeral Home, 240 North Main Street, Naugatuck.  A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m. at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, 74 West Main Street, Waterbury.  Burial will be in  Mount Olivet Cemetery, Watertown.  To send an on line condolence or share a memory, please visit ww.naugatuckvalleymemorial.com