Sarah S. Docal

Sarah Stincer de Docal (Sarita), 87, of Woodbridge, CT (formerly of Havana, Cuba), died late Thursday, September 19 at her daughter’s home in North Haven, CT. After a courageous battle with cancer, she passed away surrounded by her family. Her death came exactly seven years after the passing of her beloved husband, Gonzalo, on September 19, 2006. Born February 11, 1926, in Holguin, Cuba, she was the daughter of the late Dr. Rogelio Stincer and Sarah Godoy de Stincer and the sister of the late Rogelio and Carlos Stincer. Mrs. Docal studied at Las Dominicas Americanas in Havana. After graduating, she taught English at Colegio del Sagrado Corazón, also in Havana. In 1960 she and her family fled from communism in her native Cuba. She arrived in Miami with her family and later moved to New Jersey, Colombia, Connecticut and Mexico before finally settling in Woodbridge. Mrs. Docal is survived by six daughters and one son: Sara (Stephen) Zrike of Norfolk, MA, Maria Victoria (Hans) Beyhs of Pfaffenheck, Germany, Didi (Greg) Burns of Yardley, PA, Rosi (David) Pizzuto of Cheshire, CT, Antonio of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Ani (Ernesto) Alvarez of Key Biscayne, FL, Cristina (Bill) Ryan of North Haven, CT. She is also survived by twenty-one grandchildren: Stephen (Ellen), Sara Maria, Andrew (Maro), Charles and William Zrike; Monica and Michael Beyhs; Robert, Caroline and Alison Burns; Sara Pizzuto; Tommy, Jack and Jasmine Docal; Ernesto, Cristina, Carolina and Ana Alvarez; and Robert, Alexandra and William Ryan and three great grandchildren. Mrs. Docal was very active in her parish, Our Lady of the Assumption, in Woodbridge. For many years, she was a member of the Parish Social Action Committee and managed the holiday basket program for the needy. Mrs. Docal also led a Small Christian Community Prayer Group, taught CCD, was a Eucharistic Minister and helped prepare couples for marriage. Outside of her parish, Mrs. Docal was active in the Epilepsy Foundation and in helping Cuban exiles. Her family, her faith and love for her homeland were at the center of her life. Those who met her were immediately enthralled by her positive attitude and generous heart. She never thought of herself and dedicated her life to caring for others. Her love of life was contagious. Her values guided everything she did and are her legacy. The family wishes to express its heartfelt thanks to her wonderful caregivers: Victoria Mendez, Amarylis Castillo, Yaneth Castillo, Sandra Galvez, Roxana Infantes, Wanda Linhoff, Cheryl Pfau, Kosha Gardner and the staff of Connecticut Hospice. They worked tirelessly with compassion and dedication. A funeral Mass is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 24 at Our Lady of Assumption, 75 Center Road, Woodbridge. Burial will be private. Sisk Brothers Funeral Home 3105 Whitney Ave. Hamden (www.siskbrothers.com) is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405 (www.hospice.com/cthospice/donate1) or Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 75 Center Road, Woodbridge, CT 06525 (www.assumptionchurch.com) or The Smilow Cancer Center at Yale-New Haven Hospital (www.giveclosertofree.org/donate).

Sarah S. Docal

February 11, 1926 - September 19, 2013