Ria Gadwah

Maria “Ria” Aloysius Johanna Gadwah (van Hamersveld) passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025.

Ria was born on October 28, 1940, in Zeist, Netherlands, and was a longtime resident of Meriden, Connecticut. She was the beloved daughter of the late Johannes and Anna Maria (van der Veer) van Hamersveld, and the fifth of six siblings. She was predeceased by her brothers Joop, Jos, Guert, Lambertus, and Hans van Hamersveld.

Ria is survived by her six children: Annemarie Weir (Dale), John Gadwah, Shirley Moreno (Saul), Wendy Gadwah, Kristyn Baranski (Eric), and Joslyn Gadwah. She also leaves behind five grandchildren: Catria, Caelan, Arden, Elise, and Charlotte.

Ria dedicated her early years to raising her children as a stay-at-home mom and was also a licensed foster parent. During the 1970s and 1980s, she welcomed and cared for 82 foster children through the State of Connecticut. After her own children were grown, she worked with special needs children at Benhaven School, Elizabeth Ives School, and Greenshire School until her retirement.

Ria was a talented and passionate crafter, happiest when making Christmas ornaments, crocheting blankets, or darning lace. A spirited supporter of the Dutch national soccer team, she never missed a World Cup match—cheering loudly in Dutch, decked out in orange. She had a deep love for houseplants, often propagating them to share with loved ones. She would spend hours in the kitchen making batches of her famous Dutch croquettes and every December keeping her tradition of baking hundreds of Christmas cookies to gift.

Ria belonged to a generation that treasured connection, often spending hours at the kitchen table over coffee or tea with a friend. And when it came time to say goodbye, she never missed the chance to stand in the doorway, waving until the car disappeared from view. Her strength, creativity, and fierce personality will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.

To honor Ria’s life, family and friends will gather on June 1, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Beecher & Bennett, Inc., 48 Cook Avenue, Meriden, CT 06450. Time for remembrances and eulogies will be shared during the last hour. For those unable to attend in person, a live stream will be available here: Ria Gadwah Memorial. Use password Ria0601 for access. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hartford Healthcare at Home Hospice, 81 Meriden Avenue, Suite 314, Southington, CT 06489. For information or to send a condolence, see obituary at www.beecherandbennett.com.