Joan Lawrence Dean
January 30, 2011
Joan L. Dean
1912-2011
Woodstock – It is with tremendous sadness that the Deans and Fekays announce the passing of the matriarch of our family, Joan Lawrence Dean. Joan Dean lived a very remarkable and a complete life; she was truly an extraordinary and inspirational lady. The most important part of Joan’s life was her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, (& even great, great grandchildren!) she dedicated and devoted her entire life to the family. Joan Dean fought and conquered breast cancer at the age of 95. Unfortunately she finally lost the battle with pancreatic cancer, after putting up an epic fight, and then she passed away at age 98 in Woodstock, CT in her home, on January 29, 2011. Joan was courageous and she had an incredible will to live; and if pancreatic cancer did not overtake her, she would have become an honorary member of the centurion club, without a doubt.
Joan Lawrence Dean was born September 6 1912, in Michigan City, ID; she was the last of four children born to Milham and Hessin (Saab) Jouney. Joan attended Pasadena City College in California. Joan Dean was a multilingual, world traveler, family orientated entertainer, and a gourmet chef. Joan created a family owned and operated bed and breakfast, that she named Thornfield Hall in Thompson, CT. The renowned racecar drivers that competed at Thompson Speedway, as well as many famous and international people, stayed at Thornfield Hall and enjoyed her gourmet cooking.
Joan Dean had eight children with her first husband David Fekay and they resided in Upper Darby Pennsylvania. Joan’s second marriage to Benjamin Palmer Dean produced four additional children in Pasadena, CA and Thompson, CT. Joan Dean’s surviving children in birth order are: Lillian Fekay Stephens, David Fekay, Mimi Fekay, Dennis Fekay, Jeffrey Fekay, Lila Fekay, Richard Dean, Philip Dean, Penelope Dean, and Ronald Dean. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren living throughout the world. Joan was predeceased by her children, Benjamin Dean and Sue Fekay; her brothers, Hamed Jouney and Charles Jouney; and her sister Mariam Jouney.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Joan’s family from 4:00 to 7:00pm, on Tuesday February 1, 2011 in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. A gathering will begin at 9:00am on Wednesday February 2, 2011 in the funeral home, followed by a procession to Woodstock Hill Cemetery at 10:30 am. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com. Donations may be made in Joan’s memory to Day Kimball Homemakers or to Hospice of Northeastern Connecticut, PO Box 632., Putnam, CT 06260.
Rochelle J. Rivard
January 26, 2011
1919-2011
Dayville – Rochelle J. Rivard, 91, formerly of Putnam, died Monday, January 24, 2011 in Westview Health Care Center. Born in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Josephine (Bellerose) Rivard.
Miss Rivard worked as a records clerk for Northeast Utilities until her retirement in 1977. She was a lifelong communicant of Saint Mary Church of the visitation where she was a member of the choir.
Rochelle enjoyed crocheting and loved animals.
She was predeceased by her brother Paul Rivard and her best friend Jeannette Benoit.
Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at 11:00 am in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence St., Putnam. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Lena H. Racette
January 20, 2011
1922 – 2011
Putnam – Lena H. Racette, 88, of Wilkinson Street, died Wednesday, January 19, 2011 in Pierce Memorial Baptist Home. She was the loving wife of the late Omer Racette. Born in Willimantic, she was the daughter of the late Alfred and Dorilla (Lamiotte) Plante.
Mrs. Racette worked as a winder for the American Thread in Willimantic for 20 years. She enjoyed gardening, working in her yard, and feeding the birds. She also enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and crocheting. She especially loved taking care of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a communicant of St. Mary Church of the Visitation and was the last of nine siblings.
Lena is survived by two daughters, Yvonne M. Vigeant and her husband Raymond of Danielson, and Barbara A. Morin and her husband Edmond of Danielson; five grandchildren, Michael Vigeant of Houston, TX, Suzanne Lewis and her husband Scott of Massapequa, NY, Donna Sweet and her husband Steve of Danielson, Karen Bradley and her husband Scott of Stafford Springs, Ct, Craig Morin and his wife Nancy of Lino Lakes, MN; eight great grandchildren Danielle & Emily Sweet, Daniel & Sarah Lewis, Kyle & Cory Bradley, Andrew Morin and Cameron Swanson; and a few nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Mrs. Racette’s family from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, Monday, January 24, 2011 in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30 am in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence St., Putnam. Burial to follow in St. Mary Cemetery. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, Suite 301, 1 Union St, Robbinsville, NJ 08691, or The Lupus Foundation of America, Suite 110, 97 South St., West Hartford, CT 06110.
Jean H. Criscione
January 18, 2011
1927-2011
Putnam & Simsbury, CT- Jean Alice Herlihy Criscione, 83, passed away Monday, January 17, 2011. Born in North Chelmsford, MA, she was the daughter of the late Lester and Laura Herlihy and grew up in Putnam, CT. She attended Putnam High School where she was a member of the cheerleading squad. Jean showed an early gift for fashion design. After graduating high school, she attended The Traphagen School of Design in New York City where several of her fashion designs were used as proto-types by a major New York City department store. Jean enjoyed designing and making clothes for herself as well as for members of her family. In 1947, she married the late Angelo Criscione, from NYC, at St. Mary Church of the Visitation in Putnam, CT. Together they settled in New Jersey to raise their three children: Karen, Elaine, and Donald. Jean and Angelo retired to Simsbury, CT in 1992. Jean is survived by her two daughters Karen Bushong and her husband David, and Elaine Criscione; her son Donald Criscione and his wife Mary, her sister Anne Auger and her husband Bernard, her brother Robert Herlihy and his wife Charlotte, her late brother John Herlihy’s wife June, her brother in-law Sam Criscione and his wife Helen, and six grandchildren, Bryan, Nickel, Krista, Timothy, Andrew, Kevin and a great granddaughter Ruby Michelle Bushong. Visitation will be Friday, January 21, 2011 from 9:30-10:30 AM at the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St. Putnam, CT followed by Mass and Burial at St. Mary Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence St., Putnam. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday January 23, 2011 in The Cherry Brook Health Center, 102 Dyer Ave, Canton, CT. Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Joseph D. LaRoche
January 11, 2011
1963 – 2011
Jewett City – Joseph D. LaRoche, 47, of Norman Road, died Friday, January 7, 2011 after a long illness in the William W. Backus Hospital. He was the loving companion of Kathy DeMauro for the past 17 years. Born in Putnam, he was the son of Donat and Lynda (Putnam) LaRoche.
Mr. LaRoche worked as a machinist for Kaman Aerospace. He was a volunteer driver for the Martin House in Norwich and enjoyed music, especially guitars.
In addition to his companion and his parents, Joseph is survived by his brother, Bryan LaRoche of FL, his sisters, Dawn Hunton of Danielson, and Lisa Mendes of Cheshire, CT; and his paternal Grandmother, Florence LaRoche of Danielson.
As requested by the family, services will be private. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com
Memorial donations, may be made to the Martin House, P.O. Box 857, Norwich, CT 06360
Warren P. McHugh
January 10, 2011
1931-2011
Putnam– Warren P. McHugh, 79, of Sabin Street, died Wednesday, January 5, 2011. Born in Chelmsford, MA, he was the son of the late Peter and Rachel (Clark) McHugh.
He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Lowell Tech, and his Masters degree from the University of Virginia. He was the owner of a textile and manufacturing business for many years.
Warren was a big sports aficionado. He played football in high school and college. He loved basketball, hockey, and baseball as well.
He is survived by his loving daughter, Sara Simpson and her husband Christopher of Foxboro, MA; his brothers, Billy McHugh and his wife Mary of Florida, Bernard and wife Marguerite of Florida; his sisters, Jean McHugh Horgan of Pikesville, TN, Alice Wooster and her husband Harry, of Michigan; three grandchildren, Michael, Maderyn, and Evelyn; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services are private. Gilman Funeral Home was entrusted with his arrangements. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Omer J. Jolie
January 8, 2011
1928– 2011
Putnam – Omer J. Jolie, 82 of Sabin St. died Thursday January 6, 2011 surrounded by his family. He was the loving husband of Theresa (Plouffe) Jolie. Born in Putnam, he was one of ten children born to Noe and Beatrice (Lepage) Joly.
Mr. Jolie worked as a maintenance man for the former Jacobs Rubber and later the Lydell Company for 40 years. Omer was a veteran of the Korean War and was a life member of the Albert J. Breault VFW Post 1523. He was also a member of the Putnam Seniors. He enjoyed traveling, painting and working around his house. He was very family oriented, spending countless hours with his grandchildren as they grew up.
In addition to his wife, Omer is survived by his son, Brian Jolie of South Beach, OR; his daughter, Cathy Fleming of Putnam; his brother, Armand Jolly of Pomfret and his grandchildren, Trista Jolie, Shawn Jolie, Amanda Jolie, Ryan Bellerose, and Thomas Fleming.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Omer’s family from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Sunday January 9, 2011 in the Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale CT. A gathering will begin Monday January 10, 2011 at 11:00 am in the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 noon in St. Joseph Church, 18 Main St., N. Grosvenordale. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery in Dayville. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Kathryn A. Keller
January 6, 2011
1949-2011
Dayville– Kathryn (Lavallee) Keller, 61, of Ledge Rd., died Tuesday, January 4, 2011, in Day Kimball Hospital. She was the loving wife of Joseph G. Keller, Jr. Born in Providence, RI, she was the daughter of Sarah (Hargraves) Bonner of Putnam, and the late Francis Lavallee.
Mrs. Keller was a homemaker who enjoyed karaoke and dancing with her husband whom she was very supportive. She was happiest when spending time with her children, grandchildren and many friends. She will fondly be remembered for her loving smile and nurturing ways.
In addition to her husband and mother, Kathryn is survived by her son, Rene St. Onge and his wife Tammy of Longmont, CO; her daughters, Anne Vaida and her husband Andy of Aberdeen, MD, and Tammie Jacobson and her husband Michael of Hampton, CT; her brothers, Richard “Butch” Lavalle, Charlie Lavalle, Bill Bonner, Jr., Robert Bonner, and Russell Bonner; her sisters, Frances Fredette, Mary Sevigny, Patricia Bonner, and Karen Fredette, her grandchildren, Glen Curtis III , Amanda Curtis, Deanna Vaida, Kevin Vaida, Jordan Bird, Tristan St. Onge, Sean St. Onge, Kyle Jacobson, Travis Jacobson, Ethan Jacobson; her great grandchildren, Lucas Carpio, and Chloe Curtis; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers, the late Robert Lavalle, and Bruce Bonner, and her sister, the late Gloria Green
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Kathryn’s family from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, Saturday, January 8, 2011, in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. A Funeral Service will be held at 4:00 pm Sunday January 9, 2011 in St. John Lutheran Church, 445 Providence Rd, Brooklyn, CT. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Memorial donations in Kathryn’s name may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, 445 Providence Rd, Brooklyn, CT 06234
William N. “Bill” Sorel
January 2, 2011
William N. Sorel
1924-2011
Brooklyn – William N. “Bill” Sorel, 86, formerly of Farrows St. in Putnam, died peacefully Saturday January 1, 2011 in the Pierce Memorial Baptist Home. He was the loving husband of Lorraine (Basinet) Boulet – Sorel for 41 years. Born in Quinebaug, CT he was the son of the late Aldric and Elsie (Piette) Sorel.
Mr. Sorel worked as a union carpenter for many years. He was also a self-employed auctioneer. He served in the Army during WWII. He loved collecting antiques and old western movies. He enjoyed gardening and “puttering” around his home.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a stepson, Russell Boulet of Brooklyn; many nieces and nephews and grand nieces and grand nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial for William at 10:00 am on Friday January 7, 2011 in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence St., Putnam. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery. Gilman Funeral Home is entrusted with his arrangements. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Shirley G. Elliott
January 2, 2011
Shirley G. Elliott
1937 – 2010
Putnam – Shirley G. Elliott, 73, of Ballou St, died Friday, December 24, 2010. She was the loving wife of Walter L. Elliott. Born in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Mathias and Yvonne (Gagne) Rondeau, and sister to the late Edward Ernest Rondeau Sr.
Mrs. Elliott was a homemaker who loved spending time with her family, and was extremely proud of her children and grandchildren. She loved animals, especially Toby and Sofia, and she was so proud of her angel collection. She was an awesome mom, who will be greatly missed.
In addition to her husband of 56 years, Shirley is survived by her four boys; Stephen Elliott of Midlothian, VA, Burt Elliott of Putnam, Jeffrey Elliott of Sarasota, FL, and Mark Elliott of Worcester, MA; her grandchildren, Richard Elliott, Julie Cobb, Erica Elliott, and Colby Elliott; her great grandchildren, Allison and Naomi Cobb. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in her remembrance at St. Mary Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence St., Putnam at 10:00 am on Monday January 10, 2011. Mrs. Elliott had requested cremation, and a spring burial of her ashes is being planned.
For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, I-91 Tech CTR, 825 Brook Street, Rocky Hill, CT 06067