Sr. Celine Krafton

PUTNAM — Sr. Celine Krafton, 90, of Thurber Rd, died Oct. 15, 2014, in Matulaitis Nursing Home. Born in 1924 in Lawrence, Mass., she was the daughter of the late John and Anastazija (Zujute) Kriauciunaite.

Sr. Celine Krafton completed her elementary education in Lawrence and entered the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception on Dec. 19, 1940, and gave her first vows on Aug. 15, 1942. Upon entering the convent, she completed her high school education at the Putnam Catholic Academy, graduating with the class of 1943.

Sr. Celine studied early childhood education in St. Joseph’s College, West Hartford. When assigned to Montreal, she completed St. Joseph Teacher’s College. For most of her religious life she worked with pre-school children. It was during her years at Immaculata Day Care teaching kindergarten, that she experienced the early symptoms of multiple sclerosis. With the gradual weakening of her body, in 1969 she was transferred to Matulaitis Nursing Home. Sr. Celine lived out her daily routine spending hours of prayer, meditation, and gazing at the crucifix. When asked how she withstood her condition, she would said “He is my courage and my strength.”  Her smile was ever present. The eve of her passing, with full awareness, she said, “I’m ready to go now.”  She died peacefully Oct. 15, the founding day of her religious community.

Sr. Celine’s body was received at the Immaculate Conception Convent Oct. 17. A Mass of Christian Burial was Oct. 18 at Matulaitis Nursing Home Chapel with burial Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Donations: Immaculate Conception Convent, 600 Liberty Highway, Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes.

 

Elaine I. Akana

THOMPSON —  Elaine I. (Duquette) Akana, 62, of Shady Lane, died Oct. 20, 2014, in UMass Memorial Hospital.  She was the wife of 43 years to Michael M. Akana.  Born in 1952 in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Arsene and Florence (Mailloux) Duquette.

Mrs. Akana worked as a folding machine operator for Stevens Linen in Webster.  She enjoyed cooking, gardening, traveling, fishing, motor cycling, bird watching.

In addition to her husband, she leaves her sons, David Akana (Kerry) of N. Grosvenordale, and Jason Akana (Christie) of Thompson; her brothers, Arsene “Joe” Duquette, Roger H. Duquette, David Duquette, and Kenneth Duquette, all of N. Grosvenordale; her grandchildren, Kobe, Brayden, Grace, Makaylee, Kai, Kayd, and Kyleigh.  She is predeceased by her brothers, Maurice and Roland Duquette; and her sisters, Lorraine Labonte, and Precille St. George.

Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 23 in Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale. A gathering will begin at 9 a.m. Oct. 24 in the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale, with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery.  

 

Christopher Menard

BROOKLYN —  Christopher Menard, 46, of Grand View Terrace, died Oct. 10, 2014, at home. Born in 1968 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Gerard and Linda (Duquette) Menard.

Mr. Menard worked for several local distribution and manufacturing companies.  He enjoyed hiking and fishing. He was a kind hearted and loving individual with a vibrant personality that made a lasting impact on everyone he met.

Christopher leaves his wife Elodie (Scott) Menard of Brookfield; his girlfriend, Victoria Kornosewicz of Brooklyn; his paternal grandfather, Omer Menard of N. Grosvenordale; aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by his paternal grandmother, Edna (Blanchette) Menard, and his maternal grandparents, Maurice and Theresa (Gravel) Duquette.

A graveside service was Oct. 17 in St. Joseph Cemetery, N. Grosvenordale. Valade Funeral Home, Main Street, N. Grosvenordale.

 

Arthur J. Carrigan Jr.

MOOSUP — Arthur J. Carrigan Jr., 51, of Erin Dr., died from injuries that he sustained in an accident, Oct. 16, 2014, in Hartford Hospital. Born in 1962 in Norwich, he is the son of Norma J. (Evens) Carrigan of Moosup and the late Arthur J. Carrigan Sr. 

Mr. Carrigan enjoyed fishing, riding his lawn tractor, and spending time. Arthur was a long time Nascar Racing and Harley Davidson fan and worked for Choice Tire of Sterling for the last six years. 

He leaves his mother; two sisters, Marie (Carrigan) Chenette of Moosup, and Debra (Friars) Cote of Danielson; and his brother Raymond Carrigan of Florida; three nephews, Joseph, Phillip, and Michael; an aunt Cora Lambert of Plainfield; and his uncle Howard Evens of Danielson; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Henry Friars. 

Visitation is from noon to 2 p.m. Oct. 24 in Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam, with burial in Evergreen Cemetery, Plainfield.