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PUTNAM — The Quinebaug Valley Regional Rotaract Club held its First Annual Celebration Dinner June 10 and Rotaract scholarship recipients and community partners were honored, donations presented and incoming officers were inducted.

“I am overjoyed with how successful this year has been for the Rotaract Club,” said Rotaract President Crystal DiZazzo. “The community has been extremely supportive of our goals and events, which we truly appreciate, and I believe we will continue to grow and create a positive difference in the years to come.”

The Rotaract Club is a community service and professional networking organization for young professionals (ages 18 to 35) co-sponsored by the Putnam and Danielson Rotary Clubs and committed to the Rotary model of “Service Above Self.”

The Rotaract Club raised more than $3,700 for its scholarship fund at its First Annual Rotaract Trivia Night last fall.  After an application process, the club selected four local students in recognition of their community involvement, academic achievements and extracurricular activities. Each student will receive a $500 college scholarship.

Scholarship recipients are: Woodstock Academy student Emily Becher, who will attend Eastern Connecticut State University this fall; and Killingly High School students Zane Cook, who will attend University of Connecticut this fall; Mikayla Pasco, who will attend Roger Williams University this fall; and Kelsey Rioux, who will attend Rhode Island College this fall.

Donations were presented to Daily Bread and Day Kimball Hospital’s Deary Memorial Cancer Fund. The donations stemmed from the Rotaract club’s 2nd Annual Celebrity Bartender Night, held April 17. The event raised $3,600. The club donated $1,800 each to organization. 

The club recognized Citizens National Bank President David Conrad and WINY Radio 1350 AM owners Gary and Karen Osbrey with Community Partnership Awards. Conrad served as “Trivia Master” at the club’s Trivia Night event. The Osbreys have been enthusiastic supporters of the Rotaract Club and have participated in every club event. The club also recognized Jeffrey Rawson and Ronald Coderre with Special Appreciation Awards. As Rotary Club advisers to the group, both have made significant contributions to the club.

New officers include: President Emily Groves, Vice President Sarah Mortensen, Treasurer Jade Flynn, Secretary Rachel Locke, and Past President Crystal DiZazzo. Members are Alexandra Chase, Joseph DiCollela, Jacob Dykeman, Andy Morrison, Mallory Murray, Jessica Rawson and Bryan Smith.

New members interested in community service and professional networking are encouraged to join. The club’s next meeting will be at 6 p.m. July 15 at J.D. Cooper’s Restaurant. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/putnamrotaractclub. The club’s next focus will be on donating time to community service projects this summer. The club also plans to hold its 2nd Annual Trivia Night this fall.

 

 

Named to Ripon College dean's list

RIPON, Wisc. --- Daniel Knox, a first-year business management major at Ripon College from Danielson, has been named to the dean’s list for the spring 2014 semester, which recognizes academic excellence. Knox is the child of  Deborah L. Knox of Danielson,  and Mr. Daniel H. Knox Sr. of Worcester.

 

 

John F. Kenyon

PUTNAM — John F. Kenyon, 76, of Putnam, died June 15, 2014, at home after a brief illness. He was the husband of Dorothy (Smick) Kenyon. 

He was born June 24, 1937, in Putnam, son of John and Kathleen (Watts) Kenyon. He was a construction worker, retiring early due to illness. John was an avid NASCAR fan and loved his John Deere Tractors.

He leaves in addition to his wife Dorothy;, his children, Todd Dexter (Barbara), Shaun Kenyon (Barbara), Debbie Kenyon, Jean Mayo, Kelly French (Tim), Dana Lefebvre (Mark Sr.); his brothers Tom Kenyon (Sue), and Paul Kenyon; 17 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren; his care giver during his final days Catrina Kata. He was predeceased by his daughter Donna Tetreault and his sister Joan Kenyon.

The Graveside Service was June 19 in St. Mary Cemetery, Putnam. Smith &Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

Richard W. Remillard

PUTNAM — Richard “Bear” W. Remillard, 61, of Bibeault St., died June 22, 2014, at home.  He married Jacalyn (Chesser) Remillard on May 25, 1984 in Whipple’s Chapel.  Born in 1952 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Cyril and Rachael (Pacheco) Remillard.

Mr. Remillard was employed as a C.N.A. for Westview Nursing Home.  He previously worked at Electric Boat as a pipe hanger, and a box maker for Johnson Corrugated.  He was a member of the Men’s Auxiliary of the Putnam VFW 1325, the AARP, and the National Rifle Association.  He enjoyed playing “pitch” at the Putnam Elk’s for over 25 years. 

In addition to his wife,  he leaves his sons, Robert R. Remillard (Angela) of Stafford Springs, and Jesse R. Remillard of Putnam; his brothers, Maurice Remillard (Phyllis) , and Robert Remillard of Thompson; his grandchildren, Caleb Michael Remillard, and Trevor Richard Remillard; his nephew, Maurice; nieces, Tracy, Rachael, and Lisa.  He was predeceased by his stepfather, Arthur Pacheco. 

Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. June 28 with a funeral service beginning at 7 in Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. Donations: c/o Jacalyn Remillard for the care of Caleb & Trevor Remillard, 80 Bibeault St., Putnam, CT 06260. 

 

Diana Paetzell

DAYVILLE — Diana Marie (Smith) Paetzell, 60, of Dayville, died June 15, 2014, in Putnam.  

She was the daughter of Elaine Mae (Crain) Repsher and the late William Robert Smith.  She was predeceased by her husband, Alan Earl Paetzell, to whom she was married on Sept. 30, 1989, in Easton, Penn., and was sealed in the Washington, D.C. temple on April 23, 1999.  

She was born in Pen Argyl, Penn. where she grew up and graduated from Pen Argyl Area High School in 1971.  She earned her associate’s degree in applied science from Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital in 1975.  She worked at St. Luke’s Hospital from 1974 to 1988 and was an Adjunct Professor at Northampton County Area Community College from 1984 to 1988.  She moved to Connecticut where she was employed at Day Kimball Hospital as an Ultrasound Sonographer starting in 2000.  She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ashford.   Diana loved her pets Bella, Alex and Duncan.  She also loved reading, crafts and gardening.  

She leaves her daughter, Aliana Jessica Paetzell of Dayville; her mother, Elaine Mae (Crain) Repsher, of Putnam; a brother, Charles Curtis Repsher and sister-in-law, Heidi Marie Repsher of Quakertown, Penn., and niece and nephew, Sara Noelle Repsher and Mark Turner Repsher.  

The Funeral was June 20 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ashford. Donations: Aliana Paetzell through the Day Kimball Credit Union.  Aliana graduated from HH Ellis Technical High School with the Class of 2014 on June 18. Aliana Paetzell Educational Account at Northeastern CT Healthcare Credit Union, Inc., Day Kimball Hospital, 320 Pomfret Street, Putnam CT, 06260. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

Gwendolyn Potter

WOODSTOCK — Gwendolyn Beatrice Withers Potter, 92, of Woodstock, died June 10, 2014, at home. She was the wife of Richard F. Potter. He died Dec. 25, 2012. 

She was born Oct. 30, 1921, in Washington, DC, daughter of Ernest and Elsie (Vaughan) Withers Sr.

She was a 1939 graduate of Woodstock Academy. She had a great love for birds and nature’s beauty. Gwendolyn traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and abroad. She had a great interest in other cultures. Gwendolyn spent her life caring for others. 

She leaves her sons Richard Potter of Cromwell, Dennis Potter of Woodstock, her daughters Patricia Sarasin (Kenneth) of Woodstock; Susan Norris (Scott) of Enfield; siblings William Withers of Auburn, Gladys Ekman of Maryland (formerly of Woodstock), Dorothy Szarkowicz of Ballouville, Sally Hooker of Lubbock, Texas; half-sisters Ruth O’Brien, Mary Knapp, Viola Hull; grandchildren Elizabeth Norris, Lauren Norris, Cassandra Clair, Sharie Potter, Paula Potter; great-grandson Maddox Roy. She was predeceased by her grandson James Clair, brother Ernest Withers, sister Marjorie Potter and daughter-inlaw Judith.

The Graveside Service was June 14 in Center Cemetery, Woodstock. Donations: Muddy Brook Fire Department, P.O. Box 222, East Woodstock, CT 06244. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

Barry G. Baker

FABYAN — Barry G. Baker, 60 of Fabyan, died June 18, 2014, at home.

Barry was born in Norwich, son of the late Lloyd and May (Marquis) Baker and lived in Fabyan most of his life.  He was a grocery clerk for many years at Park ‘N Shop in Dudley.  He enjoyed yard work, gardening and tinkering.

He leaves his wife of 39 years, Joanne C. (Note) Baker; two sons, Michael Baker of Worcester and Travis Baker of Grafton, Mass.; a daughter, Samantha Baker of Spencer, Mass.; three brothers, Joseph Baker of Fabyan, Mark Baker of N. Grosvenordale and Robert Baker of Wisconsin; two sisters, Linda Gauthier of N. Grosvenordale and Mary Garey of Wisconsin; two grandchildren.

The funeral was private. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

 

Lily Gaucher

PUTNAM — Lily R. (Koff) Gaucher, 68, died June 15, 2014, at home after being stricken ill.

She was born in Norwich and raised in N. Grosvenordale, the daughter of the late John Koff. She moved to Putnam in 1998. She attended Tourtellotte Memorial High School and earned her high school diploma.

Ms. Gaucher first worked in production at Colt’s Plastics in N. Grosvenordale. She then worked at the Putnam Button Factory. She was employed at Jacobs Rubber and then for 26 years at Frito Lay, both in Dayville, retiring in 2011.

She enjoyed collecting hummingbird memorabilia. She was blessed with a green thumb and liked growing plants. She loved the ocean and picnicking. 

She leaves two sons, Kenneth C. Carpenter Jr. of N. Grosvenordale and Eugene J. Gaucher Jr. of Thompson; a daughter, Jennifer G. Evans (Trevor) of Sterling; six grandchildren; her mother, Lily (Colbridge) Koff of Dover, Del.; a brother, John Koff of Dover; her lifelong friend, Esther St.Amant of Dayville.

Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. June 27 with a celebration of her life at 7 at Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, Webster.

 

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