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Deborah J. Desmarais
FABYAN — Deborah Jeanne Desmarais, born July 19, 1949, died May 5, 2013, at Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam, under hospice care after a prolonged illness. Debby was a resident of Fabyan, living with her mother.
She was a graduate of UConn. She worked in past years as a medical transcriptionist for W. W. Backus Hospital in Norwich. Debby was a lover of literature, knowledge and her favorite pastime was reading. She loved all animals and was a kind supporter and frequent contributor to many animal rescue organizations. She was also a friend and contributor to “The Mercy Home for Boys and Girls” of Chicago. Her best friends were Laura Chilkott of Florida, and her beloved cat “Pinnochio”.
Debby had a bright and vibrant nature, she loved dancing, music and singing. She had a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor. She was a quiet and kind individual with a soft, lovely, caring nature and was loved by everyone, touching all she met.
She leaves her mother Sophie Desmarais of Fabyan; three sisters; Tonie Martin of Fabyan, Patricia Desmarais of Killingly, and Katherine Burke of San Francisco; three brothers, Scott Desmarais of Thompson, Russell Desmarais of Fabyan, and Mark Desmarais of Chester.
A Memorial Mass will be at 11 a.m. May 18 at St. Stephen’s Church, 130 Old Turnpike Road, Quinebaug, with a reception following Mass. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Services for Robert Bates
BONITA SPRINGS, Fla./PUTNAM — Robert “Bob” D. Bates, 80, who died Oct. 31, 2012, in Florida. A Celebration of Life service for Bob will be held at 10:30 a.m. May 18, at the Congregational Church of Putnam, 175 Main St.
Nina Gailiunas
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Nina Gailiunas, 95, of Susan Avenue, died May 1, 2013, at the home of her special caregivers Judy and Stanley DeWalt. She was the wife of the late Peter G. Gailiunas. Born in 1917 in Lithuania, she was forced to leave her home after Stalin’s army occupied her family’s farm. She never was able to return to her family home and later emigrated to the U.S. after WWII.
Mrs. Gailiunas worked for several years at Travelers Insurance Company and started her family with Peter in 1954. They were both proud members of the Lithuanian community of the Greater Hartford area.
She leaves two sons Raymond Gailiunas (Gretchen) of Stamford, and Dr. Ernest Gailiunas (Laura) of Osterville, Mass., four grandchildren Katie, Sara, Jana, and Kara Gailiunas. She was predeceased by three brothers.
A Mass of Christian Burial was May 11 in St. Mary Church, Putnam, with burial in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Lorraine Parent
DANIELSON — Lorraine B. Parent, 84, of Wauregan Road died May 8, 2013, at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford. She was the wife of Arthur H. Parent. They were married April 14, 1951, in St. James Church in Danielson.
Lorraine served as secretary and treasurer for Arthur Parent Contractors, Inc. for many years. She was born June 7, 1928, in Danielson, daughter of the late Edward and Bertha (Perreault) Simoneau. Lorraine was a lifelong communicant of St. James Church.
She leaves her husband of 62 years, Arthur H. Parent; son Glenn Parent (Lisa) of Brooklyn; granddaughters Nicole Parent of Ruskin, Fla., Ashley Dupointe of Hingham, Mass., and Lindsey Parent of Brooklyn, great-granddaughter Emma Oakes of Florida; nieces Sandra Pilcher of Tierra Verde, Fla., Linda Leavens of Niantic, Mary Anne Linkowski of Knoxville, Karen Cushmon of Globe, Ariz.; nephews Marc Pilcher of Bradenton, Fla., Chris Pilcher of Forest Hill, Md., Joseph Parent of Phoenix, Brian Parent of Show Low, Ariz., Timothy Parent of Phoenix; brother-in-law Paul Parent and his wife Julie of Mesa, Ariz.
The Mass of Christian Burial was May 11 in St. James Church, Danielson, with burial in Holy Cross Cemetery on Parent’s Way. Donations: Charity of one’s choice. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.
Raymond Phelps Jr.
N. GROSVENORDALE — Raymond A. Phelps Jr., 66, of Main Street, died May 5, 2013, at home. He was the husband of the late Florence (Lariviere) Phelps. Born in 1946 in Webster, he was the son of the late Raymond A. Phelps Sr. and Jean (Cameron) Phelps.
Mr. Phelps first worked on his father’s dairy farm. He then started delivering milk to homes for Deary Brothers Dairy and worked his way up to general manager. When Deary Brothers was sold, he worked for Guida’s Dairy. He later worked as a truck driver for various local transport companies. He also owned and operated the Health Haven Gym. He enjoyed gardening, playing cards.
He leaves sons, Raymond J. Phelps (Sue) of Webster, and Shawn Phelps (Lisa) of N. Grosvenordale; sister, Barbara Coderre of San Antonio; granddaughter Courtney Phelps. He is predeceased by his brother, Glenn Phelps; and his sister, Carol Graham.
The funeral was private. Donations: TEEG, P.O. Box 664, N. Grosvenordale, CT 06255. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes.