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Donald Donovan,
National Guard
N. GROSVENORDALE — Donald “Papa” Donovan, 74, went home to be with Jesus Aug. 10, 2019, in Harrington Healthcare at Webster (Hubbard Hospital), Webster.
He was born in 1945 in Quinebaug to Mary (Donovan) Broughton and attended Quinebaug/Thompson schools. Donald worked at LaFramboise Well Drilling and Water Service for 35 years and retired from Pump Connection in 2008.
Donald served his country in the National Guard. He was a member of the Nipmuc Indian tribe. He was an ardent supporter of the Second Amendment and a member of the National Rifle Association.
He leaves memories behind in all of his favorite places, especially LB’s, Zip’s, Our Father’s Table, Webster Lake (The Dugout) and every hunting ground and fishing hole where he enjoyed his favorite pastimes. Donald was also known as “The Family Uber Driver.”
He leaves his wife of 54 years, Jaucqueta “Jackie” L. (Knight) Donovan; his daughters, Charlene J. Langlois (Frank) and Kelly L. Belanger (Scott); grandchildren Meagan E. Lapierre (Bernard “BJ”), Ryan Langlois (Lauryn (Williams) Langlois), Brian F. Langlois and his significant other Kim and Tre’ and Madyson Belanger; seven great-grandchildren: Diezel, Demo and Dozer Lapierre, Quinn, Mason, Gracelynn and Landen Langlois; twin brother, Ronald Donovan (Alice); sisters-in-law Norma Donovan and Jean Donovan. He was predeceased by his brothers Edward and Joseph Donovan Sr.; sisters, Constance Charette and Beverly McDonald.
In 2014, a few months after his sister Beverly’s passing, he received a letter that would change his life. Donald learned of his father and that he had a second family. He met his sisters, Leslie A. and her husband, Doug Malloy. Mallory E. Flagg and her partner Chris, Sheridan A. and her husband, Bob Parker; his brother, Ross E. Flagg and his partner, Marsha. There was an instant bond with each family member through whom he learned something about his father, Robert V. Flagg. Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Sr. Thérèse Morneau, DHS
WINDHAM — Sr. Thérèse Morneau, 97, a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, died Aug. 13, 2019, at St. Joseph Living Center in Windham.
Born on Dec. 6, 1921, in Fitchburg, Mass., the daughter of the late Auguste and Diane (Fournier) Morneau. Sr. Thérèse entered religious life in 1941 and made her religious profession Aug. 20, 1945, at the Holy Spirit Provincial House in Putnam. She was then known as Sr. Marie Thérèse Augustin.
She earned a bachelor’s in French from Annhurst College in S. Woodstock and a master’s from the Catholic University of America with a major in French literature. She served in education as teacher or principal at St. Mary School in Putnam, Sacred Heart School in Wauregan, Assumption School in Chicopee, Mass., St. Mary School in Jewett City, and St. Rita School in Fairfax, Calif. In 1965 she became Mistress of Novices at St. Joseph Manor in Fairfax, and in 1970 she was appointed Vice Provincial for California. In 1993 she was named assistant coordinator of the Provincial House in Putnam, a position she held until 2000. She also served as organist in the Provincial House Chapel. Sr. Thérèse retired to the Holy Spirit Healthcare Center in 2014 and was one of the first DHS to move to St. Joseph Living Center in Windham in 2016.
She leaves the Daughters of the Holy Spirit spiritual family, her sisters in community, the Consecrated Seculars and the Associates; nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her brother, Adrien Morneau and her sisters, Leonie Francoeur, Juliette Trainque, Claire Gray and Sr. Jeanne Morneau, DHS.
The Mass of Christian Burial was Aug. 19 at St. Joseph Church, Willimantic, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery in Putnam. Donations: DHS Retirement Fund, P. O. Box 497, Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Richard Breton
BROOKLYN — Richard “Dick” Breton, 64, died peacefully at home on Aug. 12, 2019. He was born in September of 1954 in Putnam, son of Shirley Breton and the late Reginald Breton.
Richard grew up in Dayville and attended Killingly schools. He was a welder and pipefitter. He worked at Electric Boat and traveled to different states not only for job purposes, but also to explore. Richard was a Union worker for many years before retiring. He made lots of good friends along the way.
He loved stream and brook trout fishing, fishing Alexander’s Lake in a canoe, fishing for cod on a boat, fishing off the rocks at Point Jerouslin and Point Judith, ice fishing at Alexander’s Lake and other places, hunting for quail, pheasant and deer, camping in a tent and “roughing it.” He enjoyed canoeing the rivers for fishing and the scenery as well. Richard enjoyed hilarious times with family and friends. He also enjoyed listening to his favorite band, the Beatles. He was known to have a great time with friends no matter where his life would take him. Richard enjoyed all the great times at the lake at the family’s place. He especially loved playing horseshoes there with the guys as they were “doing their thing!” Richard was a New England Patriots fan who loved and got very excited watching the games, especially when they made it to and won the Super Bowls.
In addition to his mother Shirley Breton, he leaves his wife, Jackie (Parker) Breton; his children Christopher Aubin (Sabrina) of Thompson; and his daughter, Shannon Bretton of Brooklyn; his brother Gary Bretton (Debra) of E. Killingly; his grandchildren, Adrianna, CJ and Mason; mother in-law Irene Parker; brother and sisters in-law. He will now have a chance to meet and “catch up” with his family and friends who predeceased him, his father, Reginald Breton; paternal grandparents, Reginald and Magdalena Breton Sr.; and his maternal grandparents, Joseph and Mildred Weaver.
A graveside service in St. Joseph Cemetery in Dayville is being planned. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Jane M. Daigle
DANIELSON — Jane M. Daigle of Maple Ct., died Aug. 13, 2019, at Day Kimball Hospital. She was born in 1932, the daughter of the late Armand and Elizabeth (Maloney) Daigle.
Jane received a calling from the Lord at the early age of 14 when she joined the contemplative order of the Dominican Nuns of the Perpetual Rosary in New York and New Jersey. She was a religious for many decades. Jane was released of her vows in order to care for her parents; however, she continued to remain true to her vows of chastity, poverty and obedience.
Jane worked for 20 years as a certified nurse’s aide in two convalescent homes in New Hampshire. Jane played an integral role in opening the Northeast CT Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel where she served as coordinator for 15 years. Jane touched the lives of many people with her quiet strength and devotion to God. She always had a kind word of encouragement for all she met. Jane truly lived her faith.
Jane leaves her two sisters: Gertrude (Trudy) Carr of Brooklyn and Celina Bonin of Woodstock; nieces and nephews; dear friends along with her hospice nurses. She was predeceased by her brother George Daigle, sister Joann Benoit, brother-in-law Brian Bonin and sister-in-law Laurette Daigle.
A Mass of Christian Burial was Aug. 19 in St. James Church, Danielson, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery, Putnam. Donations: St. James School, 120 Water St., Danielson, CT 06239. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Carol A. Deary
PUTNAM — Carol A. (Jacob) Deary, 69, of Olney St., died Aug. 17, 2019, at home.
She was the wife of Dennis Deary. Born in 1949 in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Leo R. Jacob and June M. (Allen) Beausoleil.
Mrs. Deary worked at Shaw’s Stationary for 15 years. She also was the choir director at St. Mary Church of the Visitation in Putnam for 20 years and was the bookkeeper for Deary Electric.
In addition to her husband Dennis, she leaves her sons, Dennis Deary Jr. and Shawn Deary (Jessica); her daughter, Dawn Hinckley (John); her sister, Deborah S. Jacob-Brotherton (Dale); five grandchildren, Devin, Emma, Rebecca, Jessica and Samantha.
Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 23 in Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Aug. 24 in St. Mary Church of the Visitation (Please meet directly at church), Putnam, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery. Donations: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.
Mary Ann DeParasis
THOMPSON — Mary Ann (Askey) DeParasis, 84, died peacefully Aug. 8, 2019, at Hartford Hospital. Born in 1934 in Dixonville, Penn., she was the daughter of the late Jess and Madeline (Maruschak) Askey.
She cherished her family, hosting memorable holiday and family celebrations. She wrote beautiful handwritten letters and she never allowed a birthday, an anniversary, or special event to pass without sending a greeting card, mailed at just the right time to arrive on the exact date (always with a letter enclosed.)
She was an avid Boston Red Sox fan. During the off season, she watched the Hallmark Channel while she completed her many crossword puzzles (in ink.)
She worked for many years as a bookkeeper, receptionist, and office worker for Williamsport Furniture, WT Grant, and Palmer Food Distributors.
She leaves two sons, David “Barry” DeParasis of Dayville, and Brian DeParasis of Plainfield; two daughters, Michele DeParasis (Al Chin), of Billerica, Mass., and Melanie Manzoli; nine grandchildren, Stacey, Heather, Holly and Brian DeParasis, Maddie Chin, Michael, Christopher and Shawn (Sandra) Hamilton, and Matthew Smart; three great-grandchildren, Grant DeParasis, Alexander and Ethan Hamilton; brothers, Ronald of Grassflat, Pennsylvania; Arthur of State College, Penn., and Steve of York, Penn. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, and her brothers, Paul, Edgar, and Eugene.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. Oct. 6 at The Westfield Church of Christ, Killingly. Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Erica Lynn Hebert
BROOKLYN — Erica Lynn Hebert, 36, died Aug. 12, 2019, in her childhood home after a short battle with cancer.
Erica was born June 8, 1983, in Putnam, to parents Rene and Jayne Hebert. She was a 2001 Killingly High School graduate, and continued her education at UConn, receiving a bachelor’s degree in English. At an early age, Erica discovered her love for writing whether it was creating imaginative stories from her childhood adventures at Grandma Main’s house or her trips to Cape Cod to visit with grandma and grandpa Tetreault. Later on, her writing continued, but this time about her experiences with cancer.
While in college, Erica found her passion for style by starting her life long career with H&M Company. Starting as a seasonal employee, she advanced within the H&M Company by assisting the opening of new stores within the U.S., eventually taking a position as a department manager, she moved to Boston to work in the Newbury Street store. In 2013, Erica accepted a position as store manager for the new H&M Global Flagship in New York City. Erica’s final role was as District Human Resources manager at Corporate, where she was responsible for the hiring, training and development of more than 500 employees. Erica’s “philosophy” was to live up to the company values and expectations every day. Even while she was battling cancer, getting back to work was always one of her main goals.
Erica will be remembered for her infectious laugh, her quick wit and infamous tight hugs. There was nothing Erica liked better than an interesting conversation with a (good) or (new) friend. She could have an engaging conversation with anyone.
She leaves her husband Jeremy Oliver of Brooklyn, N.Y.; pets, Cubby and Bug Oliver; parents, Rene and Jayne Hebert of Brooklyn, Connecticut; and her sister and brother-in-law, Megan and Matthew Werner of New Milford; aunts, uncles and cousins.
A Celebration of Life was Aug. 16 at Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam. Donations: New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medicine, Office of External Affairs, 1300 York Ave., Box 314, New York, NY 10065.
Frances L. Sharpe
DAYVILLE — Frances L. (Aldrich) Sharpe, 88, formerly of Pomfret and Brooklyn, died Aug. 15, 2019, at Westview Healthcare Center where she had been a resident since March of 2015.
She was born Jan. 25, 1931, in Woonsocket, R.I., daughter of the late A. Wendell and Alice (Lovell) Aldrich.
She was a direct descendant of Roger Williams, founder of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations 1636 and was also a direct descendant of Alexander Lovell, patriot of the American Revolution.
She was married on Dec. 9, 1950, to Edwin J. Sharpe Sr., who died in 1990.
She worked tirelessly as a farm wife, and later in life was employed at Shaw Stationers in Putnam and Dayville, and at the Craft Menagerie in Dayville.
She was a member of the Congregational Church of Putnam and enjoyed singing in the choir.
She was the leader of a Brownie (Girl Scout) Troop, and a member of the Pomfret “Home Ec” Club and the Putnam Women’s Club. She enjoyed traveling with family and had been to New Mexico, Mississippi, Florida and on a Caribbean cruise.
Most recently, she was the president of the Residents’ Association at Westview.
She leaves her daughters, Wendy Harrington (DeWitt) and Roberta Sharpe (partner Alan Useforge); son, Edwin J. Sharpe, Jr. (partner Ann Bonnette); grandchildren: Laura Flournoy of Sacramento, Calif., Nicholas Sharpe of Sterling, Amanda Harrington of Putnam, Jennifer Thereau of St. Albans, Maine, and Benjamin Alden of Brooklyn; six great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Marjorie Aldrich of Ocean Springs, Miss., nephews Kevin (her godson), Eric and Scott Aldrich, all of Mississippi; cousins Alice Homer of Newport, R.I., and Shirley Monroe of Scituate, R.I.; three dear friends, Norma Wolfe, Ethel Parker, and Lynn Almquist. She was predeceased by her daughter, Nancy Loving and her brother, Charles Aldrich.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sept. 7 at the Westfield Congregational Church Main Street, Danielson. Frances made the choice for her body to be donated to science out of her love of helping others.
Donations: Recreation Fund at Westview Healthcare, P.O. Box 428 Dayville, CT 06241. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Brian P. Hackett,
Navy vet
WORCESTER — Brian P. Hackett, 60, died Aug. 14, 2019.
He was born in Worcester, son of Brian Hackett and the late Nancy A. (Johnson) Hackett and lived in Worcester all his life.
He was a U.S. Navy veteran. Brian worked as a painter all his life.
Brian leaves his partner, Kim Paulin of Worcester; two brothers, William Hackett of Worcester and John McDonnell of Truro, Mass.; four sisters, Laura Hackett of N. Grosvenordale, Pauline Riordan of Rhode Island, Carrie McDonnell of Auburn, Mass., and Jenny McDonnell of Worcester; his stepfather Wayne B. McDonnell of Worcester and his father Brian Hackett of Maine.
A Celebration of Life will be held later. Donations: Your local veteran organization. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
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