Joins Mustangs 

Caleb Nero a point guard from Oklahoma will play his post graduate year for the Mustangs. The Oklahoma product is coming off a stellar senior campaign as his team won the 5A state championship and was named state tournament MVP. He originally University of Milwaukee, but a coaching change made Nero reconsider his options. He will now be able to go through the whole recruiting process as schools such as Ohio St., Butler, Virginia Tech and Georgetown are some of the schools to most recently reach out. Nero is expected to play a big role as the Mustangs.

 

 

DANIELSON — Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized and celebrated each year at Quinebaug Valley Community College to honor the contributions of Latinos and Hispanics to the history and development of the United States.

The public is invited to attend both performances and admission is free. For more information call 860-932-4155.

This fall the college is sponsoring two free events, one at the 3rd Thursday Street Fest in Willimantic and the other at the Danielson campus.

The Puerto Rican folkloric music of Jose Diaz and Grupo Boriken can be heard from 6 to 7 p.m. Sept. 21  on the North Stage at 3rd Thursday. The band of seven musicians, including two singers, will play the cuartro, guitar, congas, bongos, and guiro. 

From noon to 2 p.m. Oct. 23 the Core Ensemble brings its chamber music theatre performance of Tres Vidas to the auditorium at the college’s campus. Tres Vidas celebrates the lives of three legendary Latin American women: Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, Salvadoran peasant activist Rufina Amaya, and Argentinean poet Alfonsina Storni. The audience will hear folk songs of Mexico, El Salvador, and Argentina as well as vocal and instrumental tangos. The three women are played by one actress. These events are sponsored by the college’s Cultural Programming Committee. 

 

According to member Elkin Espitia-Loaiza, professor of Spanish, many groups of Latinos have settled in the Windham area and made significant contributions to economic development. In fact, the Willimantic area has the largest presence of Latinos in the country.

 

 

 

Laurie Ann Burt,

Air Force vet

WOODSTOCK — Laurie Ann Burt, 57, of Woodstock, died Sept. 10, 2017, at home in Woodstock, after a lengthy battle with ALS. She was the wife of Daniel Burt. They would have celebrated their 37th anniversary Sept. 11. They were married in 1980 on the island of Guam. She was born March 6, 1960, in Saginaw, Mich., daughter of Gerald Holstein of Ohio and Barbara (Navarre) Holstein of Dearborn, Mich. 

Laurie spent her youth in Dearborn. She served in the U.S. Air Force as a weapons control technician with the Air Force, also working as a substance abuse counselor after leaving the service. 

She always had a desire to help people and bring out the best in them. She was an herbalist and naturopath and also enjoyed the outdoors. She operated an online business selling soaps and also repairing cane chairs. She enjoyed the art of stained glass and pottery. Laurie loved to cook and was a loyal friend to many. 

In addition to her husband Daniel and her parents Gerald and Barbara, she leaves two brothers Brian Holstein (Jennifer) of Summerville, S.C., and Keith Holstein of Dearborn; nieces and nephews. 

Visitation is from 1 to 3 p.m.  Sept. 15 at Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam. Donations: The ALS Assoc. CT Chapter, 4 Oxford Rd, Unit E4, Milford, CT 06460. 

 

Edward G. Doyle,

Korean war vet

PUTNAM — Edward G. Doyle, 84, of Putnam, died Sept. 6, 2017, at UMass Medical Center in Worcester. He was the husband of the late Connie Doyle. She died in 2010.

 He was born Dec. 21, 1932, in Providence, son of the late William and Catherine (Sutton) Doyle.  

He was a veteran of the Korean war serving with the U.S. Air Force.  Ed worked for more than 25 years at John M. Dean Company in Putnam as a machine operator, and had previously worked at Hale Manufacturing Company. He enjoyed hunting, fishing camping and diving at Point Judith and Galilee. He had a Black Belt in Karate.  

He leaves his children Donald Doyle (Tina) of Putnam and Patricia True of Putnam; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; one great-great- grandson.  He was predeceased by his son William Doyle in 2004 and his brother William Doyle in 1999. 

A gathering will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Sept. 17 at Roseland Park in Woodstock for a potluck reception. If you would like to bring something please call his son Donald at 860-630-5103. 

Condolences and donations to assist the family may be sent to his daughter Patricia True, 50 Laconia Ave., Putnam, CT 06260. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

Normand R. Hubert,

Korean war vet

PUTNAM — Normand R. Hubert, 86, of Cady Rd., died Sept. 9, 2017, in Matulaitis Nursing Home.  He was the husband of the late Pauline (Cloutier) Hubert.  Born in 1931 in Danielson, he was the son of the late Rosario and Omertina (Paquin) Hubert.

Normand was a veteran of the Korean war serving with the U.S. Army, being honorably discharged on Nov. 27, 1953, at Camp Kilmer, N.J.

Mr. Hubert worked for many years as a groundskeeper at Fare Lane Farm in Woodstock. He enjoyed masonry as well as building walls alongside his wife throughout the greater Putnam area for many family members.

He leaves two daughters, Michelle Lajeunesse (Serge) of Putnam, and Monique Petrella and her partner John Gillen of Pomfret; four grandchildren, Zachary and Alexandria Cipolletta, Emily Martin, and Nathan Petrella; two great-grandsons, Connor and Michael Martin; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings, Robert, Roger, Buck, Florelda, Florent, Gilberte, Ronielda, and Rita. 

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Sept. 16 in St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale. Donations: Hospice of NE CT, P.O. Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

Leo C. Fontaine

DAYVILLE — Leo C. Fontaine, 80, of Dayville, died Sept. 4, 2017 at Westview Nursing Home in Dayville. He was the husband of 60 years to Thelma (Derosier) Fontaine. 

He was born Jan. 1, 1937, in Webster, son of the late Leo L. and Etoila (Blanchette) Fontaine. 

Leo was a graduate of Putnam High School Class of 1954 and graduated from the New England School of Mortuary Science in 1956 to become a funeral director. He later worked for the State of Connecticut as a supervisor of the Laundry Department. He was an avid golfer, member of the Alexander’s Lake Yacht Club and was active with the Junior Chamber of Commerce. Leo and his wife Thelma enjoyed wintering in Orange Beach, Ala. 

Besides his wife Thelma he leaves his children Lisa Gorin of E. Falmouth, Mass., Lynn McCormick of Wakefield, Mass., Leo Fontaine of Durham; eight grandchildren. 

A Mass of Christian Burial was Sept. 8 at St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

 

Mary E. Lewis

PUTNAM — Mary Ellen (Smith) Lewis, 89, of Putnam died Sept. 6, 2017. She was the wife of the late George F. Lewis Sr. He died in 1998. 

She was born on Aug. 17, 1928, in Killingly, daughter of the late Kanley Ames Smith and Elizabeth E. (Killday) Smith.

She worked as a bookkeeper with her husband at Lewis Auto Body and had previously worked as a telephone operator. 

She leaves her son George F. Lewis Jr. (Cherrie) of Hampton; her former son-in-law Normand Perron; her grandchildren Tara Perron and her companion Michael Hoover of Putnam, Nicholas Perron (Jessica) of Framingham, Mass.; Derek Lewis of Pascoag, Ryan Lewis of Littleton, Colo.; Kaitlyn Kress (Brandon) of Littleton, Tyler Danks (Colleen) of Cranston; her great grandchildren Joshua Belleville and Zachary Belleville of Putnam, Josephine Perron of Framingham. She was predeceased by her husband George F. Lewis Sr., her daughter Bonnie Perron and daughter Kimberly Lewis. 

Services were private. Donations: Alzheimer’s Association at ALZ.ORG. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

June Humes

DANIELSON — June M. (Lung) Humes, 87, died Sept. 7, 2017, at Davis Place in Danielson.  

She was born in Cumberland, R.I.  June was baptized in 1948 into the Jehovah Witness.  She lived in Danielson most of her life.  

She leaves her husband, Walter E. Humes; a son Alan E. Humes Sr. (Kathy) of Dayville; a daughter Charlotte Humes of Rhode Island; three grandchildren: Alan Jr., Ashley and Jeffrey.  She was predeceased by a daughter, Sandra Humes, and a sister, Joyce.

Services were private.  Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

 

Elizabeth Leduc

SOUTHBRIDGE — Elizabeth I. (Rojo) Leduc, 77, died Sept. 4, 2017, at the UMass  Memorial Health Care Hospital, Worcester.

She was born in San Francisco, daughter of the late Christopher C. and Carmen Y. (Martin) Rojo and lived in Southbridge for the past 30 years.  

She leaves two daughters; Terry Bardy of Southbridge and Danielle Albrecht of Arizona;  two sons Frederick Bates of N. Grosvenordale, and Christopher Bates; three sisters, Carmen Parker, Mary Coleman, both of California, and Ann Rojo of Nevada; grandchildren and one great-grandchild.  

Donations: Wounded Warriors or Disabled Vietnam Veterans. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

 

Norman L. Rudzinski

THOMPSON — Norman Louis Rudzinski, 73, died Aug. 18, 2017, at Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam, following a fight with heart disease. 

Born and raised in Webster, the son of the late Florian and Maryann Rudzinski, he graduated from Bartlett High School and was a longtime resident of Thompson. 

Norman worked hard on his businesses throughout the years, and had a strong affinity for his dog Bandit, horses, hunting, running heavy equipment, and antiquing and collecting pedal cars. He was a humble, social, kindhearted family man who always enjoyed a good laugh and had the great gift of gab. 

He leaves his wife of 49 years, Patricia (Poulin); his two daughters, Brenda Rudzinski of Brooklyn, N.Y. and Crissy Anderson of Thompson; grandchildren Haley Finn and Ty Anderson; brother Clifford; brothers- and sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews. 

A Memorial Mass will be at 10 a.m. Aug. 22 at St. Joseph Basilica, Webster. Donations:  St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

 

Lorraine Sharples

WEBSTER — Lorraine A. (Mueller) Sharples, 83, died Sept. 5, 2017, at Lanessa Extended Care.  She was the wife of the late Paul Edward Morton who died in 1983 and late James Edward Sharples who died in 2004.

She was born in Bangor, Maine, daughter of the late Charles and Agnes (Keene) Mueller and lived in Oxford then in Quinebaug and most recent Webster.  She was a graduate of Medford High School Class of 1952.  

She was a teller and Customer Service for the Citizen National Bank in N. Grosvenordale, retiring in 1999.  She was a member of United Methodist Church in N. Grosvenordale. She was active volunteer at the Webster Senior Center and enjoyed cards, ran the pitch league and loved to bake.   

She leaves five sons; Paul K. Morton of Manteca, Calif., Steven E. Morton of Germany, Michael J. Morton of Manteka, Robert W. Morton of Thompson, and William C. Morton of Dudley; one daughter, Lauri Clerico of Las Vegas; a brother, Lenny Mueller of Billerica, Mass.; two sisters; Loretta Laurin of Florida and Laurie Fiste of Salem, Mass.; three stepchildren; Carol Beauchesne, Diane Dixon and James Sharpels; 11 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She was predeceased by a son, Edward J. Morton.

A Celebration of Life was Sept. 9 in the TSKK Hall in Webster. 

Donations: Quinebaug Fire Dept.  Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

 

Gail Louise Willis

DEEP RIVER — Gail Louise Willis of Deep River died Aug. 30, 2017, at home after a lengthy illness. 

She stepped from her home into the presence of her Lord whom she had come to know and love. 

Born on June 20, 1939, in Worcester to Sidney E. and Evelyn S. Horton (Sunne), she spent her growing up years in Shrewsbury, Mass., and on Webster Lake. 

It was there where she met the love of her life, George Willis who was born in Putnam. He mischievously removing the gas line from her boat so that he would come to her rescue. 

They raised four children in whom they delighted: Arlene (Ted) Tencza; Diane (Mike) Eggert; Deborah (Rick) Nelson; and Susan (Michael) Tate; 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Gail will always be remembered for her tender heart towards all living things. She delighted in her family, horses, and the many rescue dogs and cats she adopted over the years. 

She was never happier than when she was in their presence, or caring for the gardens and home she loved. 

She was rich in friendships, born out of her years in the CT Morgan Horse Association, volunteering at both Glenwood and Deep River Elementary schools, 25 years as a dispatcher at the Madison Police Department, and attending Valley Bible Evangelical Free Church in Haddam. 

A Memorial Service will be at 2 p.m. Oct. 7 at Valley Bible Evangelical Free Church, 220 Turkey Hill Road, Haddam. All welcome. 

Donations: Branford Compassion Club, 2037 Foxon Road, North Branford, CT 06471. 

Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, Centerbrook.

 

..

 

 

 

Positively Pomfret

Day is Sept. 23

POMFRET — Positively Pomfret Day takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Pomfret Recreation Park on Hampton Road (Rt. 97).

It includes: huge inflatables, lots of games, contests, live music, craft vendors, demonstrations and live music with the Old Fiddlers Club of Rhode Island.

The cash cube will be back along with the Wheel of Fortune, Plinko and the Diaper Derby. Do you have a crawling baby? The Diaper Derby starts at 11:15 at in front of the Pavilion. 

We are still taking vendors for this event.  Questions: call the Rec. Dept. at 860-974-1423, or email:   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.