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Joan L. Dean,
mother of 12
WOODSTOCK — Joan Dean, 98, died Jan. 29, 2011, at home. She conquered breast cancer at the age of 95, but unfortunately she finally lost the battle with pancreatic cancer.
Joan Lawrence Dean was born Sept. 6 1912, in Michigan City, ID — she was the last of four children born to Milham and Hessin (Saab) Jouney. Joan attended Pasadena City College in California. Joan Dean was a multilingual, world traveler, family orientated entertainer, and a gourmet chef. Joan created a family-owned-and-operated bed and breakfast, that she named Thornfield Hall in Thompson. The renowned racecar drivers that competed at Thompson Speedway, as well as many famous and international people, stayed at Thornfield Hall and enjoyed her gourmet cooking.
Joan Dean had eight children with her first husband David Fekay and they lived in Upper Darby, Penn. Joan’s second marriage to Benjamin Palmer Dean produced four additional children in Pasadena, Calif., and Thompson. She leaves children: Lillian Fekay Stephens, David Fekay, Mimi Fekay, Dennis Fekay, Jeffrey Fekay, Lila Fekay, Richard Dean, Philip Dean, Penelope Dean, and Ronald Dean; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Joan was predeceased by her children, Benjamin Dean and Sue Fekay; brothers, Hamed Jouney and Charles Jouney; sister Mariam Jouney.
A gathering will begin at 9 a.m. Feb. 2 at Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam, followed by a procession to Woodstock Hill Cemetery at 10:30 a.m. Donations: Day Kimball Homemakers or to Hospice of Northeastern Connecticut, PO Box 632., Putnam, CT 06260.
Edna C. Young,
nonagenarian
ASHFORD — Edna Young died Jan. 23, 2011, at the Evangelical Baptist Home.
Edna was born on March 11, 1916, in San Francisco, to Sam Bo Chong and Lily Chong and grew up in Chinatown with her six brothers and sisters. In 1939, while working at the World’s Fair at Treasure Island, she met the love of her life, Larry Young. They were married for 66 years until his death three years ago, having moved to Connecticut in 2004 to be near their daughter.
For several decades, Edna ran the hat-check concession at the renowned Mark Hopkins Hotel in San Francisco. At her post, the “Top of the Mark,” she often checked the hats and coats of movie stars and other celebrities, taking it all in stride.
Her avocations were wide-ranging. Edna was a superb cook and loved preparing gourmet treats for large family gatherings. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, exploring the U.S. from Hawaii to New England, as well as Canada and Hong Kong. She liked gardening, fishing, tai chi, and line dancing at the senior center. Edna was an avid, natural dancer and especially loved ballroom dancing.
She leaves a daughter, Laurina Young, and her partner, Susan Sharin, of Eastford; a granddaughter, Lissa Ong, (Ryan); a great-grandson, Riley; two sisters, Esther Hall and Agnes Chinn; two brothers, Peter Chong (Ellen), and Edmund Chong.
A memorial service will be held on what would have been Edna’s 95th birthday, March 11, at 11 a.m., at the Evangelical Baptist Home. Donations: Evangelical Baptist Home, 574 Ashford Center Road, Ashford, CT 06278.
Leopold Thibault,
loved outdoors
PLAINFIELD — Leopold J. Thibault, 79, of Pratt Road, died Jan. 23, 2011, at home. He was the husband of Lorraine (Bonneau) Thibault. They were married July 4, 1959. He was born July 14, 193,1 in Canada, son of the late Israel and Marie Louise (Therrien) Thibeault.
He had made his home in Plainfield for over 51 years, was a communicant of St. John Church in Plainfield.
He was employed as a custodian for the Plainfield Board of Education for over 10 years, also working at Pervel Industries, InterRoyal and Young Brothers Lumber.
He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, traveling and maintaining his home.
Leopold had a great love for his family and the outdoors.
He leaves his wife Lorraine; son Paul Thibault (Lori) of Plainfield; brother John Thibeault (Rolande) of Plainfield; sister Jacqueline Matteau of Plainfield; grandchildren Aarron, Adam, Megan, Kalista. He was predeceased by his siblings Alexander, Joseph, Gerard, Marie Rose, Noela, Suzanne.
The Mass of Christian Burial was Jan. 29 at St. John Church, with burial in St. John Cemetery.
Donations: Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 350 Church St., Hartford, CT 06203-1136. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.
Elise Langlois,
church member
QUINEBAUG --- Elise (Henri) Langlois, 91, died Jan. 29, 2011, at Matulaitis Nursing Home in Putnam.
She was born in Jay, Maine, daughter of Marcel and Celina (Legere) Henri.
Mrs. Langlois was a member of St. Stephen's Church in Quinebaug, and she enjoyed crocheting, sewing, crossword puzzles, her home and family.
She leaves her husband of 68 years, Roger C. Langlois. They were married May 23, 1942. She also leaves her children, Marcel (Patricia) Langlois of Webster; brother Cyprian, OSB (Robert P. Langlois) of Conception Abbey, Mo., and Lucille Langlois of Quinebaug; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; three brothers: Patrick, Raymond and Pete Henry; and two sisters, Edmee Frechette and Laurette Poulin. She was predeceased by a son, Edmond J. Langlois and her brother, Fidele, and sister, Rose.
The Funeral will be at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 2 from Sansoucy Funeral Home, 40 Marcy St., Southbridge with a Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church, Quinebaug. Burial will be private. Donations: Matulaitis Nursing Home, c/o Activity Fund, 10 Thurber Rd., Putnam, CT 06260.
Rochelle J. Rivard,
church member
DAYVILLE — Rochelle J. Rivard, 91, formerly of Putnam, died Jan. 24, 2011, in Westview Health Care Center. Born in 1919 in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Josephine (Bellerose) Rivard.
Miss Rivard worked as a records clerk for Northeast Utilities until her retirement in 1977. She was a lifelong communicant of St. Mary Church of the visitation where she was a member of the choir. Rochelle enjoyed crocheting and loved animals
She was predeceased by her brother Paul Rivard and her best friend Jeannette Benoit.
The Mass of Christian Burial was Jan. 29 in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery. Gilman Funeral Home.