obits pg 6 2-22-24
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Joyce Rita Duff
BROOKLYN — Joyce R. (Baker) Duff, 83, beloved wife of Omer Duff, died Feb. 11, 2024, with her family at her side.
She was born Dec. 18, 1940, in Putnam, daughter of the late Henry and Viola (Benoit) Baker. She was the youngest of four and a self-described “tomboy” with a great love for basketball and dancing. Joyce attended St. Mary’s school and graduated from Putnam High School in 1958.
While out dancing, she met a handsome Marine named Omer Duff, and they quickly fell in love. They would go on dates to Alexander Lake and dream of one day living there. They were able to fulfill this dream and share the lake’s beauty with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her love and dedication to Omer and their family remained through their almost 65 years of marriage.
Joyce was a longtime successful Real Estate Broker who began and operated her own business. She was a dedicated member of the Putnam Rotary for 10 years and enjoyed giving back to the community in her unique and cheerful manner, even serving her turn as the organization’s president. She enjoyed spending time with her family and hosting family and friends for picnics and pontoon boat rides at the lake.
Towards her retirement, she and her husband enjoyed living at Alexander’s Lake and eventually became snowbirds to Northport, Fla. She enjoyed watching the UConn Huskies, baking delicious dishes, and caring for her prized flowers. Ultimately her faith in God inspired and directed her loving and energetic approach to life.
She leaves her husband, Omer Duff; a son, Kevin Duff (Martha Duff); a daughter, Kathleen Cerino (Joseph Cerino); a brother, Donald Baker; her grandchildren, Mary, Christina, John-Paul, Angela, Theresa, Matthew, Michael, Joseph, Raymond, and Meghan; her great-grandchildren, Cecilia, Daniel, Emma, Zelie, Gabriella, Therese and Magdalene. Joyce was predeceased by a brother, Roger Baker; a sister, Dorothy Nachajko and by her granddaughter, Lisa Cerino.
The Mass of Christian Burial was Feb. 17 in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Providence Street, Putnam, with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Gilman-Valade Funeral Homes and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Ruth T. Bates
DAYVILLE — Ruth T. Bates, 90, of Dayville, died Feb. 11, 2024. Born in 1933 in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Tamy and Angela (Mila) Stilu.
Ruth grew up in the Manhasset Village section of Putnam, helping out at her father’s store, Stilu’s Market, which was eventually destroyed by the Flood of 1955.
Ruth was a graduate of Putnam High School, Class of 1951, where she was a cheerleader and basketball standout. She met her high school sweetheart, Bob, and they were married on July 1, 1951.
After raising her family and returning to the workforce, Ruth worked as a secretary at Putnam Grammar School. She later joined Rogers Corporation, where she was employed as a marketing coordinator for 21 years. She earned her associate’s degree in science at QVCC in 1982 and her bachelor’s in business administration from Nichols College in 1986.
After retiring, Ruth moved to Bonita Springs Fla., where she lived for more than 20 years, returning to Connecticut in 2020 and taking up residence at Westview Commons in Dayville. Ruth enjoyed reading, going for walks, shopping, her Maxine Calendars, and spending time with her family and friends both here and in Bonita Springs. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and will be remembered for her kindness, dedication, and the love she shared with her family.
She leaves her sons Michael and his wife, Denise of Putnam, Marc (Skip) and his wife, Tori of Brooklyn, and Alan and his wife, Janet of Putnam ;grandchildren Jody, Jason, Brittany, Ryan, Glenn, Alissa, Eric, and 16 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Robert (Bob) Bates, and her brothers Triani Stilu and Demetri “Jim” Stilu.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Feb. 24 at the Putnam Congregational Church with burial in West Thompson Cemetery later. Donations: Putnam Congregational Church. Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
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