Russell Hibbard,

U.S. Army vet

N. WOODSTOCK — Russell Buell Hibbard, 86, of N. Woodstock died April 15, 2015, after a sudden illness. He was the middle son of the late Olive (Buell) and Clifford Hibbard. He was born May 7, 1928. 

Russell was a graduate of Woodstock Academy’s Class of 1946. He continued to work on the family farm for several years after high school, joining the U.S. Army in 1950. He proudly served his country in Munich, Germany until 1952. After returning home, he held various jobs, including 20 years at Belding Heminway as well as 15 years working for the State of Connecticut. Russell was a lifetime member of the North Woodstock Congregational Church; The National Grange as well as Senexet Grange; and the Connecticut State Employees Association. In March 2013, Russell received a citation from the Connecticut General Assembly honoring his 65 years of service to the Muddy Brook Fire Department. He was also a member of the Woodstock Agricultural Society and at the Woodstock Fair could be found in many of the various booths helping serve food, working the bingo tent, and in most recent years watching over the antique tractors. Russell’s quiet conversation and pleasant smile will certainly be missed by his family and friends. 

He leaves his nieces and nephews Loring, Bryant and his wife Cindy, Richard Hibbard, and Joanne and Lisa Arsenal all of Grosvenordale; great-nieces and great-nephews Courtney, Jarrod, Jay, Ryan, Nicole, Olivia and Demetri along with six great-great nieces and nephews. In addition to his family, Russell also leaves his caregiver and friend Amanda Jackson. He was predeceased by his brothers Carlton Hibbard and Stuart Hibbard

A Graveside Service with military honors will be held at noon May 9 at the Center Cemetery, Center Cemetery Road, Woodstock, followed by a 1 p.m. Memorial Service at the North Woodstock Congregational Church, routes 169 and 198, followed by refreshments. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam. 

 

Yvonne Baker

DANIELSON — Yvonne Baker, 67, of Danielson, died April 15, 2015, at Davis Place in Danielson. She was born Aug. 16, 1947, in Danielson, daughter of the late Richard and Mary J. (Bernier) Baker.  

She had made her home in the Danielson-Brooklyn area most of her life. She had a great love of country music and also loved spending time with her family.

She leaves her sons, Carl Carlson, Richard James Baker Sr.; her grandson Richard James Baker Jr.; her sisters Irene Carpenter, Claire Brisson; a brother Donald Baker.

The Funeral Service was private. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

 

Helen Desmarais

DANIELSON — Helen A. Desmarais, 83, of Danielson, died April 24, 2015, at Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam. She was born on Feb. 21, 1932, in Putnam, daughter of the late Herman and Anna (Smith) Barlow. 

She married Albert R. Desmarais on Dec. 26, 1953, in All Hollows Church in Moosup. He died January 23, 2000.  Helen loved her home and caring for it. She lived her whole life on East Franklin St. in Danielson.  She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary Post 21 in Danielson. Helen worked for the Danielson Cinema. 

She leaves her daughters, Kathleen and her husband Gary Beaudoin of Danielson; Doreen and her husband John Martinik of Thompson; her son Bruce and his wife Lisa Desmarais of Dayville; seven grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; lifelong friend Beatrice Osowski of Southbridge. She was predeceased by her two brothers, Donald Barlow and Ernest Barlow. 

The Funeral Service was April 29 at Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., with burial in S. Killingly Cemetery. Donations: DKH Deary Memorial Fund, PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260.

 

Robert W. Fafard,

Army veteran

N. GROSVENORDALE — Robert W. Fafard, 78, of N. Grosvenordale, April 20, 2015, at home after a long illness. He was the husband of Lorraine Marie (Campbell) Fafard. They were married May 21, 1961, in Putnam. She died Aug. 20, 2005. 

He was born April 8, 1937, in Webster, son of Napoleon and Christine (Bielik) Fafard. He had made his home in N. Grosvenordale most of his life, a communicant of St. Joseph Church. 

Robert owned and operated the original Thompson Fence Company for over 25 years. He served three years in the U.S. Army, and received an Honorable Discharge in 1958. He will be remembered for his generosity, kindness and his great sense of humor, and was a great jokester. 

He leaves three daughters, Tina Rickaby (Joe), Tammie MacKenzie (Bill), Pamela Bergeron (Kevin); his son Charles Fafard (Lori), all of N. Grosvenordale;  his grandchildren, Alicia Racine, Danielle Rickaby, Nichole Kozaczka, Trisha MacKenzie, Kayla Fafard, Lauren Ricci, Jeremy Bergeron, Emily Mackenzie, Dylan Rickaby, Anthony Ricci, Kimberly Fafard; seven great-grandchildren; brother Roland Fafard of N. Grosvenordale; sister Joanna Dubois of Thompson. He was predeceased by many brothers and sisters.

The Mass of Christian Burial was April 24 in  St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale, with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery with military honors. Donations: Hospice of NE CT, PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

Barker Service

Ian Ranald Barker, 67, of Thompson, died March 13, 2015.

A Graveside Memorial Service will be held 11 a.m. May 9 in the Grove Street Cemetery in Putnam. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam. 

 

Seifert Service

Ruth P. Seifert, 92 of Pomfret, died Nov. 27, 2014. She was the wife of the late Otto Seifert. 

A Graveside Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. May 9 in the Abington Cemetery, Rt. 44 Pomfret.  Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.