Eileen Adams

CENTERPORT, N.Y. — Eileen (Holmes) Adams, 85, of Centerport, wife of William Adams, died Feb. 6, 2016 at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford. 

She was born March 10, 1930, in Glendale, N.Y., daughter of the late John and Julia (Ryan) Holmes.  She grew up in Ridgewood, Queens, N.Y., the eighth of 11 children.  Eileen graduated from Bishop McDonnell High School in Brooklyn, N.Y., and attended Hunter College.  

 Eileen was a secretary for This Week Magazine earlier in her life.  She was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Greenlawn, N.Y.   Eileen loved to travel, read the newspaper, sit on her deck looking at the water and, most of all, be a mother and grandmother. 

Besides her husband of 58 years, she leaves two sons, Attorney Stephen Adams of Woodstock, and Kevin Adams (Marsha) of Simsbury; her daughter, Nancy Taylor (Craig) of Canton; her former daughter-in-law, Ann Adams of Woodstock; six grandchildren who lovingly called her “Mileen”, Clancey, Brogan, Liam, Christian, Frances and Ryan; her brothers Donald Holmes and Jerry Holmes;  sister Joanie (John) Pete. She was predeceased by eight of her siblings. 

The Mass of Christian Burial was Feb. 13 at St. Catherine of Siena Church in West Simsbury. Donations: The St. Francis Cancer Center.  Vincent Funeral Home, Simsbury.

 

Gerard L. Vaillant

PUTNAM — Gerard (Gerry) Vaillant died unexpectedly Feb. 14, 2016, at home.  He was born on April 21, 1949, in Putnam to the late Eugene and Gabrielle (Bardier) Vaillant and graduated from Putnam High School in 1967.  

He married the late Sandra (Weaver) Vaillant on March 20, 1971, and lived in Putnam all his life. His wife died March 1, 2014.  

He worked as a shipping manager at the former Belding Heminway for many years.  Since 1995, he worked in sales at King Cadillac GMC.  

Anyone who knew Gerry knew how important his girls and his grandchildren were to him.   Gerry’s Knights of Columbus crew was his second family, and it is with these friends that he made so many unforgettable memories.  His three best friends, Peter Bonin, Peter Aucoin and Michael “Peach” Campbell, stood by him through thick and thin.  His community was very important to him and he served as a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus Cargill Council 64, St. Mary’s Church, The Putnam Fire Department, the Putnam Rotary Club and the Putnam High School Alumni Athletic Association.  He volunteered for many local community organizations and supported local athletic teams, veterans and the betterment of the town of Putnam.  

Gerry had many passions in life, but one of his greatest passions was his love of local and professional sports, especially the New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys.  He was always ready with a witty quip to harass Red Sox fans, which he loved to do during his regular visits to WINY.  He was always armed and ready with a story to tell about his “glory days” as a Putnam Clipper, and he bled blue and white until his final days.  

He leaves three daughters:  Meredith Crabtree (Jim) of Brooklyn,  Emily Mayo (Luke) of Coventry, Angela Johndrow (Scott) Eastford; five grandchildren, Molly and Sydney Crabtree, Trevor and Hailey Mayo and Matthew Johndrow; his aunt Jeanne “Nini” Lavallee; cousin Kevin “Buzza” Lavallee.  His sister and brother-in-law, Suzanne and Richard Franklin, also predeceased him.  

Family and friends are invited to remember and celebrate Gerry’s life from 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 18 in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. All are invited to meet at St. Mary’s Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence St. Putnam, for a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at noon Feb. 19.  Donations: The Putnam High School Alumni Athletic Association, 19 Memorial Terrace, Putnam, CT 06260. 

 

Ronald E. Dubuc,

Vietnam vet

PUTNAM — Ronald E. Dubuc, 72, of Mechanics St., died Feb. 14, 2016, at home. Born in 1943 in Putnam, he is the son of Jeannette (Billings) Dubuc of Putnam and the late Edward Dubuc. 

Ronald was a graduate of the Putnam High School and a U.S. Army Veteran serving during the Vietnam war.

Mr. Dubuc worked as a crew worker for the City of Putnam Highway Department. Prior to that he worked at Belding Heminway Co. and the U.S. Button Shop.

He was a life member of the Albert J. Breault VFW Post 1523 in Putnam and a communicant of St. Mary Church of the Visitation.

He leaves his mother Jeannette Dubuc of Putnam. 

Visitation is from 1 to 2 p.m.. Feb. 19 in Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 2:30 p.m. in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Providence Street, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery. 

 

Bradley J. Beeler,

Vietnam vet

POMFRET CENTER — Bradley J. Beeler, 70, of Pomfret Center, died Feb. 12, 2016, at home. 

Born on Oct. 12, 1945, in Hartford, son of the late Wilhelmina (Kilby) and James Beeler. 

At a young age Brad developed a strong attachment to agriculture which led to him attending UConn’s program in animal science where he earned bachelor's degree.  Following graduation Brad enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served three years in the Army Corps of Engineers and the Transportation Corps.  He served one year in Vietnam where he received the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service.  

Brad then attended graduate school at UConn where he received a master’s degree in Animal Science.  Following college he was employed as a Cooperative Extension Specialist for Cornell University.  After three years there he had the opportunity to own and operate Tamarack Farm, a 200 head dairy farm in Pomfret Center, with his brother-in-law, John McLaughlin.  Together they operated the farm for the next 18 years.

After operating the farm Brad joined Ohio State University as a faculty member.  It was during this time that he began his 20-year career in international agricultural development.  During these 20 years Brad spent his time focusing on various agricultural development programs in many different countries, including Ukraine, Russia, Tajikistan and Afghanistan.    

He returned to the U.S. in 2010 where he had been semi-retired owning a small farm in Pomfret, as well as pursuing his passion for writing. Brad also enjoyed being involved with and serving on various town committees. 

Brad was predeceased by his wife Mary M. Beeler; son Brian J. Beeler; brother Brian A. Beeler; sister Dodie L. Tuttle. He leaves his daughter Amy M. Beeler of Washington, D.C., Melissa S. Beeler of Bolton, and Elizabeth R. Beeler of N. Brookfield, Mass., his granddaughter Emily T. Cioffari of Bolton, and daughter-in-law Lillian Otero Beeler of New London; brother James Beeler II (Barbara); sisters-in-law Janice Beeler and Cho Golden; brothers-in-law James Tuttle and John McLaughlin. 

The Mass of Christian Burialw as Feb. 17 at Most Holy Trinity Church, Pomfret, with burial at a later date in South Cemetery, Pomfret with full military honors. Donations: Audubon Society, PO Box 11, Pomfret Center, CT 06259. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

Maurice L. Dery,

WWII vet

N. GROSVENORDALE — Maurice L. Dery, 92, died Feb. 10, 2016.  He was the husband of Gloria M. (Boudreau) Dery for 70 years.   Born in 1923 in N. Grosvenordale, he was the son of the late Henri and Leona (Brodeur) Dery.

Mr. Dery served in the U.S Navy during WWII.  He worked as a route salesman for Faucher’s Bakery and for Stateline Potato Chips.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus St. Bernard’s Council, the Albert J. Breault Post #1532, the Putnam Elks #574, and the American Legion Post #66.  

In addition to his wife Gloria, he leaves his son, Ronald M. Dery (Mary) of Bonita Springs, Fla.; his daughter, Adele G. Dery LaPrey (Gerard) of Dayville. He was predeceased by his brother, Armand O. Dery; and his sister, Theresa Lachapelle.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. April 21 in St. Joseph Church, 18 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery.  Donations: American Diabetes Association, 2080 Silas Dean Hwy, Rocky Hill, CT 06067.  Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes.

 

Claire Yaun-Jaeger

ATTAWAUGAN — Claire Yaun-Jaeger, 84, formerly of Attawaugan, died Feb. 10, 2016. She was born Aug. 16, 1931, in Putnam, daughter of the late Joseph and Roseanna (Dion) Levesque. 

Claire worked in retail in carpeting, flooring and apparel for many years and had volunteered at Day Kimball Hospital. She had made her home in Attawaugan most of her life, a communicant of St. Joseph Church in Dayville. She enjoyed trips to the ocean, music, art and cooking. 

She leaves her children, Rory Lynch of Petersburg, N.Y., Todd Yaun of Woodstock, Jennifer Rainey of Brooklyn, Leslie Mc Clellan of Dayville; nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and a great-great-granddaughter.

A Mass of Christian Burial was Feb. 13 at St. Joseph Church, Dayville, with burial following in St Joseph Cemetery. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

 

James ‘Jay’ Lawrence

PUTNAM — James “Jay” M. Lawrence, 81, of Putnam Heights, died Feb. 8, 2016, at home. He was the husband of Sandra (Berthiaume) Lawrence. They were married in 1974. 

He was born Feb. 3, 1935, in Greensboro, N.C., son of the late Robert and Maude Lawrence.

Jay worked in shipping and receiving at Frito Lay in Dayville for more than 25 years, retiring in 2000. He had also worked at Pervel Industries in Plainfield. After retiring he worked as a delivery driver for Racine Printing in Brooklyn.  Jay operated a lawn care business for many years, mowing lawns for Benny’s, Sam Wibberley, and for many homeowners in Connecticut and Rhode Island. He was well known for his “red hat with white polk-a-dots. 

He leaves, in addition to his wife Sandra, his children James Lawrence (Mildred) of Charleston, WVa., Becky Piccione and her fiancé Dan Langevin of Scotland, Brenda Kneeland (John) of Woodstock, Lori Cutts (Crawford) of Durham, N.C.; David Chase of Dayville, Luke Chase (Rose) of Dayville;, 11 grandchildren and two great- grandchildren, and his best friend “Suzie”.

A Memorial Service was Feb. 12 at the Scotland Christian Fellowship. Donations: Hospice of NE CT, PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260; or Quinebaug Valley Veterinarian Hospital, 616 Wauregan Rd, Danielson, CT 06239. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

Henry J. Burgess

DANIELSON — Henry J. Burgess, 89, formerly of Prince St., Danielson died Feb. 9, 2016, at Pierce Baptist Memorial Home in Brooklyn. He was the husband of Lillian (Trahan) Burgess. She died in 2002. 

He was born May 10, 1926, in Killingly, son of Jessie and Louise (Ballard) Burgess. He was a lifelong resident of Danielson. Henry worked at the InterRoyal Corporation in Plainfield for many years. He was an avid bingo player and enjoyed golfing with his best friend Raymond LaPointe.

He leaves special friends Gloria LaPointe and her late husband Raymond and their children Guy LaPointe and Colleen Strandson, and their families. 

A Prayer Service was held Feb. 15 in Holy Cross Cemetery. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

 

Edward J. Bourdia Sr.

GROSVENORDALE — Edward J. Bourdia Sr. 90, of Riverside Drive, died Feb. 12, 2016, in Day Kimball Hospital.  He was the husband of the late Pauline C. (Burdick) Bourdia for 51 years.  Born in 1926 in N. Grosvenordale, he was the son of the late Edmoud and Rose Alma (Bousquet) Bourdia

Mr. Bourdia worked in the baling department of Hale Manufacturing for 38 years.  He also did construction work.  He was an avid Red Sox and UConn Huskies fan.  

He leaves his children, Leonard Genest (Kelley) of Putnam, James Genest of Putnam and Edward Bourdia Jr. (Pam) of Grosvenordale, Donna Drake (Jack) of Etowah, N.C., Theresa Chiras (James) of Hubert, N.C., Mary Preston (Raymond) of N. Grosvenordale, Cora Grider (Ben) of Grosvenordale and Lorinda Radzik (Paul) of Grosvenordale, Larry Gagnon of Las Vegas, Kenny Gagnon of California, Mike Gagnon of California and Bob Gagnon of Arizona; 20 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.  He was the father of the late Donald Genest.

The Mass of Christian Burial was Feb. 17 in St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery in Putnam. Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale.

 

James W. Purdon Jr.

PUTNAM —  James “Bill” Purdon Jr., 77, of North St., died Feb. 11, 2016, at home. 

Born in 1938 in Augusta, Ga., he was the son of the late James W. Purdon Sr. and Mary (Geary) Purdon.

Mr. Purdon worked for Electric Boat for 37 years and also worked security for Foxwoods Casino for 19 years.  He was a member of the Putnam Elks and enjoyed golfing.  

He leaves his son, Jamie Purdon of Putnam; his daughter Robin Purdon of Putnam; his former wife, Margaret “Peggy” Purdon; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 24 in Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St. Putnam.  Burial will be at a later date in Grove Street Cemetery.

 

Elodie Semmelrock

VENICE, Fla. —  Elodie Theresa (Coutu) Semmelrock, ‘Ellie,’ died Jan. 31, 2016, after a battle with dementia. She was born in 1936 in Willimantic, the daughter of the late Marianne (Allore) Coutu and Alphonse Coutu. Elodie grew up in Norwich before moving to Pomfret with her mother in the early 1950s. ‘Ellie’, and her husband, Alton, made Pomfret their home for the next 40 years. 

Elodie was a giver, to any and all. An RN, she practiced at ‘The Haven’ convalescent home in Pomfret, as a charge nurse at Day Kimball Hospital, at Matulaitis Nursing Home, and as a school nurse at Pomfret School. She completed her nursing career caring for homebound elderly patients. 

She was a Girl Scout leader, and an active supporter of Pomfret Little League, Boy Scout Troop 26 and the Pomfret Livestockers 4-H Club, in addition to the many sports teams, drama clubs and school bands in which her children participated. She loved any place where family would gather, especially under her apple tree and at Alexander’s Lake.  ‘Ellie’ is fondly remembered for her bread & butter pickles; her strong belief in the presence and the power of angels; her ‘open door’ policy to welcome anyone, for anything, at any time, for as long as needed; her poetry and storytelling; her needlework; and her clairvoyant sixth sense. She found great joy in passing on the important things – her recipes for Corn Chowder and Cream Chipped Beef, the art of berry-picking to find the perfect ones for her jellies and jams, and the value of time - card time, family time, and especially dinner time. Elodie’s lasting legacy is and will forever be ‘Christmas Magic’, a poem that she first authored in 1970. It was her labor of love to recraft it every year and share the story of Christmas and Christmas customs with family and friends. Elodie’s ‘Magic’ grew to the community and ever larger audiences. To date, it has been shared with more than 10,000 people throughout the country and beyond. 

Elodie leaves her husband of 58 years, Alton, and five children, Mark (Brenda) Semmelrock of Southington, Earl (Sarah) Semmelrock and Donna Grant of Pomfret, Luke Semmelrock of Whitinsville, Mass., and Mary Ann ( Kyle) Dostaler of E. Hampton; several ‘adopted’ children; 12 grandchildren: Matthew (Kathryn) Semmelrock; Cody, Sothea and Seth Semmelrock; Shelby (Ryan) Collwell, Branden and Gabriel Grant; Corey Montgomery and Tanner and Austin Semmelrock; Jason and Danielle Fortin; and two great-granddaughters, Alexa and Taelyn Colwell; her sister, Louise (Coutu) Syah and sister-in-law Bibiane Hafner. Elodie was predeceased by her brother Paul Coutu

Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 19 in Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. A Service of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Feb. 20 at Westfield Congregational Church with a graveside service following in Pomfret (weather permitting). A Celebration of Life will follow at the Audubon Center in Pomfret. Donations: CT Audubon Center at Pomfret, PO Box 11, Pomfret Center, CT 06259; TEEG, PO Box 664, N. Grosvenordale, CT 06255; or BSA Troop 26, c/o Susan Horn, Treasurer, 321 Wrights Crossing Road, Pomfret Center, CT 06259.