Aime J. Beausoleil,

WWII vet

BROOKLYN — Aime J. Beausoleil, 93, of Brooklyn, died Sept. 11, 2017.. He was born Nov. 14, 1923, in Manchester, N.H., son of Israel and Lydia (Lavoie) Beausoleil.

After graduating from high school in Boston, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp in August 1941. He fought during WWII in the Pacific Theater and was wounded in combat during the battle for Iwo Jima. Only the bravery of his fellow Marines saved Aime’s life that day as he was rescued and brought to Hawaii to recuperate. Upon discharge from the Marine Corp in 1946 Aime came to Connecticut, where his parents had moved. There he met and married his wife with whom he would build his future life. They were married Oct. 23, 1948, in St. James Church. His wife Lorraine (Dutremble) died in 1994. Together they bought a home in Brooklyn, where they raised their four children. Aime loved this home and would live there for 65 years.

Aime was a correction officer for the State of Connecticut for 24 years and also was a farmer. Upon retiring he spent winters in Winter Haven, Fla., for 20 years. Amie was an avid golfer and a fan of the Red Sox and the Patriots.

He leaves his children Patricia Wiggs (Richard) of St. Augustine, Fla.; Dennis Beausoleil (Terri) of Griswold, Phillis Beausoleil of Palm Coast, Fla.; Deborah Beausoleil of Old Saybrook; grandchildren Jonathan Manning of California, Lauren Lyn of New Hartford, Jessica Cormier of Chilcoot of California, Darren Beausoleil of Noank, Danielle Beausoleil of Noank, and Caitlon Stedman of Westbrook; great-grandchildren Gavin Lyn and Kylie Lyn of New Hartford; his brother Roger Beausoleil (Eva) of Danielson. 

A Mass of Christian Burial was Sept. 16 at St. James Church, Danielson, with burial with military honors later in Holy Cross Cemetery, Danielson. Donations: Veteran’s charity of the donor’s choice. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

 

Bruce Allen Tefft,

Navy vet

EASTFORD —  Bruce A. Tefft, 69, of Union Rd. died Sept. 1, 2017, at home. Bruce was born in 1948 in Putnam, the son of the late Robert and Dorothy (Weeks) Tefft. 

Bruce enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1965 and lived in the San Francisco area. He earned his bachelor’s in sociology and continued his education in 1987 by attending the Quinebaug Valley Community College in Danielson.

Bruce enjoyed working with his hands and took pride in everything that he did. He was self-employed and worked with other contractors in the construction field as a carpenter and painter. He also worked for Putnam Furniture in Putnam. Bruce wanted to give back to his community and worked for many social services agencies as a teacher and a social worker. This work included teaching for the New England Adult Education Program and Quinebaug Valley Youth and Family Program. He was an assistant teacher for the Quinebaug Valley Community College Welfare to Work Program and worked as a social worker for NECT. In addition, he worked for the Community Development Corporation for five years.

Bruce enjoyed fishing, gardening and had a love for animals, especially his pot belly pig, who he raised for 14 years until his passing in 2016.

In addition to his long-time companion of 43 years, Debra A. Billings of Eastford, he leaves four sisters Nancy Hattin of E. Thompson, Patricia Landry of Lake Haverson, Ariz., Robin Faford-Brown of Almet, Calif., and Gemma Blain of Putnam. Bruce is predeceased by his sisters, Judy Eckelson, Jill Cote and Susan Tefft.

Donations: NECCOG Animal Services, PO Box 759, Dayville, CT 06241. Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

Henry A. Borders,

WWII vet

DANIELSON — Henry Albert Borders, 92 of Danielson, died unexpectedly Sept. 14, 2017, at Hartford Hospital. He was the husband of Miriam (Baribeau) Borders. They were married Dec. 13, 1977. His first wife, Florence (Gilbeault) Borders, died in 1960. 

Henry was born June 21, 1925, in Saugus, Mass., son of the late Snow and Marjorie (Lathrop) Borders.

He was a veteran of WWII serving with the U.S. Army.

Henry worked as a mason most of his life. He had worked over the years for Constantino  Brothers, Mullery’s, both formerly of Providence,  and Louie Tetreault Building as a mason, and later for Preferred Plastics. He was a member of the Danielson American Legion Post 21. Henry had a passion for restoring cars and he enjoyed playing practical jokes on family and friends.

In addition to his wife Miriam, he leaves his children, Albert Borders of Killingly, Gayle Krzywda of New Hampshire, Gregory Borders Sr. of Killingly, Keith Borders of Austin, Texas, George Bessette Jr. of Killingly, Joanne Demars of Killingly, Michele Integlia of Dudley, Lisa Wood of Killingly; 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren He was predeceased by his first wife Florence in 1960, his son Stephen Borders in 1960 and his daughter Beverly Bessetet in 1994, and a great-great-grandchild Jordan Fonseca in 2011, his siblings Lou, Lillian Josephine, Dorothy, Frederick and Warren.

The Funeral Service was Sept. 18 at Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson, with burial in Phillips Cemetery, Foster, with military honors. 

 

John M. Fitzgerald,

Vietnam war vet

N. GROSVENORDALE — John  M.  Fitzgerald, 75, died Sept. 15, 2017, in Day Kimball Hospital. He was the husband of Renée (Bast) Fitzgerald for 28 years. Born in  1942 in Hartford, he was the son of the late James & Florence (Marshall) Fitzgerald.

John worked as a tool & form grinder for Spirol International for 38 years.  He graduated St. Mary School in East Hartford and served as an altar boy in St. Mary Church.  He served in the National Guard during the Vietnam war.

Although he failed music class in school, John taught himself how to read music and play the steel guitar and Dobro.  His love of music helped foster many great friendships. He was a member of the New England Country Music Club and played in several local country music bands.  He used his musical talent to help raise money for many great causes.  

He loved spending time with his family and friends having meaningful conversations, good food and good laughs.  He enjoyed quiet times on his deck watching nature around him with his wife Renée and dog Bella.   He also was interested in astronomy, history and aircraft.

In addition to his wife, he leaves his daughters, Tena Rockatansky (Max) of Sterling, and Jeannine Fournier (Joe) of Bellingham, Mass.; his sister Dorothy Pedneault (Gerry) of E. Hampton; five grandchildren, Jesse, Seth, Jaydine, Sarena and Linzy; two great-grandchildren, Liam and Olivia; and his dog Bella.

Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 20 in Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St, Putnam.  The funeral will assemble at 9 a.m. Sept. 21 at the funeral home followed by a Funeral Service at 10 in the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow in West Thompson Cemetery. 

 

Sr. Rita Marie Quintal

Sr. Rita Marie Quintal, 95, a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, died Sept. 11, 2017, at St. Joseph Living Center in Windham.

Born Marie Eva Rita Quintal Aug. 16, 1922, in Lawrence, Mass., she was the daughter of Narcisse and Bertha (Bolduc) Quintal.  She entered religious life in Putnam at the Holy Spirit Provincial House there in 1938 and made her religious profession in 1943.  She was then known as Sr. Bertha de Jesus.

She taught in elementary schools operated by Daughters of the Holy Spirit in Massachusetts, upstate New York, Connecticut and Vermont from 1943-1976.  In 1977 she took a 2-year course in Fashion & Design in Boston in preparation for teaching sewing.  Following this she put her knowledge of sewing to use in Springfield, Mass., where she taught sewing at Casa Cristo Rey and in Waterbury in 1978. In 1979 she returned to Boston as a student and from 1980-84 she worked at various ministries at St. Joseph Guest House in New Haven, in upstate New York and in Woodstock. 

In 1985 she worked as a homemaker for Kelly Healthcare in Lawrence. From 1986-94 she worked as a seamstress for Ben’s Uniforms, Amesbury, Mass., O’Donnell’s in Newport, R.I., and So-Fro Fabric in Middletown, R.I.  In 1996 she moved back to Putnam and worked as a nurse’s aide part time and from 1997 she taught sewing.  In January of 2014, she retired to the Provincial House and in August of 2016 she transferred to St. Joseph Living Center in Windham.

She leaves a sister Mrs. Theresa Avard of New Hampshire; nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews as well as her spiritual family,

her sisters in community, the Consecrated Seculars and the DHS Associates. 

The Mass of Christian Burial was Sept. 15 the Provincial House chapel with burial St. Mary Cemetery. Donations: DHS Retirement Fund, Holy Spirit Provincial House, 72 Church St., Putnam, CT 06260.  Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

William B. Grinold

WOODSTOCK —  William (Bill) B. Grinold, 80, of Roseland Park Road, formerly of Granby, died Sept. 15, 2017, at home. For more than 35 years, he was the husband of Joyce A. (Ledden) Grinold. Born in 1937 in Hartford, he was the son of the late Raymond W. and Cleo (Costello) Grinold.

After graduating from Bryant College in Providence, Bill joined his father and brother at Grinold Auto Parts of Hartford where he rose to become an executive. Upon the business’ sale, as president he helped grow Grinold - O’Brien Sales, Inc. of Walpole, Mass., into one of the preeminent manufacturer’s representative organizations in the country.

A former member of the Governor’s Horse Guard, Bill was an avid tennis player and member of the Trinity Episcopal Church of Tariffville Choir. 

In retirement Bill found a great passion in woodworking, both at home and with his son-in-law Ben Hennigan. Together they renovated almost 20 homes in northeastern Connecticut.

He leaves his wife; two sons Peter Grinold of Rutland, Vt., and Paul Grinold of Big Pine Key, Fla.; three daughters: Heidi Derbyshire of Lincoln, Mass., Mindy Bicknell of Andover, N.H., and Alicia Hamblett of Great Barrington, R.I.; two stepsons, Michael Alberts of Woodstock and David Alberts of Ellington; two stepdaughters, Susan Hennigan of Woodstock and Lisa Kelly of Putnam; a brother, Robert Grinold of Wilmington, Vt.; grandchildren;  great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a brother, Wade Grinold.

Funeral services and cremation were private.  Donations: Connecticut Humane Society, 701 Russell Rd, Newington, CT 06111. Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St, Putnam.

 

Joan C. Kelly

PUTNAM — Joan C. Kelly, 71, of Putnam, died unexpectedly Sept. 11, 2017, at home. She was born Dec. 29, 1945, in Putnam, daughter of Raymond and Wanda Miskiavitch. 

Joan was a long time member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Brooklyn, where she had served as clerk of the Vestry and as parish secretary.  

 Joan also was a member of the healing guild and enjoyed playing her guitar as a member of the music ministry.   

She dearly loved serving as a member of the Old Trinity Committee which has oversight of Old Trinity Church and the burial ground which surrounds it.  

She worked in marketing for UNFI in Providence for 25 years. 

She was also employed more than 20 years at Rogers Corp. working in the Purchasing department. 

She also had worked at Cargill Chevrolet and Hartford National Bank.   Joan loved reading, watching movies, knitting, horseback riding, English and Western, and music especially the “oldies.”

She leaves her sister, Eileen Miskiavitch of Putnam; her brother Raymond R. Miskiavitch of Japan.

The Service was Sept. 15 the Trinity Episcopal Church, Brooklyn with burial in the Old Trinity Church Cemetery. 

Donations: Charity of one’s choice. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

Frances ‘Molly’ Mayo 

POMFRET CENTER — Frances “Molly” Mayo, 72, of Grosvenor Road, died Sept. 14, 2017.  She was the wife of David B. Mayo Sr. for 52 years.

Born in 1944 in Putnam, she was one of seven children of the late Francis and Elizabeth (Corey) Clements.

Molly and her husband David owned and operated David Mayo Rubbish Removal for 30 years.  She also worked for Day Kimball Hospital in the accounting department and later worked for Fiberoptics Technology Inc.

She loved family Sunday dinners and holiday gatherings. Molly enjoyed crafting, sewing and quilting.  

She used her creative flair to make beautiful keepsake articles of clothing, quilts, blankets, unique holiday ornaments and even doll clothes for her granddaughters’ dolls. 

She enjoyed family outings to the Rhode Island beaches, Saturday tag sales, annual trips to the Brimfield craft fair and baking special treats and fishing.  

Her laughter was contagious and her ability to make others smile and feel good about themselves was unprecedented.  

She leaves nine children:  Lisa Salvas (Warren) of Putnam, David Mayo Jr. (Dawn) of Dayville, Lincoln Mayo (Paula) of Pomfret, Kathleen Young (Jeffrey) of Royalston, Mass., Amy Martel of Putnam, Luke Mayo (Emily) of Coventry, Mary Ellen Mayo (wife Karin Croucher) of Danvers, Mass., Kelly Hachigian (John) of Webster, and Troy Mayo (Holly) of Putnam; one brother Michael Clements of Putnam; three sisters, Barbara Stefanik of E. Hartford, Kathleen Clements of New York, and Susan Richardson of York, S.C.; 10 grandsons, eight granddaughters, and two great-grandsons. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by two brothers, Timothy and James Clements, and one granddaughter, Erika Salvas.

The Funeral was Sept. 19 at Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam, with burial in Pomfret South Cemetery.  

Donations: Masonicare Home Health & Hospice, 22 Masonic Ave., Wallingford, CT 06492. 

 

Mary Maciora-Jacobs

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Mary G. Maciora-Jacobs, 67, died Aug. 26, 2017, in Williamstown.

Mary was born  in 1950 and lived in Trumbull, Mystic, New London, Gales Ferry, and graduated from St. Mary School, Norwich. 

Mary graduated in 1967 from Cheshire High School.  

She attended Berkshire Community College, Pittsfield, Mass., and worked in retail sales.  

She visited the northeast quiet kingdom of CT several times also Washington, D.C., Boston and Montreal and Ottawa,  Canada.

She leaves her mother, Mary A. Maciora of Pittsfield; her brother Joseph G. V.  Maciora of Pittsfield; and her daughter, Susan M. Jacobs.  he was a niece of the late Helen (Maciora) Marion (Putnam) and a cousin of the late Dorothy  (Marion) Landini (Thompson). he was also predeceased by her father, Joseph G. Maciora who died on July 18, 1998.

The Funeral Mass was Sept. 1 with burial followed in the family plot at St. Joseph Cemetery, Pittsfield.

 

Joan Mason

QUINEBAUG — Joan (Neulieb) Mason, 82, died Sept. 17, 2017, at Brookside of Webster.