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THOMPSON — Susan (Stark) Vincent, 78, of Thompson, died Dec. 18, 2023. She was the wife of Robert Vincent for 60 years... Born in 1945 in Meriden, she was the daughter of the late Fredrick Stark Jr. and Elizabeth (Sattler) Stark.
An accomplished equestrian, Sue and her husband Rob raised Arabian horses and showed them across the country including at the National Championship in Kentucky.
Sue was an avid gardener with a knack for plants both indoors and outdoors. She won two top honors for her entries in the Newport Flower Show last year. Her vision and ability in architecture and interior design transformed her homes in Thompson and Jamestown, R.I., into stunning estates. And Susan opened both those homes for fund-raising events for the Jamestown Library and for Hospice, Homecare and Homemakers of Day Kimball Hospital. Susan even invited second graders each year from the Mary Fisher Elementary School to Greystone Farm so they could learn about pioneer life in their town. Her love of history and genealogy extended to setting up exhibitions for the Thompson Historical Society where she served as treasurer. Susan raised thousands for the organization with her annual Christmas Shop at the Thompson Old Town Hall. In 2023, Susan was honored as Thompson’s Volunteer of the Year.
Susan was a long-time trustee of Old Sturbridge Village and she supported many other non-profit programs.
In addition to being an expert seamstress and crafter, Sue and Rob raised bees, keeping hives at both homes—and sharing their harvested honey with family and friends. It was with those people Susan was happiest –hosting large gatherings for clambakes, fall parties, weddings and many holiday celebrations.
She leaves two sons, Lyle Vincent (Dong) of Brooklyn, N.Y., Jared Vincent (Kristen) of Shelburne, Vt.; brother, Kyle Stark (Ayfer) of Quaker Hill; two sisters, Linda Bartis (James) of Effingham, S.C., Gretchen Went (John) of Meriden; four grandchildren, Yijia and Yian, Caroline and Henry. She was predeceased by brother, Fredrick Stark III.
Susan was a multi-talented, joyous, generous, artistic soul—a true Renaissance woman.
Early in her marriage, she worked as a librarian at Kent State University in Ohio as well as in Lexington, Mass.
Sue’s abundant life will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Dec. 28 at the Meeting House in Old Sturbridge Village. Donations: Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd, Sturbridge, MA 01566; or to the Thompson Historical Society, P.O. Box 47, Thompson, CT 06277. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Evelyn Chenail
PUTNAM — Evelyn (Desautels) Chenail, 86, of Ballou Street, died Dec. 19, 2023, at Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam. She was the wife of the late Donald Chenail. Born in 1937 in Webster, she was the daughter of the late Maurice and Theresa (Cardinal) Desautels.
Evelyn worked many years at Day Kimball Hospital; first as a nurse’s aide and then as operating room ward clerk prior to her retirement. She enjoyed years of sun and relaxation with friends and family in Florida.
Evelyn had many hobbies and lived life to the fullest, but her greatest enjoyment was that of spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
She leaves her sons, Robert Chenail (JoAnn) of Thompson, Thomas Chenail of Eastford, Richard Chenail (Staci) of Colchester, Steven Chenail (Paula) of New Hartford, and daughter-in-law Julie Chenail of Spring Hill, Fla.; her sisters, Beverly Hubert of Fair Haven, Mass., Joyce Farrier of Otis, Mass., and Janet Silvia of Wills Point, Texas; nine grandchildren; and six6 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Donald, son Bruce Chenail, and granddaughter Taylor Chenail.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Dec. 27 in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery. Donations: Hospice of Northeast Connecticut. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.
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