Category: Current Issue


Roland H. Lajoie, WWII veteran
THOMPSON — Roland (Pete) Lajoie, 98, died Feb. 28, 2024, at Westview Nursing Home.
 He was born in Putnam to the late Exeas and Alice (Bellerose) Lajoie on Oct. 2, 1925.
Pete worked in the town mill and then on to Superior Bakery, Deran Candy, and retired from EB.
He and his wife enjoyed 27 years of retirement in Florida.
Pete served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He was the last surviving veteran for the Town of Thompson and was honored at the Veteran’s Day celebration in November. He was presented with a special plaque.
He was also honored at St. James School at its veteran celebration and made the front page of the Sunday newspaper. Pete was a lifelong member of over 70 years with the American Legion.
Pete was a communicant of St. Joseph’s in N. Grosvenordale where he served as an altar server many years ago.
Pete leaves behind his daughter Jackie Lajoie of Thompson; his three grandsons, Robert J. Lajoie “RJ” of Mentor, Ohio; Ryan and Amanda Lajoie of West Thompson; Jeffrey and Danielle Lajoie of Boston; his great-grandson Rhett Lajoie and great-granddaughter Willa Rose Lajoie; brother Paul Lajoie of Quinebaug; nieces and nephews.
Pete was predeceased by his parents; his wife Lillian of 72 years; his two sons Michael and Robert; his siblings: Eugene (Jim), Phillip, Norman, and Gerard Lajoie; Theresa Beauregard. Lorraine Breault, Claire Bosse, Louise Robbins, Margaret Piekarczyk, and Rachel Gibson.
Visitation is from 10 to 11:30 a.m. March 9 in the Valade Funeral Home and Crematory, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at noon in St. Joseph Church, 18 Main St., N. Grosvenordale. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.
Donations: St. Joseph Food Pantry, P.O. Box 665, Putnam, CT 06260.

Alma T. Johnson
PUTNAM — Alma T. Johnson, 92, of Ray Street, died Feb. 25, 2024, at her home. She was the wife of Rolland A. Johnson for nearly 72 years. Born March 22, 1931, in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Paul Edgar Lucier and Noelia M. (Gibeault) Lucier.
Alma began her working career as an historian in the medical records department of Day Kimball Hospital. She also worked for Dr. Saul Ahola in both his Putnam and Dayville offices in the Medical Center of NE CT as a transcriptionist for many years. Alma enjoyed needlework, knitting, gardening and especially spending time with her family. She was a member of the League of Catholic Women and the Daughters of Isabella.
In addition to her husband, Rolland A. Johnson of Putnam, she leaves her sons, Michael Johnson of Eastford, Christopher Johnson (Debi) of Eastford, Brian Johnson of Putnam and Gary Johnson (Karen) of Uncasville; her daughter Wendy Dawley (Tim) of Putnam; 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sister Jeanne Lucier.
A Mass of Christian Burial was March 2 at St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam. Donations: Hospice of Northeast Connecticut, P.O. Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.

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