Charles W. Alexander, U.S. Navy veteran
ABINGTON — Charles W. Alexander, 74, of Drown Road, passed away on Jan. 2, 2025, at Day Kimball Hospital, with his family by his side, following a brief illness. He was the husband of Mary (Brassard) Alexander for more than 50 years. Born in 1950 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Charles and Theresa (Guertin) Alexander.
Charles joined the Navy following high school. When his military service ended, he completed a postgraduate masonry program at H.H. Ellis Tech. Charles worked as a stone mason for several years before starting his career as a tractor trailer driver. He drove trucks for Idle Wild Farms for more than 18 years, and then Frito Lay for 25 years, before retiring. Charles was a member of the Putnam Lodge of Elks for more than 50 years. 
He loved shopping and frequented all the local stores, visiting one just about every day.  He enjoyed running into people he knew and always had time to stop and shoot the breeze with them.  Charles loved working in his yard and garden; he enjoyed his pool, mowing the lawn, and just being outdoors on his backhoe rearranging his landscape.
In addition to his wife, he leaves his daughter, Chelsea Alexander; brother, Michael Alexander; and two grandsons, Elijah and Phoenix. He was predeceased by two infant sons, Eric in 1980 and Nathan in 1990.
Visitation is from 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 11 at the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. Donations may be made to Pomfret Community School Library or Athletic Department.

Georgia C. Ballard
THOMPSON — Georgia C. Ballard, 95, of Robbins Road, passed away Dec. 12, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family. 
Georgia was born Feb. 18, 1929 in Ellington, the oldest daughter of George W. and Ruth (Barber) Coolidge. Georgia grew up in South Killingly, and moved to Thompson in 1947 where she spent the next seven decades giving to her community in a myriad of ways.
In 1968, Georgia married Clarence C. Ballard (1923-2022) at the Thompson Congregational Church. They met in the church choir and together had 54 years of joy.
She was a dedicated public servant throughout her lifetime, active in the Thompson Congregational Church, Thompson Historical Society, Village Improvement Society, Discovery Steering Committee (TEEG) and was a long time member of the Grange. She was instrumental in bringing the first daycare in Thompson to the church facilities where it served the town for 29 years. After retirement, Georgia devoted more than 20 years. working at the polls and enjoyed being a moderator well into her late 80s.
Her working careers were all dedicated to serving people. She was a telephone operator in Putnam, CNA at Westview, Postal Clerk for approximately 12 years and finally Postmaster for the Town of Thompson for 21 years. While Postmaster, she was active in State work and her beloved National League of Postmasters. She was awarded Postmaster of the year, and served as CT State President, Northeast Regional Coordinator, and League National Historian. 
Georgia was an unrelenting beacon of positivity, warmth, kindness and strength. Her life of giving to others was filled with patience, forgiveness and unconditional love. She embraced challenges with a grateful heart and cultivated joy in her everyday life. Georgia will be remembered as a kind hearted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend who leaves a legacy of compassion and love. 
She leaves her daughter, Pamela Ballard-Ross; her sister, Kathleen Alex; her brother, Dwight (Judy) Coolidge; her granddaughters Tracey Gaudette, SaraBeth Ross, Katielyn Ross (Randy Adams); her great grandchildren Triston and Delila Gaudette ; nieces and nephews. Georgia was predeceased by her husband Clarence C. Ballard, her son Jeffery Roy, two brothers, Theodore and Arthur Coolidge, and sister Carolyn Pikul. 
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Feb. 16, 2025 at the Congregational Church of Union, 976 Buckley Hwy Union, CT 06076. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.

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