Madeleine Uhler Lake
POMFRET — Madeleine Uhler Lake (“Mad”), 89, of Selah Farm, Pomfret, died March 12, 2015, at home. She was the wife of the late John Marshall Lake.
She was born Dec. 23, 1925, at home in Brooklyn, N.Y., to John Martin Uhler II and Alice Amelia (Nelson) Uhler of that city.
Mad graduated from Erasmus Hall High School in 1944, and attended Syracuse University. She married her high school sweetheart John on New Year’s Day, 1947, and the couple lived a full and happy married life together, making their home in Montpelier, Vt., Littleton and Concord, N.H., Skaneateles and Syracuse, N.Y., and Old Greenwich and Greenwich until John’s death in 2007.
Mad spent an active and involved life as wife, mother, and friend, attending Christ Episcopal Church during her Greenwich years. Along with family, swimming was her life’s focus. In her 30s, she participated in the “50-mile Swim-Across” program that participants completed in quarter-mile units. Mad rarely swam less than a mile each evening after a full day of homemaking, and became the first person in Onondaga County, N.Y., to swim the 50 miles.
Mad worked as a swimming instructor for more than half a century. She was the first female Aquatics Director at the Jewish Community Center in Syracuse, and taught swimming for the Onondaga County American Red Cross with her daughter Lois, and at the YWCA and YMCA in Greenwich. She later became the YM’s Aquatics Director. Mad spent 41 summers teaching water safety to generations of youngsters at the Riverside Yacht Club.
She leaves her sister, Alice (Betty) Hale of Pomfret, with whom she made her home during the last year of her life; by three children, Nina Lake of Albany, Peter Lake (Judith) of Newtown Square, Pa., and Lois Lake Church (Allan) of Meriden; by seven grandchildren (Nathaniel and Josiah Raabe, Joshua, Stephen and Daniel Lake, and Juliane and Victoria Church); and by 11 great-grandchildren, as well as three nieces and two nephews, including Laurence N. Hale of Pomfret Center. She is predeceased by her husband John Marshall Lake, her parents, her brother John III, and her granddaughter Emily Southworth Church.
A service celebrating Mad’s life will take place at noon March 28 at Christ Church, Pomfret. Donations: Lake Pool Fund at the Regional Community YMCA in Putnam, P.O. Box 188, Putnam, CT 06260. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Ian Barker
THOMPSON — Ian R. Barker, 67, of Thompson, died March 13, 2015, at the UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, after a long illness.
Born Sept. 14, 1947, at home in Thompson, Ian was the son of the late George E. Barker and Adeline Isabel (Tefft) Barker.
Ian worked for more than 40 years at Colt’s Plastics Company. At home he enjoyed gardening, using his tractor, bird watching and he was an ardent Red Sox fan. He enjoyed collecting stamps and coins until his eyesight deteriorated.
He leaves a brother, Richard, and two sisters, Gay Choiniere and Thelma all of Thompson; nieces and nephews in the U.S. and the UK. He was predeceased by two brothers, Quenton and Kermit and a sister Elaine Barker Judd
A graveside memorial service will be held later in the spring in the Grove Street Cemetery in Putnam. Donations: St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105-3678. www.stjude.org. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Victoria Jolicoeur
PUTNAM — Victoria Shirley (Buschka) Jolicoeur, 90, of Putnam, died March 15, 2015, at the Westview Care Center, Dayville. She was the wife of Raymond “Pic” Jolicoeur. They were married Dec. 1, 1956, in Putnam. He died June 19, 2012.
Born Dec. 21, 1924, in Webster, she was the daughter of Steve and Stella Buschka. Shirley worked for many years at the Danielson Curtain Company. Shirley spent her youth in Webster, moving to Putnam after her marriage. She will be remembered as a kind soul.
She leaves her children, Denise Tsanjoures (George) of E. Putnam, Ron Jolicoeur of Downers Grove, Ill.; her daughter-in-law Judith Jolicoeur of Downers Grove; grandsons Chris Tsanjoures of Putnam and Jackson Jolicoeur of Downers Grove; siblings, Dolly Sosnowski of Dudley, Julie Dibonaventura of Webster, Hazel Buschka of Webster, Tom Baxter of Webster. She was predeceased by siblings, Michael Buschka, Billy Buschka, Clark Buschka, Leon Buschka, Alice Buschka, Martha Kenneway and Olga Buschka.
The Funeral was March 21 at Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam, with spring burial in St. Mary Cemetery. Donations: Day Kimball Homemakers, PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260.
Donald F. Gauvin Sr.,
Vietnam war vet
COCOA, Fla. — Donald F. Gauvin Sr., 68, of Fairview Ave, died March 5, 2015, at home. He was the husband of Ann (Menard) Gauvin.
Born in 1946 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Rosiare Gauvin and Rita (Walters) Burdick. Mr. Gauvin worked as a truck driver for many years. He was a veteran of the Vietnam war serving with the U.S. Navy, and was a former member of the American Legion.
He leaves his wife Ann; his son Donald Gauvin Jr. and his companion Debbie Medeiros and her daughter Riley of Dudley; a daughter Jami Perry (Daniel) of Cocoa; cherished friends Heather Moening and Melissa Gauvin whom he thought of as his daughters; a brother Daniel Gauvin of Florida; a sister Cheryl Lemieux of Brooklyn; four grandchildren Craig Gauvin, Rebecca Gauvin, Jeffrey Gauvin, and Veronica Perry. He was predeceased by a son Jeffrey Gauvin and a brother Raymond Gauvin.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. June 25 at St. Joseph Cemetery, N. Grosvenordale. Donations: Hospice of St. Francis, 1250 Grumman Pl., Suite B, Titusville, FL 32780 Burial Valade Funeral Home 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale.
Robert T. Gilbert
WWII vet
PUTNAM — Robert T. Gilbert, 88, of Battey St., died March 20, 2015, in Matulaitis Nursing Home. He is the husband of Gloria (Greene) Gilbert. Born in 1926 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Wilfred and Annabelle (Harrington) Gilbert.
Mr. Gilbert was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII. He worked for the State Highway Department and also for Joy’s Orchard in Woodstock. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening and was a member of the Albert J Breault VFW.
In addition to his wife, he leaves his sons; Robert Gilbert (Donna) of Ohio, David Gilbert (Pat) of Putnam, James Gilbert (Debbie) of Dayville, John Gilbert (Patricia) of Dayville, Gary Gilbert (Mary) of Danielson, Dennis Gilbert of Putnam, Timothy Gilbert and his companion John of Manchester, Kevin Gilbert of Eastford, Paul Gilbert (Maryann) of Woodstock, Keith Gilbert (Tory) of Putnam; daughters, Terry Perron (Norm) of Putnam, Cathy O’Connor (Patrick) of New Hampshire, and Cricket Brennan (Bill) of Michigan; brother, Henry Gilbert of Putnam; sisters, Kay Lyons of Leicester, Mass., Pauline Gilbert of S. Killingly, and Leonie Dauphinais of Putnam; 27 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his brothers, James, Wilfred and Bernard “Cookie” Gilbert; and his sister, Mary Szruba.
The Mass of Christian Burial was March 24 in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam, with burial with military honors in St. Mary Cemetery. Donations: St. Mary Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence St., Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Catherine Pritchard
POMFRET — Catherine Ann Pritchard, 82, formerly of Pomfret, died at Westview Health Care Center on March 18, 2015. She was born June 6, 1932, in Putnam to William and Margaret (Weekes) Barribeault.
Cathy attended local schools, graduating from Putnam High School in 1950 and from Annhurst College, Woodstock. She received a master’s degree from UConn. She was an excellent student and excelled in her studies, majoring in Latin and Spanish.
After completing her undergraduate work, Cathy began a career in teaching, her life’s mission. She began teaching at Putnam Catholic Academy and was later hired by Putnam High School. She was loved and respected by students, fellow teachers and parents. Cathy enjoyed working with teenagers and while she set high academic standards, she also knew how to encourage and advise young people. She happily served as the class adviser to several classes, was often the chaperone at dances and events, and with other teachers organized a number of educational trips to Europe for her students.
Cathy retired from teaching and later returned to the classroom at Woodstock Academy, where she was a Spanish instructor until 2013.
She volunteered for the Pomfret Lions’ Balls and the Cotillion Club and loved nothing better than an evening of gliding across the dance floor.
She was an enthusiastic member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary organization of women educators.
Though ADK, she made many deep and lasting friendships. She served on the board of the Putnam Alumni Association for decades.
A natural leader, Cathy served as chair of the board of Day Kimball Hospital Homemakers and on the board of Performing Arts, where she assisted with ticket sales.
She was devoted to Most Holy Trinity Church in Pomfret where she served as a Eucharistic Minister.
In planning her memorial, Cathy insisted that she wanted to be remembered for the joy she felt in her many friendships.
She remained in touch with friends from her girlhood thought her entire life. She formed deep bonds with former students, attending their weddings and family events. David Breault was a special friend.
Cathy formed strong bonds with other teachers. She loved entertaining her ADK sisters, and encouraged and supported other teachers. Cathy leaves her sister-in-law, Nancy Pritchard Weiss of Pomfret; her sister, Paula Williams of Chaplin; three nieces. She cherished time she got to spend with her forever friend Sandy Protze.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. April 25 at Most Holy Trinity Church in Pomfret. Donations: Most Holy Trinity Church, P.O. Box 235, Pomfret, CT 06258; or Regional Community YMCA in Putnam, P.O. Box 188, Putnam, CT. 06260. : Gilman Funeral, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Doris L. Soucy
BROOKLYN — Doris L. Soucy, 73, of Brooklyn, died March 23, 2015, at Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam. She was born Dec. 31, 1941, in Danielson, daughter of the late Eugene and Marie (Chabot) Soucy.
Doris was a communicant of St. James Church in Danielson. She loved to spend time with her family and enjoyed their family gatherings.
Doris enjoyed baking, cooking, reading books and watching her TV shows. She loved animals and her shopping trips to the malls.
She leaves several cousins. She was predeceased by her entire family.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. March 26 at the Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson, with burial in Holy Cross Cemetery Danielson. Visitation is from 9:30 to 11 a.m. March 26. Donations may be made in her name to NECCOG P.O. Box 759, Dayville, CT. 06241.
Alexander
Wlaszkiewicz Jr.
WOODSTOCK — Alexander P. Wlaszkiewicz Jr., 77, of Peake Brook Rd., died March 15, 2015, in Port Charlotte, Fla. He was the husband of the late Lucille Wlaszkiewicz. Born in 1938 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Alexander and Osilda (Lemieux) Wlaszkiewicz Sr.
Mr. Wlaszkiewicz worked as a maintenance helper at Rogers Corporation for 45 years. He enjoyed playing golf.
He leaves his sister Phyllis Stevens (George) of Brooklyn; his companion, Charlotte Trahan of Putnam; nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he is predeceased by his son, the late Michael “Wazz” Wlaszkiewicz.
The Mass of Christian Burial was March 20 in The Most Holy Trinity Church, Pomfret, with spring burial in St. Mary Cemetery. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.
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caption, page 7:
Theodore J. “Teddy” Messier, Sr. Photo by John D. Ryan
A century as a husband,
father and faithful
Catholic
DAYVILLE — The spring in his step may be gone, but the twinkle in his eye is as bright as ever.
Known as “Teddy” to everyone, Theodore J. Messier Sr., was born in Putnam on March 29, 1915. He moved to Westview Health Care Center in Dayville just over a year ago from his long-time home on Addison Street in Putnam.
The life-long Putnam resident will celebrate his 100th birthday March 29, at the Cargill Council 64 Knights of Columbus Home, 64 Providence St. The reception will start at 1:30. All of Teddy’s friends are invited to attend. Joining Cargill Council in 1961, he was the council’s Grand Knight for four years during the 1960s and the council’s treasurer for 39 years after that, stepping down in 2010.
Even after almost a century, Teddy gives off an air of irrepressible happiness. Here is a man who has taken what he was given and mastered the art of living. He credits his success to his wife and his long and happy marriage.
“The best thing I ever did was marry Lillian,” Messier said, talking about his late wife, who died in 2012, at the age of 94. “I was on the street with the fellahs when I saw Lillian going to (St. Mary’s) church on a Friday afternoon. I told them I was going to go make a date with her. So I went up and told her I’d like to make a date with her for Saturday night. I liked the way she acted. She was truthful.”
Truthfulness. That’s the running theme of Messier’s life. “I always knew it was best to be straight with everyone,” he said.
That first date with Lillian led straight to marriage, on May 30, 1937, followed by work at Pratt and Whitney during WWar II, three children, decades of devotion to his family, his Catholic faith and his community. Teddy and Lillian were happy together for almost 75 years, until her death. He has some advice for husbands trying to get along with their wives:
“It’s just two words, ‘Yes, dear,’” Messier said. “We were lucky; we liked the same things, country music, listening to the Grand Ole Opry, going out together. We were very happy.”
They had three children, Robert, who lives in Ellington, Carol Rodriguez, of Ann Arbor, Mich., and Theodore, Jr., of Putnam, who died in 2012, at age 70. They were devoted parents.
“We always made sure the kids were home at night by 9 o’clock,” he said. “That’s the one thing bothers me about the way the world is now, the way that families have break up so much.”
Messier has had a long and happy life, well lived, but it was not without tragedy.
“When I was 14, my father was hit by a train and killed at Attawaugan Crossing,” he said. “He was delivering a load of wood in a truck when the train hit him.”
Eli Messier was killed in February, 1929. Teddy’s brother Anotonio was 16 when he died of appendicitis in 1930. By then, the Great Depression had started the country spiraling downward.
“We had holes in our shoes; it was rough,” Messier said.
After graduating from the former St. Mary’s School, by 1931, he had been attending Putnam High School for two years, but he soon had to quit, to help to support his mother, Antonia, and his remaining four brothers and sisters.
“I was lucky to get my first job when I was 16, at Guertin’s Grocery Store, on School Street,” Messier said.
Eventually, that led to a job in a tea store in Putnam. He was working there when he married. During the war he was a foreman at Pratt and Whitney, where helped to make engines for B-17 Flying Fortress bombers and P-51 Mustang fighter jets.
“I met a man a little while ago who was part of a B-17 bomber crew. We had a good time talking when I told him I helped build them,” he said.
After the war, Messier drove a truck, first for the former Putnam Laundry on Cleveland Street, and then for the Former Ace Cleaners on Main Street. He retired in 1977.
Life with Lillian was rewarding and eventful, revolving around their children and their strong Roman Catholic faith, as parishioners at St. Mary Church of the Visitation in Putnam. They attended Mass at least once a week, and more often when they could. Lillian served for 24 years as Regent of the Daughters of Isabella’s St. Mary’s Circle 543, headquartered at the parish. Teddy was Cargill Council’s Grand Knight for four of those years, so they often presided together at combined events.
“Our faith in God kept us going,” he said. “The church was always there in my life. I look to God for everything.”
Messier said that he’s lived in an eventful time.
“We still had plenty of horses and buggies when I was a kid,” he said. “There were silent movies. We had crystal radios then, but now we have cell phones in our pockets. We’re up in space. Today we have Buck Rogers for real.”
Resisting clichés, Messier doesn’t have a secret for his long and healthy life. Even so, you could draw some conclusions.
I never had a glass of beer in my life,” he said. “and I never smoked.”
Reflecting on his century on earth, Teddy Messier returned to the subject of truthfulness, the principle which has animated his life.
“Be truthful and everything will come out all right.”
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Friday: No school --- Good Friday.
Woodstock public schools
Monday: Lanky franks, fruit. Tuesday: Baked chicken, butternut squash, fruit. Wednesday: Chicken tenders, mashed potatoes, carrots, fruit. Thursday: Ziti, meatsauce, green beans, fruit.
Pomfret Community
Monday: Totally Taco Snax, carrots, red pepper cups, fruit trail. Tuesday: Hamburgers, baked beans, Smart Food popcorn, pineapple cups. Wednesday: Chicken strips, mashed potatoes, peas, raisins or applesauce. Thursday: Mr. Fox's stromboli, broccoli, orange slices or grapes.
Putnam Elementary/Middle
Monday: BBQ chicken dippers, broccoli, rice pilaf. Tuesday: Ziti, meatsauce, roasted veggie medley. Wednesday: Orange-glazed popcorn chicken bites, rice with mango and cranraisins, carrots. Thursday - Breakfast for Lunch: Cinnamon French toast, pork sausages, hash browns.
Putnam High
Monday: Grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato soup, veggie cups with dip. Tuesday: Crispy chicken sandwiches. Wednesday: General Tsaos Chicken, stir fry vegetables, spring rolls. Thursday: Roast turkey panini, cucumber and tomato salad, fruit.
Wed. March 25
Book Sale
ASHFORD --- The Friends of Babcock Library will hold a Spring Book Sale from 3 to 8 p.m. March 25, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 26, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. March 27 and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 28 at Knowlton Hall on Pompey Road.
Photo Exhibit
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret’s Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road and the Quinebaug Valley Photography Club will present an exhibit and sale of their 4th annual Focus on Nature photography contest through May 10. 928-4948.
Thur. March 26
Book Presentation
EASTFORD --- Local author Katie Hill will present her book “Bridget's Home” at 7 p.m. at the Eastford Library. Come join us for her presentation in a skit about the Irish. Refreshments. All welcome.
Sat. March 28
Flea Market
OXFORD, Mass. --- The First Congregational Church on Main Street will hold an indoor community flea market from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church. Coffee and lunch available. Vendors needed. 508-987-2211.
Lasagna Dinner
BROOKLYN --- The Federated Church of Christ at routes 6 and 169 will hold a Take Out Lasagna Dinner between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. $10.
Auditions
PUTNAM --- The Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut at the Bradley Playhouse will hold auditions for “The Man Who Came To Dinner” from 1 to 3 p.m. March 28 and from 7 to 9 p.m. March 29. Please arrive at the beginning of the audition and plan to stay for the duration. Key roles are available for adult men and women ages 30 -60, with many supporting roles for actors and actresses ages 20 -60. Performance dates are June 5,6,7,12,13,14,19,20 & 21. 860-928-7887 .
Sun. March 29
Palm Sunday Concert
PUTNAM --- The Congregational Church of Putnam, downtown, will present its Palm Sunday Ecumenical Concert at 3 p.m. Reception follows. Freewill donations accepted.
Wed. April 1
RSVP Date
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Senior Association will be having a pizza luncheon prior to the monthly membership meeting at noon April 7 at the Center on Mashamoquet Road. $5. Please RSVP to Gail at 860-974-0426 by April 1 if you are planning to attend.
April 1
Pet Loss Support Group
DAYVILLE --- NECCOG Animal Services on Putnam Pike, will present a Pet Loss Support Group at 6 p.m. Free. No fee/reservations are required, and you are free to attend as often as necessary throughout your grief process. 860-774-1253.
Art Show
POMFRET --- The Northeastern CT Art Guild will present an art show through April 27 at the Vanilla Bean Café.
Fri. April 3
Stations of Cross
MOOSUP --- Walking the Stations of the Cross will begin at 10 a.m. at the Faith Community Church in Moosup and end at All Hallows Catholic Church.
Sat. April 4
Farmers Market
DAYVILLE --- A Winter Farmers Market will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Killingly Grange on Hartford Pike. Local foods, crafts and gifts. Vendors wanted: 860-481-9107.
Breakfast
DAYVILLE --- A Breakfast will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Killingly Grange on Hartford Pike. $6.
Fri. April 10
'Nunsense'
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present "Nunsense" at 7:30 p.m. April 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 and at 2 p.m. April 12, 19 and 26. $23 and $20. 860-928-7887.
Sat. April 18
Farmers Market
DAYVILLE --- A Winter Farmers Market will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Killingly Grange on Hartford Pike. Local foods, crafts and gifts. Vendors wanted: 860-481-9107.
Road Race
POMFRET ---The second annual Camper Scamper 5K Road Race/Walk and 1 Mile Kids Fun Run will be held at 10 a.m. at Windham County 4-H Outdoor Center on Taft Pond Road. Benefits Jim Logee Campership Fund. $30. Participants with a minimum of $75 in pledges will have registration fee waived. Registration begins at 8 a.m. 860-974-3379 .
Breakfast
DAYVILLE --- A Breakfast will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Killingly Grange on Hartford Pike. $6.
Sun. April 19
‘Acorn Adventure’
MANSFIELD --- TLGV’s Ranger Marcy's Acorn Adventure, “Salamander Search at Mansfield Hollow State Park,” will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at Mansfield Hollow State Park, Bassetts Bridge Road. For more info go to: tlgv.org.
Breakfast
N. GROSVENORDALE --- The Knights of Columbus Council 2087 on Riverside Drive will hold a made-to-order breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. $7. 860-923-2967
Fri. May 1
'The Boxcar Children'
PUTNAM --- The Complex for the Performing Arts will present "The Boxcar Children" at 7 p.m. May 1 and at 2 p.m. May 2 and 3 at the Bradley Playhouse. 860-963-7170.
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