Fredrick Hryzan,
WWII vet
N. GROSVENORDALE — Fredrick Hryzan, 95, of Linehouse Road, died March 30, 2016, at Hartford Hospital. Born in 1921 in Fitchburg, Mass.A, he was the son of the late Sylvester and Michalina (Kachowicz) Hryzan.
Mr. Hryzan was a plumber until his retirement at age 72. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII from 1942-1946 as an aviation machinist mate on the USS Guadalcanal, receiving the Good Conduct medal, American Theatre, and Victory Medal.
Fred was an active member of both the V.F.W. and the American Legion. Fred was a devoted fan of the Patriots who enjoyed birdwatching, canoeing, fishing, and dancing. He was a renowned trapper belonging to the Connecticut Trappers Association.
He had a special place in his heart for Cindy Krans and her family; Norman and Mary Babbitt; his sister Theresa Zelazo; and his son Timothy.
The Mass of Christian Burial was April 5 in St. Joseph Church, with burial with military honors at St. Joseph Cemetery. Donations: American Legion, P.O. Box 909, N. Grosvenordale, CT 06255; The Connecticut Trappers Assoc., PO Box 1633, Wallingford, CT 06492; or V.F.W. P.O.Box 496, Quinebaug, CT 06262. Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale.
Pamela R. Bourque
N. GROSVENORDALE — Pamela Restal Elliott Bourque, 82, died March 28, 2016. She was the wife of the late Robert J. Bourque. They were married in 1955. He died in 2007. She was born July 17, 1933, in Queensland, Australia, daughter of Joy (Stevens) and Arthur Elliott.
Pam came to the U.S. in June 1947 and graduated from Putnam High School in 1951. She worked at Day Kimball Hospital for more than 30 years as a ward clerk and later as an I.V. technician in the pharmacy department. She retired in 2006 and enjoyed reading, being by the water, watching NASCAR races.
She leaves four children, Robert M. and Jackie Bourque of Mechanicsville, Va.; Steven A. and Rita Bourque of Merritt Island, Fla.; Joy M. and John Tice of Norfolk, Va.; Trudy L. Bellerive of N. Grosvenordale; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Janice Halpin of Scottsdale, Ariz.
The Memorial Service was April 2 at Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam, with interment at a later date in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Putnam. Donations: Hospice and Palliative Care of Northeastern Connecticut, PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260.
Denise Dziadula
DANIELSON — Denise Dziadula, 64, of Airport Rd., died March 21, 2016, in Hartford Hospital. Born in 1951 in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late John and Lucille (Lavoie) Dziadula.
Denise worked as a clerk for Ocean State Job Lot in Brooklyn. She enjoyed spending time with her cats.
She leaves her daughter, Tracy Wilson of Killingly; her sisters, Donna Dziadula of Pomfret Center, and Karen Dziadula of E. Woodstock; grandchildren, Kaitlyn Wilson of Oneco, and Britany Wilson of Killingly; nieces and nephews; and her good friend, Craig Wroebal of Danielson
Services are private. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam, CT 06260.
Christine E. Adams
WEBSTER — Christine E. Adams, 52, died March 29, 2016, at UMass Memorial Medical Center. Christine was born Dec. 21, 196,3 in Webster, the daughter of the late Earl and Alice (Lubecki) Adams.
She worked over 20 years as a clerk at Shrewsbury Postal Distribution Center. She enjoyed family trips, puzzles, and was an avid reader.
She leaves her husband of 37 years, Raymond Belanger; one son: Jesse Adams (Rebecca) of Plainfield; one daughter: Jessica Fritz (James) of Brookfield, Mass.; three grandchildren: grandsons, Aiden and Evan Adams, and granddaughter, Alexis Fritz. Christine was awaiting the birth of her third grandson Owen Adams. She also leaves six siblings: Gloria Bannister of Webster, Donna Santerre of Pomfret, and Sandra Corriveau of Webster, Kenny Adams of Webster, John Adams of Webster, and Dana Adams of Webster.
Calling hours are from 4 to 7 p.m. April 8 at Bartel Funeral Home and Chapel, Dudley. Donations: Webster-Dudley Food Share, c/o United Church of Christ Federated, 4 Church St., Webster, MA 01570.
Kenneth M. Nachajko,
Air Force vet
WEBSTER — Kenneth M Nachajko, 76, died March 6, 2016, at home.
Kenneth was born in Webster, the son of the late Chester and the late Elizabeth (Lemanski) Nachajko.
Ken joined the Air Force at 17 and served eight years obtaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He then continued his service to his country with eight years in the Peace Corps. He spent 44 years on the Island of Carriacou not only as a teacher but he became “Mr. Fix it” helping others to learn his trade in electronics and his skills as a woodworker . Ken would build everything from swing sets to picnic tables for the folks on the island. He retired from Bishops College as a professor in 2005. He returned to his native Webster two years ago to live with his god daughter Karen and her family
He leaves one brother: Ronald Nachajko of Putnam; two sisters: Elizabeth Recko and Nancy Pershula, both of N. Grosvenordale; niece and godchild Karen Grzyb of Webster with whom he made his home; great-niece and caregiver Keli Farrand; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Sandra Anthony and Gail Phaneuf.
A graveside service with military honors provided by the Webster-Dudley Veterans Council was April 5 at Mt. Zion Cemetery, Webster. Bartel Funeral Home and Chapel, Dudley.
Margaret Racine,
Air Force vet
MIMS, Fla. — Margaret Marie Racine, 76, died March 23, 2016, at Wuesthoff Medical Center in Rockledge, Fla. Margaret was born in Essex, Mo. She moved frequently with her husband’s work and lived in Putnam from 1964 to 1973, Okeechobee, Fla, from 1973 to 1985 before moving to Mims in 1996. Margaret was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. She enjoyed fishing, bowling and camping in her free time.
Margaret was the wife of Robert A. Racine for 56 years; mother to Michael Racine (Rebecca) of Okeechobee, John Racine (Tonja) of Haymarket, Va., David Racine (Hazel) of Miami, and Bryan Michaud (Tammy) of Mims; sister to Doyle Fry of Missouri and Elzie Fry of Illinois; and nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be May 28 at Aurantia Baptist Church in Mims. Donations: Hospice of St. Francis, Titusville.
North Brevard Funeral Home.
Edmond R. Touchette,
Army vet
WINDHAM — Edmond Rene Touchette Sr., 83, of Windham Center, died March 30, 2016, at Windham Hospital.
Edmond was born Aug. 14, 1932, in Dayville, to the late Joseph and Ida Touchette.
He served in the U.S. Army and Navel Reserves and retired from the propane company after 45 years of service.
Edmond enjoyed baseball and bowling in his early years.
Besides his wife of 60 years, Barbara, he leaves a son, Edmond Touchette Jr. (April) of Provo, Utah; two daughters, Deborah Linton of Willimantic, and Patricia Delnicki (Kenneth) of Woodstock Valley; his two grandsons, Robert Linton and Travis Delnicki; brothers and sisters.
The Funeral was April 5 at Potter Funeral Home followed by a full military burial at St. Joseph Cemetery in Windham.
Wayne Correa services
PUTNAM — Wayne Everest Correa, 65, of Putnam, died March 1, 2016, at Rhode Island Hospital. A celebration of his life will be held at 1 p.m. April 10 at Connecticut National Golf Club on Chase Road, Putnam.
..
caption:
Avenue Q
The Bradley Playhouse will present “Avenue Q” starting April 8. Shown are Seana Hendrickson with Kate Monster and Jon Carpentier with Princeton. Courtesy photo.
'Avenue Q'
opens April 8
PUTNAM — It’s spring! Time for some light hearted entertainment to help you break out from the winter doldrums. The Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut at the Bradley Playhouse has just the thing when the musical Avenue Q opens on April 8 and runs for three weekends. This show contains bawdy puppet humor and language, and is recommended for adults.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. April 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23 and at 2 p.m. April 10, 17 and 24. Tickets are $23 for adults and $20 for seniors and students. Reservations may be made with a major credit card online at www.thebradleyplayhouse.org or by calling 860-928-7887.
The TNECT production of Avenue Q is directed by Carl Mercier, who is assisted by Carole Hayes. Bob Sloat is the music director, Joshua Stephen the vocal director and choreography is by Keri Danner. The puppeteers include Jon Carpentier, Seana Hendrickson, Jason Czernich, Adam Leidemer, Drew Lagace and Beth Silvia. Other members of the cast, some puppeteers and some human actors, include Tonya Brock, Will Gelinas, Stephanie Crugnola, Sierra Trudel, Adriana Anderson and Mike Silvia
This Tony Award winning musical is like nothing you have ever seen. Avenue Q is a musical comedy that is a coming-of-age parable, addressing and satirizing the issues and anxieties associated with entering adulthood. The show is notable for the use of puppets, animated by unconcealed puppeteers, alongside human actors.
Avenue Q won the Tony “Triple Crown” in 2004 – Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book. Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx wrote the music and lyrics and Jeff Whitty wrote the book. It opened Off Broadway in March 2003 to rave reviews . In July of 2003, the play moved to the Golden Theatre on Broadway where it ran until September 2009. It is currently running Off Broadway at New World Stage.
Woodstock public schools
Monday: Hamburgers, fruit. Tuesday: Pizza, carrot sticks, fruit. Wednesday: Chicken tenders, Italian green beans, fruit. Thursday: Chef salad, fruit. Friday: pancakes, sausages, fruit.
Pomfret Community
Monday: Hamburgers or cheese burgers, Baked Doritos, fruit. Tuesday: Chicken nuggets, carrots fruit cups. Wednesday: ziti, meatballs, green beans, fruit, cookies. Thursday" Mr. Fox's pizza, broccoli, veggie cups, fruit. Friday - early dismissal: Deli turkey rolls, carrot snacks, fruit, frozen dessert.
Putnam Elementary/Middle
Monday: Popcorn chicken potato bowls, gravy, corn. Tuesday: Sloppy Joes, carrot coins. Wednesday: Macaroni and cheese, broccoli. Thursday: Mini chicken sliders. Friday: Putnam Special Pizza.
Putnam High
Monday: Hot dogs, curly fries. Tuesday: Chicken Chipolte Ranch Flatbread sandwiches. Wednesday: Macaroni and cheese, broccoli. Thursday: Stuffed Potato Bowls. Friday - half day: Pizza, cucumber and tomato salad.
captions:
Marie Ruth Page in Chicopee around 1936. Photo courtesy of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit Archives.
PUTNAM — In April of 1916, Woodrow Wilson was president. WWI was in its second year, with the Battle of Verdun raging on the Western Front. The Chicago Cubs played their first game at Weeghman Park, now known as Wrigley Field. In Dublin, the Easter Rising occurred, which led to the independence of the Irish Republic a few years later.
Meanwhile, on the third of the month, in Chicopee, Mass., Catholic couple Edouard1 and Amanda Page welcomed a little girl into the world.
A century later, she’s still here.
That little girl from western Massachusetts grew up to become Sister Marie Ruth Page, better known today as Sr. Mary Ruth, who’s been a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit (DHS) since 1937. She was then called Sister Edouard de la Croix.
Founded in France in 1706, the DHS is well known as a religious order for teachers. That’s why the 21-year-old from Chicopee made her final vows with the DHS on Sept. 2, 1937, at the order’s motherhouse in St. Brieuc, France. Shortly afterwards, Sister Mary Ruth started working as a teacher, with a three-year stint at the former St. Mary’s School in Jewett City.2
“I always wanted to be a teacher from the time I was a little girl, so the Daughters were where I wanted to go,” she said. “I started out teaching everything.”
Even this many decades later, her passion for her former students shows through. “I always wanted to be with the children,” Sister Mary Ruth said, her piercing blue eyes flashing. “I always wanted to be a teacher.”
Retired from teaching since 1990, she spent more than 50 years in the classroom at Catholic grade schools in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Sr. Mary Ruth moved to the DHS’s U. S. A. Provincial House in Putnam a dozen years ago.
April 3, her DHS sisters, former students, family and friends celebrated her 100th birthday, with a Mass and luncheon at the provincial house. “I spent 31 years teaching English,” she said, remembering her time at the former St. Cecilia’s School in Leominster, Mass., from 1940 to 1971.
In 1970, one of her eighth graders at St. Cecilia’s was Paul Gamache, who grew up to become a teacher and school administrator himself. After serving at several schools in northeastern Connecticut, Gamache is today the principal of Woodstock Middle School.
“I wouldn’t be a school principal without Sister Mary Ruth,” he said. “She was my favorite teacher. I still ask her for advice today about how to do my job. She gives great advice. She taught me to never discipline students in public. Most importantly, though, Sister inspired me to reach for my dreams.” “I don’t feel like I’m 100,” Sister Mary Ruth said, “I feel so happy.”
In a quieter moment, she reflected wistfully on her decades in the classroom.
“They were all peak moments. I wish I could go back and do it all again,” she said. “I miss the children. The students let me know about their troubles and I tried to help them. And the parents were supportive of the teachers. They were for us.”
Sister Mary Ruth said she faced many challenges as time went on.
“(Starting in the 1960s) Drugs were something we had to deal with,” she said. “Computers were a big change. About the children, it was always important to get the students to understand that they would soon be out on their own in the world. I tried to teach them to choose their friends carefully and to talk to their parents. I wanted them to keep their minds on the future.”
Sister Mary Ruth is particularly pleased that several of her former students became priests. Two of them joined DHS Chaplain Richard L. Archambault to celebrate Sunday’s Mass in the provincial house’s chapel. Rev. Robert E. Gariepy, 85, traveled to Putnam from his home in Shrewsbury, Mass. The third priest on Sunday was Leominster native Rev. Donald G. Lozier, OMI, 81.
After Mass, the luncheon in the provincial house’s dining room was well attended by Sister Mary Ruth’s DHS sisters, several former students and many family members – of all ages. Chicopee resident Jamie Piantek, 21, is Sister Mary Ruth’s great-great niece. “What hasn’t she done for me?” The young woman asked rhetorically. “She’s so kind-hearted to everybody. I’m happy that she’s still here.”
One of the highlights of the day was the presentation of a blessing from Pope Francis for Sister Mary Ruth on her 100th birthday. The parchment from the Vatican was obtained for her by Most Rev. Michael R. Cote, the Bishop of Norwich.
Sister Mary Ruth smiled one last time. “I’ve been so lucky.”
..