Obituaries 8 1-12-12
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- Category: Past Issues
Dr. Harvey J. Grinsell Jr.
founded ‘Ped’ Center
WOODSTOCK — Dr. Harvey James Grinsell Jr., 84, died following a long illness Jan. 7, 2011.
Born in 1927 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Harvey J. Grinsell Sr. and Ruth (Beaudrault) Grinsell.
Prior to graduating from Putnam High School in 1945, Dr. Grinsell enlisted in the Navy during WWII as a pharmacist’s mate. He was called back into the Navy as a lieutenant upon completion of his medical degree from Tufts Medical School in 1954. He took his internship at Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Virginia and served as a medical officer for the Arctic Fleet through 1956. At Charity Hospital in New Orleans, he co-developed an antidote for hydrocarbon (lead) poisoning and conducted research on methods to diagnose spinal meningitis.
He was founder and director of the Day Kimball Pediatric Center, the first known hospital-based program of its kind in the nation. He served as medical director of the John Dempsey Regional Center, where he co-developed one the state’s first early intervention programs for infants with developmental disabilities. He established in-school medical exams, immunizations and screening for children in eastern Connecticut. He brought the federal Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program to rural communities to improve maternal and childhood nutrition.
The Quinebaug Valley Association for Retarded Citizens named Dr. Grinsell “Man of the Year” and the Danielson Junior Chamber of Commerce gave him their “Distinguished Service Award.” Gov. Rell inducted him into the 2009 Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame in recognition of his post-military achievements and outstanding contributions to his community. Dr. Grinsell was honored by the Town of Plainfield for establishing the Plainfield Day Kimball Pediatric Center and he will be further honored with his father, former Mayor Harvey J. Grinsell Sr., for their service to the Town of Putnam with a dedication of a park on the corner of Marshall and Providence streets which was once the site of the family residence.
Dr. Grinsell leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Alma “Trudy” Grinsell of Woodstock; children, Stephen Grinsell of Plymouth, Mass., Gary Grinsell (Susan) of Villa Park, Calif.; David Grinsell (Lynne) of W. Hartford, Lisa Danburg of Wareham, Mass.; and Heidi Grinsell of Marstons Mills, Mass.; along with 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 13 in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Jan. 14 in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam, with burial with military honors in St. Mary Cemetery. Donations: Day Kimball Hospital Pediatric Center, PO Box 632, Putnam, Ct 06260 so they may continue his mission to provide the best possible medical care to the children of our community.
Thomas Wilde,
bus driver
QUINEBAUG — Thomas Wilde, 83, of Breezy Lane, died Jan. 8, 2012, in Putnam. He was the fiancé of Barbara Young for 35 years. Born in 1928 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Leo J. and the late Mary E. (Nye) Wilde.
Mr. Wilde worked as a bus driver for Northeast Connecticut Transit District and was a proud member of teamsters Local 251 of East Providence. He won the Connecticut Bus Drivers Roadeo and went on to represent Connecticut in the National Bus Drivers Roadeo. He was a member of the former Woodstock Chess Club and once beat a Russian Grand Master Chess player.
In addition to his fiancé, Thomas leaves his daughter, Patricia Babbitt (Wesley) of Lawrence, Mass.; his son, Robert Wilde (Lori-Ann) of N. Providence; grandchildren, Wesley W. Babbittt and Geoffrey Babbitt.
Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 11 in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. A gathering will begin at 10 a.m. Jan. 12 at the funeral home with his funeral service held at 11 a.m. with burial in Munyan Cemetery, E. Putnam.
Nellie Basilick,
church member
DANIELSON — Nellie P. Basilick, 99, of Danielson, died Jan. 5, 2012, in New London. She was the wife of the late Sydney Basilick. He died in 1976. She was born Oct. 7, 1912, in Brooklyn, New York, daughter of Herni and Marguerite Pons.
She worked for several years as a dressmaker in the New York Garment District. In 1954 her family moved to northeast Connecticut, she devoted her life to the care and raising of her family. Nellie was a faithful friend of the Westfield Congregational Church, a member of the RSVP, the Quinebaug Valley Senior Citizens and the Ladies Garment Union. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting and was an accomplished gardener. An avid bowler and member of the Brooklyn Bowling League, and had won several trophies over the years. She had made her home in Canterbury and Brooklyn for many years.
She leaves her sons: Roger Basilick (Linda) of Port St. Lucie, Fla., George Basilick (Linda) of Dayville, nine grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; a daughter-in-law Ada Basilick of Niantic. She was predeceased by her son Richard Basilick in 2008 and her brother Rene Pons.
The Funeral Service was Jan. 10 in the Westfield Congregational Church, with burial in Carey Cemetery, Canterbury. Donations: Masonic Care Hospice, 77 Cheshire Rd, Wallingford, CT 06492; or Alzheimer’s Association, Connecticut Chapter, 2075 Silas Deane Hwy., Suite 100, Rocky Hill, CT 06067. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.
Nancy A. Flick,
mother of 5
PUTNAM — Nancy A. Flick, 70, of Putnam, died Jan. 1, 2012, at home in Putnam. Nancy was born May 10, 1941, in Putnam, daughter of the late Stanley J. and Nona (Dupree) Smith. She worked as a Lunch Lady in the Putnam School System for several years, then worked at First National, Finast and Stop and Shop. She enjoyed her rides on the trike with family and friends, trips to Mohegan Sun Casino and playing Yahtzee and other board games. She leaves her husband: Flick of Putnam (they were married April 23, 1960); two daughters, Sherrie Condos (Brian) of Dudley, Kelly Flick of Putnam; son: Ralph Flick of Putnam; one sister: Mary Elaine Leyko of Putnam; three grandchildren; Amanda Flick; Tanya Flick and Chad Flick. She was predeceased by her twin sons; Robert Allen and Thomas Francis Flick. Visitation is from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 16 at Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam, with a Memorial Service at 2:30 at the funeral home. Donations: Hospice of NE CT, PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260.
Rose Brissette,
owned store
PUTNAM — Rose A. Brissette, 94,of Putnam, died unexpectedly Jan. 7, 2012, at Day Kimball Hospital. She was the predeceased by her husband John “Willie” Brissette in 1994.
She was born March 13, 1917, N. Grosvenordale, daughter of the late Philibert and Louise Evangeline (Bouvier) Lavallee. They owned and operated Benoit’s Radio in Putnam for many years.
She leaves her four daughters Louise Anderson of Putnam, Margaret Rouleau of Colchester, Katherine Nichols of E. Putnam and Elaine St. Onge of Woodstock; six grandchildren: Donald Anderson, Kathy Anderson, Jacqueline Rouleau Langdon, Aaron Nichols, Emily Rose Nichols, Kenny St. Onge, Lauren Rose St. Onge, and two great grandchildren, Dominic Andrusio and Connor Nichols. She was predeceased by a granddaughter, Michele Rouleau Andrusio, who died Feb. 16, 2010.
A Memorial Mass will be at 11 a.m. Jan. 14 in St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Florence A. Sandberg,
church member
WOODSTOCK — Florence A. Sandberg, 86, of Woodstock, on Dec. 29, 2011, went home to be with her Lord and Savior. She was the wife of her late husband Carl A Sandberg. They were married Aug. 18, 1945.
She was born Feb. 10, 1925, in Stamford, daughter of the late Gustave A. and Agnes (Dahlberg) Larson. Florence graduated from Stamford High School in 1942.
In 1956, she moved from Darien to Woodstock. She worked for Linemaster Switch Corporation in the Sales Department from 1960-1990, then part time as camp secretary at YMCA Camp Woodstock from 1991 to 2000. She was a faithful member of the Evangelical Covenant Church in Woodstock serving in many capacities. She especially enjoyed playing the organ and piano and singing in the choir.
She leaves her children: Linda F. Smith (Gary) of N. Stonington, Paul D. Sandberg (Peggy) of Dubuque, Iowa, Nancy J. MacQueen (Joseph) of Buenos Aires, Argentina; six grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; a brother Edward N. Larson of Woodstock. She was predeceased by a sister Doris Flanagan and brothers Herbert Larson, Harold Carlson, Arnold Carlson, and Lester Ohlson.
The Funeral was Jan. 9 at the Evangelical Covenant Church, with burial at Elmvale Cemetery. Donations: Charis de Dios, Attn: Nancy P.O Box 49566, Colorado Springs, CO 80949; or to the Memorial Fund of the Evangelical Covenant Church. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Doris M. Jewell,
textile worker
THOMPSON — Doris M. (Ducharme) Jewell, 88, died Jan. 4, 2012, at Day Kimball Hospital after a short illness. Formerly of Mechanicsville, she had been a resident of Pierce Memorial Baptist Home in Brooklyn for over 10 years.
Doris was born in 1923 in N. Grosvenordale, daughter of the late Joseph and Armenie (Daviau) Ducharme. On Oct. 25, 1941, Doris was united in marriage to Stephen H. Jewell Jr. He died in 1977.
Doris attended St. Joseph School and Tourtellotte Memorial High School in N. Grosvenordale. She worked in various locations in the textile industry. She was a life member of the Ladies Auxiliary Post 10088 in Quinebaug, as well as the Thompson Senior Citizens. During her time at Pierce, she enjoyed creating handiwork with her friends in the Shawl Ministry. In years past, she belonged to the Royal Travelers and volunteered for RSVP.
Doris created beautiful knitted and crocheted items, most of which she gave to family, friends, and charity. From her childhood days in North Grosvenordale, to her years at Pierce, Doris opened her heart to all she met. She had a sincere love of people and an interest in their lives. She had a special quality of making those around her feel valued. She leaves daughters Jane Ellison of Thompson, Joyce Cormier (Albert) of Putnam, and Sandra LaBonte (Lawrence) of Thompson; grandchildren Eric Ellison (Monica) of Tolland, Erica Groh (Lawrence) of Thompson, Carolyn Riendeau (Christopher) of Putnam, Amanda Bernat (James) of Shrewsbury, Mass., Jennifer O’Connor (Rick) of Naugatuck, Jeffrey LaBonte of Thompson, and Jared LaBonte of Thompson and six great-grandchildren; brother Andrew Ducharme (Anita) of Thompson; sister-in-law Mary Jewell of Putnam; brother-in-law Marvin Jewell of Mechanicsville. In addition to her parents and husband, Doris was predeceased by her brothers Philip, Wilfred, Donat, Ernest, and Edward Ducharme, and her sisters Jeannette DuBois and Yvette Ducharme, as well as her son-in-law Paul Ellison.
The funeral was private. “I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one. I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done (from AfterGlow – anonymous).” In honor of Doris, take a moment to make someone smile. Gilman Valade Funeral Homes.
Michael E. Cournoyer,
father of 2
THOMPSON — Michael E. “M.C.” Cournoyer, 56, of Thompson, died Jan. 1, 2012, at home after a long battle with cancer.
He was born in Southbridge, the youngest of the 12 children of Aime and Beatrice (Maynard) Cournoyer. After his mother died in 1968, he was raised by Albert and Barbara Cournoyer in Webster. He then made his home with his wife and family in Woodstock for 15 years before moving to Thompson. He graduated from Bay Path Regional Technical Vocational High School in Charlton in 1975. Mr. Cournoyer worked in the electrical maintenance department of Whitcraft Company in Eastford for about 10 years before retiring because of illness in 2009.
He played football, basketball and baseball on the varsity teams at Bay Path. He enjoyed riding his Harley when he could, taking in the simple pleasures of life.
He leaves his wife of 37 years, Ernestine R. “Tina” (Neurath) Cournoyer; a daughter, Suzanne M. Butts (Jonathan) and Wayne M. Cournoyer (Karin), all of Woodstock; six grandchildren; six brothers, Donald, Albert, Richard, George, Ronald and Aime Cournoyer; a sister, Margaret Biron. He was predeceased by four brothers, Roger, Robert, David and Raymond Cournoyer.
Donations: Hole in the Wall Gang Camp (a charity that helps children with cancer), 555 Long Wharf Dr., New Haven, CT 06511;or the Hospice of NE CT, 320 Pomfret St., Putnam, CT 06260. Scanlon Funeral Service, Webster.
Irene R. Gould,
former bookkeeper
WEBSTER — Irene R. (Bassett) Gould, 84, of Webster, died Jan. 3, 2012, at home after an illness. She was born in Spencer, Mass., a daughter of Leo J. and Unabelle (Coty) Bassett. She was a graduate of Assumption Academy in Nicolete, P.Q. Canada.
Mrs. Gould worked for many years as a bookkeeper at the former Bayer Motors in Dudley retiring in 1990.
She was a member of St. Louis church and a member of the St. Louis League of Catholic Women.
She leaves her husband of 63 years, Robert W. Gould Sr.; six children, Robert W. Gould, Jr. (Gloria), Donna M. Cleaves (Curtis), all of Webster, James R. Gould and his partner Beverly Drowne of Thompson, Sheila M. aLaPlante (Robert) of Charlton, Leona M. DiTullio (Edward) of Webster and William P. Gould and his partner AnneMarie Orn of Thompson; a sister, Constance Gould of Worcester; 15 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren.
The Funeral Mass was Jan. 7 in St. Louis Church, Webster, with burial in in Mary Queen of the Rosary Cemetery, Spencer. Donations: VNA Care Hospice, 120 Thomas Street, Worcester, MA 01610; or to the St. Louis School Endowment Fund, 15 Lake St., Webster, MA 01570. Scanlon Funeral Service, Webster.
Madeline Desmond
HYDE PARK, Mass. — Desmond, Madeline Rose, 7 weeks old, died at home Jan. 3. 2012. She is the daughter of Edward and Sarah (Cass) Desmond of Hyde Park; sister of Tyler Desmond; and granddaughter of Eleanor Desmond of Newton and Jean and Richard Cass of Woodstock.
The Funeral Mass was Jan. 7 at Our Lady Help of Christians Church, Newton with interment in St. Michael Cemetery, Roslindale, Mass. Donations: SOFT, www.trisomy.org or to the Trisomy 18 Foundation, www.trisomy18.org. Andrew J. Magni & Son Funeral Home, Newton