John “Jack” R. Duda, Sr. 75, of Brookfield, beloved husband of Judith (Hambidge) Duda, died peacefully at Danbury Hospital on Tuesday, June 2nd. He was born in Holyoke, MA on April 25, 1940, son of the late John and Simone (VanMarche) Duda. He was a graduate of Western New England University with a degree in engineering. Jack was a Veteran of the Vietnam War, proudly serving as a pilot with the United States Air Force, flying F-86, F-100 and F-105 planes. He continued in his military service with the Air Guard, attaining the rank of Major. He retired as an airline pilot for United Airlines after 36 years flying DC-6, DC-7, DC-8, B727 and B747. He also owned and operated several area businesses including J&J Trucking, and Jet Rental. Jack was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He encouraged those he loved to pursue their goals and always believed in them. His faith in their abilities often gave them the push they needed. He was the patriarch of the family and his grandchildren were the light of his life. In addition to his cherished wife of 15 years, Judy, he will be sadly missed by his six children, John R. Duda, Jr. and wife, Martha, Judith Gerard and husband, Joseph, Justin R. Duda and wife, Candice, Pamela Holick and husband, Trever, Kristin Wilkins and husband, Billy, and Lindsey Roy and husband, Randy; his four grandchildren, Gabriel, Isabel, Skylar and Jaylen. He is also survived by his brothers, Larry and wife, Terri, James and wife, Gillian, and Philip and wife, Sandra; his sisters, Nancy Mangini and Linda Mandolesi and husband Steve and many nieces and nephews.

View Full Notice → John R. Duda – April 25, 1940 – June 02, 2015

On Monday, June 1, 2015, Edward John, known to his family as “Papa,” died peacefully at the age of 94 in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Bernadine “Dina” (Scalzo) Henry. Mr. Henry was born in Bronx, NY on May 17, 1921 to Michael J. and Josephine (Ranchinzsky) Henry. He was predeceased by his brother, Bernard Henry, sisters Dorothy Finkle, Joan Griswold and Geraldine Gillen. In addition to his wife Dina, the love of his life for 53 years, he leaves behind his children, Kathryn Olson and her husband Donald of Bethel, CT, the pre-deceased Linda Garafolo, Michael Henry and his wife Cyndi of Danbury, CT, Bernard Henry of Danbury, CT, Gregory Henry of Bethel, CT, Jennifer Lawlor and her husband Tom of Bethel, CT and step daughter Doreen Durgy and her husband Robert of Danbury, CT. He also leaves behind several grandchildren, great grandchildren, a great great grandson and nieces and nephews. Edward attended school in the Bronx and graduated from vocational high school. Edward was inducted and served in the Army. He was honorably discharged from military service and upon moving to Danbury in his twenties. Edward worked with his father and brother-in-laws at the Danbury Airport Chevron station they owned. He worked at the Barden Corporation for many years overseeing inspections of key components used in the Norden bombsite to prevent sabotage. Edward had a long career as a real estate broker for over 40 years throughout the area and was a part owner of Candlewood Shores Estates Lake Community in Brookfield, CT. Edward, always a gentleman, was described as intelligent, quick witted, known for being well spoken, dressing sharp and having meticulous hand writing and record keeping. Edward and his wife Dina enjoyed dancing and spent countless nights on the dance floor together. He was an avid gardener, inventor, and enjoyed crossword puzzles and playing billiards. Edward’s sense of humor and love of family will be truly missed by his wife, children and grandchildren. The Henry Family would like to thank all the special caregivers that provided him amazing care in the last years of his life.

View Full Notice → Edward J. Henry – May 17, 1921 – June 01, 2015

Lili, born March 4th in Willow Bunch Saskatchewan sent her Energy back to the Universe during the night of June 1st surrounded by the love of her family, close friends and adored pets. Lili spent her youth in Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada with her father and two brothers before moving to Toronto to begin her professional career as a corporate accountant. She raised her daughter as a single parent until 1976, when she married Charlie Harrison III and moved to Sherman, CT to begin their life together. Often seen walking her dogs in the early morning hours, Lili also enjoyed the rigorous activities of boating, bicycling, spin classes and tennis. In 2006 she began her academic career at Western Connecticut State University enthusiastically pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science for which she was recently awarded a diploma. In 2007, Lili was predeceased by the love of her life, Charlie. Since moving to Brookfield in 2010, she was a daily presence in the lives of her daughter Lisa and her son in law Chris Kirkness. Lili was proud of her granddaughters Lindsay and Zoë and shared with them her love of sports and animals. She was a loyal friend and will be deeply missed by her close friends Danny and Lisa Fox and Sally Lobraico of Sherman who joined her every Friday night for cards and laughter. Lili also leaves behind her dear friend Virginia of Waterloo Canada who was like a sister~ sharing over 50 years of love and memories. Her friends and family in Canada remained a part of her life until its end. She was always a Lady, ever quick with her sense of humor and a true lover of animals. It is with heavy hearts that those who knew Lili will reflect on the quiet way she touched their lives and influenced their days. The family extends their sincere gratitude to the medical staff at Smilow Cancer Center, to Dr. William Biles, to Maria and Carol and the team at Regional Hospice of Danbury~ you supported us during the most challenging time of our lives. Wild Geese~ by Mary Oliver You do not have to be good. You do not have to walk on your knees for a hundred miles through the desert repenting. You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves. Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine. Meanwhile the world goes on. Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain are moving across the landscapes, over the prairies and the deep trees, the mountains and the rivers. Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air, are heading home again. Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, the world offers itself to your imagination, calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting over and over announcing your place in the family of things.

View Full Notice → Lili G. Harrison – June 01, 2015

A. Paul Lang, III, 51, of Brookfield, loving son of Albert P. Lang, Jr., and the late Grace (King) Lang, died peacefully at home on Thursday, June 4th. He was born in Danbury on December 26, 1963. In addition to his father, he will be sadly missed by his two sisters, Grace Lang and Linda Goggins; and many nieces and nephews.

View Full Notice → A. Paul Lang III – December 26, 1963 – June 04, 2015

Richard G Gustavson, Sr , 91, passed away peacefully, June 3rd, in Bethel. He was born on April 27, 1924, son of the late George and Isabelle (Tremont) Gustavson. He was predeceased in September by his wife of over 58 years, Patrice (Durkin) Gustavson A lifelong resident of Danbury, Richard raised his family of 10 in Aqua Vista on Candlewood Lake. He became known to all as “Mr. G,” and was like a second father to all the kids in the community, who each affectionately received a personalized nickname from Mr. G, as he had done with his own children (and grandchildren). He and his wife retired to Wells, VT for 20 years where Mr. G was a sewing machine repair specialist for many schools and businesses throughout the region, before returning to Danbury. Richard, was a wonderful, revered father and is survived by 8 children, Francis DeGrosse, Patrick DeGrosse, Gail (Gustavson) Keiper, Carole (DeGrosse) Brady, Lauren (DeGrosse) McIntosh, Lynn (Gustavson) Roman, Sherree (Gustavson) Wood and Richard G. Gustavson, Jr. Lovingly called Papa, he was admired and respected and will be dearly missed by 16 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Rudolph Gustavson and Ralph Gustavson; and sister Lillian (Gustavson) McCue; as well as several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by brother, Raymond Gustavson and his grandchildren, Michelle (DeGrosse) Gargliardo and Richard G. Gustavson, III. Special thanks to Bethel Health Care for their professional care of our loved one.

View Full Notice → Richard G. Gustavson Sr. – April 27, 1924 – June 03, 2015

Thomas E. Cipolla, 65, of Bethel, beloved husband of Katherine J. (Keeler) Cipolla, passed away peacefully but unexpectedly on June 8th, with his wife by his side. He was born in Danbury on August 20, 1949 to the late John Cipolla and Frances (Harrison). Thomas grew up in Brookfield. He proudly served his country in the Marine Corps in Hawaii and later in the Army Reserves. He worked for the City of Danbury for 20 years until retiring in 2013. He married Katherine J. (Keeler) Cipolla on December 16, 1972. He moved to Bethel in the 70’s. He enjoyed spending time with his buddies at the Catholic War Veterans. Thomas was also a fan of NASCAR. Along with his wife, Katherine, he will be sadly missed by his son, Joseph P. Deep III and his wife, Janice, and three grandchildren Brittany, Susannah and Ryan of Bethel; and his brothers Skip and Jack (Terry) Cipolla. He will be greatly missed by his many cousins, nieces and nephews. He shared a special bond with his in-laws and their spouses, Ruth (Ben) DaSilva, Carol (Tom) Couture, Adeline (Bud) Barabas, Linda (Pat) Domain, Judy (Dick) Webb, Verna King, Wanda Jones, Nancy Keeler, Arlene Keeler and Kenny Keeler. Thomas is pre-deceased by his brother Lenny.

View Full Notice → Thomas E. Cipolla – August 20, 1949 – June 08, 2015

William H. “Bill” Hatch, age 68 of New Milford, died on June 10 at Danbury Hospital following a long illness. Bill was born in Danbury November 22, 1946, the son of the late Daniel S. and Ruth E. (Ticehurst) Hatch. Early in his life he was involved in the Boy Scouts, and later was a graduate of both Henry Abbott Technical School and the University of Bridgeport. Bill was a U.S. Army veteran and was employed with the General Electric Co. for over 15 years until the time of his retirement. He had a keen interest in the environment, and was a lover of nature, enjoying both kayaking and canoeing. He was a member of Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, Brookfield. Bill is survived by his brother, Kenneth J. Hatch and his wife Patricia of Salem, NY, his niece Amanda Fuller and her husband David of Bethel, along with several cousins. In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by his brother Alan Hatch.

View Full Notice → William Hatch – November 22, 1946 – June 10, 2015

Maria DaSilveira, 92, of Danbury, died on June 15, 2015 at Regional Hospice and Home Care. She was born on November 4, 1923 in Blackstone, MA; daughter of the late Maria Anunciaco. Maria was a packer for Berol, formerly Eagle Pencil for 24 years. She was known as “Grandma Bunny.” She enjoyed cooking for her family and friends. She also enjoyed traveling. Maria was a devout follower of Our Lady of Fatima. She is survived by her daughter: Julia Guarino and her husband George of Danbury, and Angela Elliott of Danbury, three grandchildren, Julia Yetter (Scott), Jennifer Straiton (Dan) and Barbara Elliott; three great grandchildren, Brianna and Ryan Straiton and Hannah Yetter; a sister, Angela Coelho and three nephews David, Anthony, and Joseph Coelho. Maria is pre-deceased by her husband Israel Baptista DaSilveria and a brother Manuel Fernandes.

View Full Notice → Mrs. Maria DaSilveira – November 04, 1923 – June 15, 2015

Robert George Goyda, 72, died peacefully in his home in Southbury on Sunday, June 21st. Bob was born in Queens, NY on January 19, 1943, son of the late George Goyda and Pauline (Smolinsky) Goyda. He graduated from the University of Bridgeport. After graduation, he started his exemplary 35 year career with the Chevrolet division of General Motors. Bob was married to Peggy Ward for over 40 years and they lived in Long Island, Maine and Connecticut. Bob retired at 55 and pursued his true passion, gardening. He loved the hours he spent in the River Gardens at Heritage Village and the memories he made with the Maple Tree Gang. Even in the last days of his illness he was able to put in his last garden with the help of his dear friends Bert, Dave, and Butch. Bob leaves his son, Robert Goyda and his wife, Ellen, of Newtown, a daughter, Erin Prunty and her husband, Robert of Winchester, VA. He is also survived by his sister, Joan Fabian of Riverhead, NY and six grandchildren, Megan and Kate Goyda, Brenna, Camryn ,Keegan and Kierny Prunty. They brought such joy to his life. He was predeceased by his grandson, Fintan. Bob was a fighter he struggled against cancer for over 20 years. He never gave up, his body just gave in.

View Full Notice → Robert George Goyda – January 19, 1943 – June 21, 2015

Don Tolulope Akanji, 32, died at 11:27 a.m., Sunday June 21, 2015 from a sudden heart failure in his city of residence, Danbury, Connecticut. Don was born July 26, 1982 in Lafayette, Louisiana. He attended Louisiana State University and has since lived in New York, Delaware, Tennessee, and Connecticut. He worked as a Software Engineer at Chase in Delaware and New Jersey. Above all, he loved God with his whole heart. He is survived by his loving wife of six years, Oluwatosin Odunsi-Akanji; his mother and father, Joseph and Joy Akanji; two brothers, Adewale Akanji and Adeyele Akanji. In-laws: Dr. Adekunle and Mrs. Ayotunde Odunsi, Jesutomiloba Odunsi, Tolulope Odunsi, and Sika Akanji and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

View Full Notice → Don T. Akanji – July 26, 1982 – June 21, 2015

Nicholas J. Azzarito, Sr. passed peacefully on Saturday, June 27, 2015 at Danbury Hospital. When asked he would always state his age in detail: he was 99 years, 4 months and 16 days old. He was the beloved husband of Rose (Mayer) Azzarito. He was born in Brewster, NY on February 11, 1916, the eldest son of the late Frank and Sarah (Gabrielle) Azzarito. Mr. Azzarito proudly served in the Navy during WWII. He served on the USS Panamint during the invasion of Okinawa; the crew shot down over 45 enemy planes in one day. He was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon, 1 Star, the American Theater Ribbon and the Victory Ribbon. Upon his return to Danbury, Nick Sr. worked for local hat factories then started a decades long career at the Barden Corporation, eventually becoming a senior foreman on the nightshift. He also worked as an auto mechanic during the day for several of his brothers’ family owned service stations in the greater Danbury area. After his retirement from Barden’s in 1980 Nick Sr. went on to work for several more years, alongside his brother Tony, at Johns Automotive in Danbury. His greatest passion was the sport of bowling. He started his extraordinarily long career in 1958, bowling at The Elks Club, Holiday Bowl, Bowlarama and Brookfield Lanes, belonging to several different leagues and participating in many tournaments over the years. He was still enjoying on a weekly basis, breakfast and bowling with his senior buddies right up until a week ago. Most importantly, Nick Sr, along with Rose were fixtures throughout the years at all of their sons’ little league, baseball and local league softball games. It was above all his favorite pastime to be at the ballpark watching his sons play ball. He was known and well liked by his sons’ teammates and rivals alike. Nick Sr. was a lifelong NY Yankee fan and was lucky enough to see many of the great players who wore pinstripes, past and present. He was a die-hard NY Jet fan as well. His big smile and witty sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him In addition to the love of his life, Rose, he is survived by a son Nicholas J. Azzarito, Jr. and his fiancé Lisa Curesky of New Milford, and an extended family of in-laws on both sides of his family, including: Albert & Bernice Mayer, Joseph Mayer, Yvette LaBombard, Emma & George Raymond, Ernest & Eddi Mayer, Gerald Mayer, Ann Azzarito, Cathy Azzarito and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a daughter Nancy of Danbury. He was predeceased by his beloved son: James Azzarito; his 9 siblings: Gregg, Frank, Tony, Art, Dick, Josephine, Teresa, Janette and Isabelle.

View Full Notice → Mr. Nicholas J Azzarito – February 11, 1916 – June 27, 2015

John C. Durkin, age 89 of New Milford, beloved husband of Josephine (Faust) Durkin, passed away at his home on June 29, 2015. John was born in Danbury on March 10, 1926, the son of the late John and Loretta (Roswell) Durkin. A veteran of WWII, he proudly served in the US Navy aboard the USS Vincennes in the Pacific Theatre. John was employed with Sikorsky Aircraft, retiring in 1988. In addition to his wife Josephine, John is survived by his children: Brian, Sean, and Scott Durkin, Dawn Stoopes, and Pamela Cassidy, 11 grandchildren, and several great grandchildren. John is also survived by his sisters Barbara Durkin and Patricia Basher, and his sister in law Kathleen Thompson. He was predeceased by his sister Elizabeth Moran, and his brothers Charles, Leonard, Edward, and James Durkin.

View Full Notice → John C. Durkin – March 10, 1926 – June 29, 2015

John Andrew Lewis, age 67 of Southbury CT, died unexpectedly on June 27, 2015. He was a son of the late Jack and Kathleen (Byrne) Lewis. John was born on February 23, 1948 in County Waterford Ireland, and emigrated to America at the age of 15. He was self-employed as a general contractor for many years, but was most recently employed at K-Mart in Southbury, CT. He used to regularly compete as a race car driver at the old Danbury Fairgrounds. He found great joy in being with his grandchildren, and he just loved taking care of his family. He married the love of his life, Elizabeth Reilly in 1967, and they eventually settled in Danbury and raised their family. Unfortunately in 1985 at an early age, Elizabeth passed leaving John to care for the children. He is survived by 3 daughters: Lisa Collinge and her husband Mark, and their children Shawn, Daniel & Katie of Danbury; Laura Lewis of Brookfield; and Stephanie Schulze and her husband Billy, and their son Billy Jr. of Brookfield. He is also survived by his sister Eileen, his two brothers, Michael and Richard; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews. John shared the past 20+ years of his life with his new love Susan Kidd and her children Peggy Sue Forster, Jean-Elise Medeiros and Gary Kidd and their children. He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.

View Full Notice → John A. Lewis – February 23, 1948 – June 27, 2015

Louis Patrick McGuirk, age 75, of Brookfield, died on Friday, June 26, 2015 at Danbury Hospital. He was the husband of Linda (Rassman) McGuirk. Louis was born in Flushing, New York on June 23, 1940, only son of the late Edward and Mary (McMurrer) McGuirk. As a young man, he began his 30 plus year career at Citibank/Citicorp as a clerk and retired as a Vice President of Industrial Credit. Louis was a golf aficionado – he enjoyed playing at Sunset Hill Golf Club in Brookfield and watching the game. He took great pleasure in spending time with his grandchildren and was known for his Irish soda bread that he made for family and friends. In addition to his wife, Linda, Louis is survived by 2 daughters: Mary Knox and her husband Bill of Bridgewater and Patricia Jackson of Brookfield; 4 grandchildren: Kate & Cara Jackson and John Patrick & William Knox; and a sister: Joan Eberwein of Great Neck, NY; a brother-in-law, Pete Zimbelmann as well as many nieces and newphes that he loved. He was predeceased by his son, Sean Patrick McGuirk and a sister Anne Zimbelmann.

View Full Notice → Louis P. McGuirk – June 23, 1940 – June 26, 2015

Theresa Mancuso, 94, of Brookfield, beloved wife of the late William Mancuso, died on Monday, July 6, 2015 in Bethel. She was born on July 21, 1920 in Port Chester, NY, daughter of the late Domenico and Maria (Iannuzzi) Bologna. She is survived by her son Bill Mancuso and his wife Donna of Brookfield, her two grandchildren Laura and Denise Mancuso. She is also survived by her brother, Domenick Bologna and his wife Marie; her brother-in-law, Angelo Sciandra, and many nieces and nephews. Theresa is predeceased by her sister, Katherine Sciandra; her sister, Anna Bologna and her husband Edward Bocchino; her brother, Charles Bologna and his wife Ernestine; her brother, Pat Bologna and his wife Doris; her brother, Frank Bologna and his wife Kathryn.

View Full Notice → Theresa Mancuso – July 21, 1920 – July 06, 2015

Marguerite Mary (Pratt) Foley, 96, a long-time resident of the Washington area and New Hampshire, died peacefully at home on July 1, 2015, following complications from a stroke. At her passing, she was surrounded by family, including each of her seven children, who were led in prayer by her eldest son, Fr. Bill, pastor at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Rockville, Maryland. Marguerite’s husband, Bill, Sr. died in 1990. Marguerite was the daughter of the late Col. Harold Boswell Pratt, USMC, and Marguerite Rockwell Pratt. She had three older brothers and two younger sisters, all of whom lived in the Washington area at various times. Marguerite graduated from Western High School (now the Duke Ellington School of the Arts) in 1936 and St. Mary of the Woods College in Terre Haute, Indiana, in 1940. Like her older brothers, she joined the military during World War II, and attained the rank of lieutenant in the Office of Naval Intelligence. Marguerite was awarded several medals, including the World War II Victory Medal. Her contributions are recognized at the Memorial for Women in Military Service for America at Arlington National Cemetery. After the War, she met her husband, who was also a fellow Naval Intelligence Officer. They were married in 1951 and together raised seven children. For more than 55 years, Marguerite was an active parishioner at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, where she participated over the years as a parent, Eucharistic Minister, lector and member of the Parish’s Sodality. In support of the activities, she attended Trinity University’s Education for Parish Service (EPS), a comprehensive Scripture, theology and spiritual development program. She also was active in high school parent organizations at Gonzaga, St. Anselm’s, and Stone Ridge for many years. In addition, she was employed by the Smithsonian Institution where she crafted descriptions for many of the exhibits featured at the museums. Most importantly, she provided loving support to her children and grandchildren, as well as her husband, who served for many years in leadership positions in the government, including as Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division at the Justice Department and as the Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. He was also, a Captain, U.S. Navy (Reserves). He could not have done it without Marguerite’s support. Having played basketball in college, Marguerite was athletic and enjoyed playing tennis, shooting baskets, ice skating, throwing a baseball or catching a football. However, she was happiest when hiking with family and friends in her beloved White Mountains in New Hampshire. When she passed, Marguerite was wearing a t-shirt from a nature conservancy with the inscription Wild by Nature. She was actually wild about nature, as she found intrigue in every rock, leaf and tree. She was especially respectful of all animal life. Her golden retrievers over the years became members of the family and typically were named after mountains and rivers in New Hampshire. When Marguerite’s husband died twenty-five years ago, her daughter, Anne, a lawyer in Charlottesville, relocated. Anne was Marguerite’s closet companion and eventually her primary caregiver. In addition to Anne and Father Bill, her family includes Chris Foley and Dr. Mary Ellis of McLean (children – Patrick, Madeline, Elizabeth and Christopher); Richard Foley and Cheryl Preston of Washington (son – Alex): Jonathan Foley and Prof. Karen Baehler of Silver Spring (sons – Luke and Bill); David and Brenda Foley of Claremont, NH (children – Kelley and T.J.), and T.J. and his wife Elizabeth’s children – Eva Erica and Damian; and Carl and Prof. Elena Procario-Foley of Mt. Vernon, NY (children – Joshua, Sophia and Susanna). Marguerite also has twenty nieces and nephews, who also have many children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

View Full Notice → Marguerite Foley – March 28, 1919 – July 01, 2015

Anna M. Bonacci age 92 of Danbury died on Monday evening surrounded by her loving family at Danbury Hospital. She was the wife of Felix A. Bonacci. Anna was born April 2, 1923 in Chatel Sur Moselle, France, the daughter of the late Jules and Eugene (Martin) Hoberdon. As a young woman, she came to the United States in 1947 at the request of her husband Felix, whom she had met while in France during WWII. They married in 1948, and following their marriage had lived in Torrington prior to returning to Danbury in 1952 to raise their family. Anna was employed with the Qualitron Corp., Danbury as a quality control technician, from which she retired following 15 years of service. She was a parishioner of Saint Joseph Church, Danbury. Following her husband’s retirement in 1988, Anna and Felix spent the winter months in Florida, and also enjoyed travelling to both France and Italy. In addition to her husband of 66 years, Anna is survived by her children: Linda Swan and her companion Jim of Delta, PA, Diana Stavola and her husband Lee of Bethel, Marc Bonacci and his wife Jennifer of Sandy Hook, Jack Bonacci and his wife Sue of Newtown, Maryan Sholtes and her husband Bob of Bethel, 14 grandchildren: Angela, Christine, Michelle, Meliah, Jake, Eric, Luke, Leah, John, Gina, Markie, Sarah, Kevin, and Jacquelyn, 11 great grandchildren, one sister: Marcelle Sabol of Parkersburg, WV, one sister in law: Frances Colapietro of Terryville, and several nieces and nephews.

View Full Notice → Anna Bonacci – April 02, 1923 – July 13, 2015

Mary Wanda (Kowalski) Kotkowski, the wife of the late Joseph Francis Kotkowski, died on July 14th in her home. She was born on April 10th, 1924 in Danbury, Connecticut and raised in Bethel. Mary was the youngest of the nine children of Francis and Catherine Kolpa Kowalski. She was predeceased by all of her siblings whom she missed a great deal. Mary often described her childhood as one party after another as all her siblings played musical instruments and she tap danced to entertain friends and neighbors. As the children married and grandchildren arrived, the Kowalski family still remained close and returned home every Sunday evening to share a bowl of the beef soup made famous by her mother, Catherine. Family remained the focus of Mary’s life as she raised her four daughters with her husband Joe. She not only taught them to make the famous Kowalski beef soup, but also many other Polish recipes. But most importantly, she passed on to her daughters a passion for cooking. Mary loved nature and instilled in her children a love of the outdoors. She and her siblings could identify birds by their calls, trees by their shape, and a multitude of varieties of mushrooms. She loved growing vegetables, which formed part of the celebration of the seasons that her daughters still enjoy. In her youth, she was an avid horsewoman and owned and rode a retired racehorse. In fact her favorite movie of all time was National Velvet. She loved animals and animals loved her and came to her for affection and protection. Mary worked at Grolier in Danbury to help support the family, both before and after her beloved husband Joe passed away in 1974. She and Joe are survived by their four daughters, their husbands, their grandchildren and great grandchildren: Kathleen and Win Loomis and their children, Christopher, Jesse, and Heather; Nancy and David Stein and their children, Carey, Joseph, and John; Jean and John Albano and their daughter, Lindsay; and Melanie and Alan Shomsky, who are the ultimate aunt and uncle to all of their nieces and nephews. Many of Mary’s grandchildren have married and have children — eight great grandchildren all told. We wish to especially thank her nurse, Laura, at the Bethel VNA for her years of caring and support. Also, our deepest thanks to Agnes, for caring for our mother in a loving, prayerful manner 24 hours a day over the past ten months.

View Full Notice → Mary W. Kotkowski – April 10, 1924 – July 14, 2015

Lawrence S. Pennington age 54 of Bethel, died on Thursday July 16th at his residence. Lawrence was born in Port Chester, NY April 14, 1961, the son of the Alan F. Pennington of Sebastian, FL and the late Elizabeth W. (Calderwood) Pennington. A Danbury area resident his entire life, he was a graduate of Danbury High School, Class of 1979. He had attended Daniel Webster College, Nashua, NH and had been employed as a computer specialist for the last 18 years with Norfield Development Partners, Norwalk, CT. Lawrence was a member of Trinity Christian Church/Treadwell Lewis Ministries. He was very involved in the church, and donated his time to help those in need through his various charitable and mission activities. He was a religious mentor to his nephew, Christian. Lawrence was an animal lover and photographer, and enjoyed spending time going to Putnam Park, a great place to indulge in his favorite hobbies, walking and taking photographs. Lawrence was a joy to be around, always with a great sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. In addition to his father, Lawrence is survived by two sisters: Donna I. Frost and her husband Phil of Sandusky, OH, and Elizabeth P. Thornton of Blue Springs, Miss., and his nieces and nephews Carrie, Caitlin, Christian, and Jason. He was predeceased by his sister Victoria A. Pennington.

View Full Notice → Lawrence Pennington – April 14, 1961 – July 16, 2015

Helen Mary Evanuska, 93, of Danbury, wife of the late Walter Evanuska, passed away peacefully at Bethel Health Care on Monday, July 20th, 2015. She was born in Danbury on March 27, 1922, daughter of the late Joseph and Julia (Havrilla) Falis. Helen was predeceased by her son, Walter Thomas Evanuska and her seven siblings and their spouses. She will be sadly missed by her daughter, Donna J. Evanuska-Bellmay of Danbury and her daughter-in-law Paulette Evanuska of Fullerton, CA. Nana will also be sadly missed by her Grandchildren, Nicholas and Chrissy Evanuska of Littleton, CO, Kellie, Kevin and Kyle Bellmay of Danbury, CT, Michael and Esther Montague, Kathy and Ben Tomas of Fullerton, CA. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Anne Gibson of Boise, ID and former son-in-law, Nelson Bellmay, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Helen is a lifelong member of the Danbury community attending Danbury schools. She is a member of Saint Gregory the Great Church and had the pleasure of being one of the churches founding families. Helen worked for 31 years for the Barden Corporation and was very proud to contribute her outstanding ball bearing inspection skills to the Barden Engineering Teams projects, one of which is on the Moon. Helen was also a member of the Danbury, St. Joseph Church Senior Group and enjoyed their Wednesday Bingo meeting. Up until her illness became sever, Helen was also a member of AARP Chapter 3340.

View Full Notice → Helen Evanuska – March 27, 1922 – July 20, 2015