Georgie Brown

On Monday, November 7, Georgie Brown passed away peacefully with her husband of 68 years, Don Brown, holding her hand. Everyone who knew her was touched by her compassion, her philanthropy and her lifelong service to others. Born in Stamford in 1925, she was the daughter of Scottish immigrants and a life long member of the Daughters of Scotia. She graduated from Stamford High School and advanced to Merrill Business School where she studied accounting. She was an accomplished bookkeeper, a talent she continued to refine throughout her life.

Always the advocate for her children’s education, Georgie was an active volunteer in the Darien school system. This dedication to education led her to initiating and installing the first library at Baker Elementary School. She spent many years serving as a Brownie, Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader. She was heavily involved in fund raising for the first Press Box at Darien High School. In later years she became actively involved in the PEO, an organization with a primary focus on providing educational opportunities for female students worldwide. She was a member of the First Congregational Church for over 50 years serving in the Women’s Association, as a Sunday School teacher and on numerous church boards. She and Don helped establish the existing Nursery School at the Church. She deeply cherished her lifelong church friendships.

In addition to her husband, Don, Georgie is survived by her three children and their spouses. Nancy (Jay) Condon, Patricia (Peter) Kinnunen, Keith (Wendy) Brown. She was lovingly known as Granny to her eight grandchildren, Matt and Steve Condon, Rachel Kinnunen Crable, Amy Kinnunen Parke, Jeff Kinnunen, Jon, Lizzy, and Alex Brown, and 9 great grandchildren.

The eternal optimist, her innate ability to learn music by ear, strong sense of rhythm on the dance floor and love of time spent with friends and family, made everyone she came in contact with grateful to have known her. With a quiet tone, contagious laugh and thoughtful stories, Georgie leaves us all with an understanding of the impact we can have on one another with a little more, love, patience and gratitude for the gifts life has to provide. She will be profoundly missed.

A celebration of her life will be held on Monday, November 14 at 2:00 pm at The First Congregational Church in Darien, CT.

Memorial donations may be made to: The First Congregational Church, 14 Brookside Rd. Darien, CT 06820 or the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, P.O. Box 515, North Hampton, MA 01061-0515

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Susan Souders Obrecht, 61, of Greenwich, CT passed away on November 13, 2016 at home with her loving family by her side.  Susan was born on September 30, 1955 in Minneapolis, MN to William and Barbara Huskey Souders.

Susan graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University and worked for years in the Media and Publishing field. While living in Baltimore, Maryland she owned a newspaper group and later purchased the regional magazine Mid-Atlantic Country Magazine and the city publication “Baltimore Magazine”.  Susan moved to New York in the mid 1990’s and worked for years as a media consultant.  Susan loved spending time with family and friends.  She was passionate about fashion, politics and women’s rights.  She was a vibrant and caring soul.

Susan is survived in life by her parents William and Barbara Souders, of Darien, CT and by her sister Sally Souders Firestein, brother-in-law David, and their children, Hayes, Guss, Sophia and Dillon of Pound Ridge, NY.  Susan was pre-deceased by her brother Scott Souders.

A Memorial Service honoring Susan’s life will be held at The Congregational Church of New Canaan, 23 Park Street, New Canaan, CT on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at 11:00 am.

In Lieu of flowers, contributions in Susan’s memory can be made to The Greenwich Hospital Foundation for the benefit of the Bendheim Cancer Center.

For on line condolences and directions please visit www.hoytfuneralhome.com

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Anthony “Tony” Pomponi, 83, of Darien passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday, November 23, 2016.  Tony was born in Stamford on August 17, 1933 to the late Stefano and Rosalinda Silvestri Pomponi.

Tony attended Stamford schools and graduated from J.M. Wright Technical HS class of 1952.  While attending J.M. Wright, and after graduating, Tony worked at Luders Shipyard as a naval electrician.  Beginning in 1953, Tony served his country with the United States Navy “Seabee” detachment at Argentia, Newfoundland and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba as a Construction Electrician’s Mate Petty Officer 2nd Class in the U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Number One.  He later worked as a foreman and shop superintendent for Jansco Electric in Stamford for many years.  Tony was an avid skier and boater and spent many hours on the water and mountains; in his later years he enjoyed spending his time on the golf course.  Tony was a lifetime member and former board member of St. Ann Club in Norwalk.  One of his greatest joys was being surrounded by his children and grandchildren.

Tony is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Eileen Burke Pomponi of Darien, his loving children Stephen Pomponi and his wife Amy of Darien and their daughters Clair, Grace, and Claudia; Susan Schwarz and her husband David of Boca Raton, FL and their children Matthew and Caroline; Christopher Pomponi of Darien; Jeffrey Pomponi and his wife Bonnie of Norwalk and their sons Maxwell and Jake; as well as his brother Silvester Pomponi and his wife Alma of Bedford, MA.  Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Tony was predeceased by his siblings Larry Pomponi, Lydia Lodato, and Roman Pomponi.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at 10:30 AM at St. Thomas More RC Church, 374 Middlesex Road, Darien.  Interment will follow at Queen of Peace Cemetery, Rockrimmon Road, Stamford.  Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Monday, November 28, 2016 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM.

The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to assist the Pomponi Family with the arrangements.

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John Callahan Moler, a former longtime Darien resident, passed away at his current home in Oklahoma City on Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016. He was born June 8, 1926 to Rosemary and Harold Moler in Oklahoma City. He graduated from Classen High School in 1944 and served in the Navy as a signalman 3rd class before graduating from Oklahoma University and marrying his high school sweetheart, Betty Jean Golson in 1949. They had one daughter, Carey Loraine.

Mr. Moler experienced a long and successful career in the broadcasting industry. After being manager of WKY Radio in Oklahoma City he joined Storer Broadcasting Group in 1962 and became President and General Manager of WIBG in Philadelphia and then WHN in New York City.

He later joined Bonneville International as President of WRFM in New York City. He was on the Board of the International Radio and Television Society for many years. While working in New York City, he raised his family in Darien, where he was a longtime member of Wee Burn Country Club and an avid golfer. He retired with his wife Betty Jean to Ponte Vedra Florida where he enjoyed golf, fishing, skeet shooting, and studying investments. He and Betty Jean also enjoyed traveling the world together before returning to Oklahoma City in 2005.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 65 years, Betty Jean Moler. He is survived by his daughter, Carey Moler Karlan of Darien, five grandchildren, and one great grandchild: Malcolm Moler Karlan, his wife Elizabeth, and their daughter Isabel of Ridgefield, Connecticut; Matthew Moler Karlan of New York City; and triplets Sarah Loraine Karlan of San Francisco, Hayley Claire Karlan of New York City and Graham Moler Karlan of New York City.

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Carol Joy Schmidt McEwan, a longtime resident of Darien, died on Nov. 23, at the age of 90.  She was born in Fond du Lac, WI.  She was the daughter of the late Charlotte and Frederick Schmidt.

She is survived by her daughter Karen McEwan Kansas of Somerville, New Jersey; son Jon and Eila of Finland and son, Marc and Danielle of Darien.  Marc McEwan serves as the director of Darien’s Emergency Management Director and assistant fire marshal. She is also survived by six grandsons, Christopher and Matthew Kansas; Bryan, James and Zachary McEwan, and Joshua McEwan. She is also survived by her sister Paula Minton of Plano, Texas, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband Preston Wayne McEwan, who passed away just eight  weeks ago and who she missed greatly.  They were married for 64 years.  She was also predeceased by her sisters, Marilyn Planck and Jean Knipe.

Mrs. McEwan graduated from Sunset High School in Dallas, Texas.  She was a member of her high school Drum & Bugle Corp.  She attended the University of Texas at Arlington, majoring in art. In 1944 she was elected a Pin-Up Girl of the First National Bank Club for servicemen.

During her life she enjoyed ballet and tap dancing, as well as her love of gardening, baking and quilting. During her children’s years at Holmes Elementary School, she was part of the PTO Theatre Company.

She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution – Goodwives River Chapter and a Veteran Member of the Noroton Heights Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary. She was a long time member of the Darien United Methodist Church.

For the past six years, Mr. and Mrs. McEwan had been living at Sunrise Assisted Living in Stamford. The family wishes to thank their staff for the compassionate care they received during those years.

Mrs. McEwan was a loving devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who will be missed greatly by her family and all who were lucky to have known her, her family said.

Memorial contributions should be made in her name to The Connecticut Hospice, Inc. 100 Double Beach Rd. Branford CT, 06405 or the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter, 200 Executive Boulevard, Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489.

A memorial service will be held at a later date with a private interment at the Spring Grove Cemetery.

– by The Darien Times

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Anne Brown Callahan, born January 15th, 1979, a lifelong resident of Darien and graduate of Kent School, left us on Friday, November 25th 2016.

 Anne leaves behind her loving husband, David, two spirited boys, her parents, siblings, three junkyard dogs, a pile of random craft projects and a heartbroken network of family and friends.   

 Her love of reading was matched only by her keen interest in movies, celebrity gossip, crossword puzzles, cooking, documentaries and NPR podcasts.  She had an infectious laugh and an incredible smile.   

 Anne was beautiful, gritty and sharp.  She was an avid skier and yogi.  Known by friends and family as the “Iron Butterfly”, she was a breast cancer survivor who always maintained a humble strength throughout.

 Most of all, Anne loved her two boys.  She considered motherhood an incredible and unexpected gift in light of her health challenges and she pursued it with passion.  She was a wonderful cook, had a mean backyard curveball, and she could set or break, with equal determination, bedtime rules and routines.

 Living on in her honor: her husband David and their sons, George Brown Callahan and August Ellsworth Callahan, her parents Nancy Brown of Sarasota, Florida, and Norman H. Brown Jr. and his partner, Anne Cooling, of New Canaan, a brother, Ted Brown and his wife Kate Harrison Brown, a sister, Margaret Brown Domont and her husband Andrew, and their two daughters, and two step brothers, Andrew and Billy Cooling. She is also survived by David’s parents, Bob and Sharon Callahan and his brothers, Jason Callahan and Rory Callahan, and Rory’s wife Amanda Spurlin Callahan and their three daughters.

 A memorial service will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Darien at 10am on Friday, December 2nd, with a reception to follow.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Anne’s name to the Center for Hope, 590 Post Road, Darien, CT 06820 or PAWS 504 Main Ave, Norwalk, CT 06851.

 As Anne used to say, “you get what you get and you don’t get upset.” We hope to embody her strength and spirit during this terribly upsetting time.

Annie, we love you and will miss you always.

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Gail Oglee Hathaway, age 79, of Yarmouth Port, Ma. and Wellfleet, Ma., formerly of Darien, CT, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2016 at Brighton Gardens in Stamford Ct surrounded by her three loving sons ending a 10 year off and on battle with lung cancer.

Born in Philadelphia, Pa, the daughter of the late Frank and Dorothy Humphries Oglee, she had resided in Darien, CT raising her family before moving off on her own to her beloved Cape Cod. As a young girl, Gail had a love for family, academics, music, art, literature and her parents’ retirement home (Windsong) in Wellfleet.  A fond Wellfleet memory she loved to share was how she and her two sisters would ride their bikes to a secluded pond and wash their hair.

She graduated from Hall High School in West Hartford, Ct in 1955 and Cornell University Magna Cum Laude in 1959 with a degree in Economics, Housing and Design.  As a young lady and mother, she pursued her passions of playing the piano, singing with the Blue Notes, and working shifts at the Darien Library.  She volunteered 30 plus years for the Children’s Aid Society and relished the annual tag sales at Roton Point.  During the summers, she enjoyed time at Woodway Country Club and the Tokeneke Beach Club.  On the Cape, it was beaching at Powers Landing, clamming the flats, playing tennis at Chequessett Country Club, and sunsetting at Duck Harbor.  She spent many a day with family and friends at Newcombs Hollow, riding the waves and climbing the high dunes.  There were many sporting events, long drives and great meals.  She was a surrogate mother to many of her sons’ friends, feeding them delicious meals, leaving out late night treats, and watching over all.   Gail was a voracious reader, crossword puzzler and a lifelong academic, taking courses at Cape Cod Community College in her free time.  She “retired” from cooking in 2009 and reunited with Cornell classmate Austin Wadsworth.  For the last six years, she and Austin enjoyed old airplanes, sightseeing and kayaking. He brought her great joy and love right to the end.  

She is survived by her three sons, Brian Kent Hathaway and his wife Sue of Darien, Carl Nichols Hathaway and his wife Sarah of Darien, and Andrew Oglee Hathaway and his wife Amy of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania and nine grandchildren, Drew, Brendan, Matty, Henry, C.J. Kelly, Aidan, Bennett and Cole.  She is also survived by her sister Judy Sanders of Largo, Fl. and was predeceased by sister Carol North of Wellfleet, Ma.

A Memorial Service will be planned for the spring of 2017 in Wellfleet where the family ties she helped create are as strong as ever and tributes flourish in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Gail’s memory may be made to: “National Warplane Museum”, 3489 Big Tree Lane,  PO Box 185,  Geneseo, NY 14454

The world lost a great lady, but the universe just got a whole lot brighter. Lastly, from her sons, You Made Us!  You made us think, you made us work, you made us play, you made us behave, you made us men.  You gave us unconditional love and we will love you always.

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Michael Vincent Principe, 70, of Darien, died on Nov. 26, in his sleep. Born in New York City on Nov. 9, 1946, Mr. Principe was the son of the late Thomas and Carmela Principe. 

A resident of Darien for the past 24 years, Mr. Principe grew up in NYC’s Little Italy and forever took pride in his old neighborhood. He remained in New York for college, graduating from the School of Visual Arts. Mr. Principe had a successful career in advertising in NYC. In 1992, after relocating his family to Darien, Mr. Principe became a highly respected graphic designer in Greenwich.

Mr. Principe was a family man in every sense of the word. He put his wife’s, children’s and grandchildren’s needs before his own at all times. He loved nothing more than to have his entire family sitting around the dinner table and always made everyone smile with his inappropriate sense of humor and great stories from his earlier days “in the neighborhood.” His children’s friends were always considered to be extensions of the Principe family, and Mr. Principe loved that they called him Dad. 

Mr. Principe is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 42 years, Mary Frances (Fran) Marsh Principe, his beloved son and daughter-in-law, Thomas and Ashley Principe; his daughter Francesca Principe, and his daughter and son-in-law, Alexandra and Joseph Bell. He is also survived by his three grandchildren, Joseph and Hayley Bell and Michael Principe. He is survived by his sister Annette and her husband Richard Grady and his sister Michelina and her husband Danny Pollio, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Mr. Principe is predeceased by his brother Thomas Principe.

Mr. Principe wanted his funeral to be a celebration of his life rather than a sad event. He requested that, following his cremation, a memorial service be held in his honor so that family and friends could laugh and reminisce over the good memories that they shared. The Principe Family invites family and friends to join them at the memorial being held on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016, at 10 a.m. at St. Luke’s Parish, 1864 Post Rd, Darien, CT. 

Memorial  donations in Michael Principe’s name may be made to St. Luke’s Parish, 1864 Post Rd, Darien, CT 06820.

— by The Darien Times

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Robert Birney Crane of Darien, CT crossed the bar on Wednesday November 30th, 2016. Born to Albert Eli Crane and Florence Luray Overton Crane on February the 8th 1920 in Plainfield, N.J.  , Bob thoroughly enjoyed life for over 96 years. He moved to Darien with his family at the age of 8. Bob attended Miss. Thomas’s School and Saint Luke’s Academy before graduating from the Darien High School in 1936. Following his graduation Bob attended Middlebury College and New York University graduating with a BS Degree in Engineering in 1942.

After college Bob turned one of his passions into a career as an airline pilot with Pan American World Airways. Bob remained with Pan Am until his retirement in 1980 except for a period during World War II when Pan American became part of the Army’s Air Transport Command. Supporting the war effort Bob would make up to five round trips a week to India, departing from Miami with stops in Puerto Rico, British Guiana, two stops in Brazil, Ascension Island, Gold Coast of Africa, Nigeria, Central Africa, Africa-Egyptian Sudan, and Arabia.

Bob was a senior Captain and Check pilot for Pan Am and as such was often called upon to transport dignitaries and celebrities such as President Sukarno of Indonesia, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi the Shah of Iran, the Rolling Stones, the Beatles and many others. He was also called upon for the evacuation of Saigon at the end of the Viet Nam conflict where he made multiple flights from Saigon to Guam with planeloads of evacuees.

On November 23, 1945 Bob married the love of his life and best friend Mary Patricia Ann Fairbrother, (Pat), in Miami, Florida. Bob was a fiercely competitive sailor his entire life, and loved nothing more than being out on the water with Pat, his friends and family. He was one of the founders of the Middlebury College Sailing Team, a founding member of the Coconut Grove Sailing Club of Miami, FL, a lifetime member of the International Lightning Class Association and a member of the Noroton Yacht Club of Darien, CT since its founding in 1928.  Bob was part of the fabric at Noroton Yacht Club starting as its only sailing instructor, swimming instructor and tennis coach in 1936 to his role as Commodore in the early 60’s. He couldn’t say no when it involved sailing, kids or water. An athlete, he was competitive at all sports whether it was playing hockey at Middlebury or shinny on the ponds around his home. Bob and his friends played golf, skied, bowled, swung tennis rackets with abandon, swam and played ping-pong at any and every opportunity. His happiest times were always out on the water with Pat on their sloop “Hooligan.”

Upon his retirement Bob became active in many local activities including Person to Person, Darien RTM, the Senior Men’s Association and the SOB’s. Bob is survived by his wife of 70 years, a daughter, two sons, 8 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Bob’s two sons, James and William, both live in Darien. His daughter, Linda, lives in Marblehead, MA.  He was predeceased by a brother and a sister. A celebration of his life will be announced in 2017. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the new Noroton Yacht Club junior room.

— by the Family

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Barbara Ann Bruno, daughter of the late Albert and Virginia (Emma) Punzelt, died on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016 at the age of 88 in her home in Darien.

Born Jan. 30, 1928, Mrs. Bruno was a lifelong Darien resident who graduated from Darien High School class of 1946 with her high school sweetheart and future husband, the late Joseph A. Bruno, Sr.; they were married in 1949 at St. John’s Church in Darien.

Mrs. Bruno is survived by her younger sister Margaret Wiff; four children and their spouses Joseph, Jr. and Gretchen Bruno, Deborah and Henry Goyette, Jeffrey Bruno, and David and Donna Bruno; 11 grandchildren, Clinton Goyette, Melissa O’Brien, Jessica McGarvey, Matthew, Emily, Stephanie, Michael, William, Christopher, Alexander and Nicholas; six great-grandchildren Julia and Tyler O’Brien, Eloise McGarvey, Benjamin and Matthew Goyette and Winifred (Winnie) Bruno; and loyal dog Georgia.

She was the matriarch of a large and loving family, dedicated wife and mother, and proud grandmother and great-grandmother, her family said.

A private funeral was held on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016.

— by The Darien Times

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Philip Sheridan Boots, son of the late Jay Sheridan Boots and the late Jean Koglin Johnson, died on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, after a long illness.

Born Sept. 18,1957, in Stamford, Mr. Boots grew up in Darien, and Staten Island, New York.  Mr. Boots was the only grandson of the late Lt. Colonel Norman Jay Boots, West Point, Class of 1915.

Mr. Boots served in the U.S. Army from 1975 -1978, attaining the rank of Specialist. He was a graduate of Penn State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering and a master’s degree in human resources.

Mr. Boots is survived by and will be greatly missed by his only son, Jordan P. Boots, as well as his siblings, Louise B. Boots, Porter W. Boots, Lorena K. Boots, Cheryl A. Murdoch, Alexandra B. Brown, Constance B. Wyant, and Tom Johnson, along with several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Boots had a great love of building, riding, and showing his custom Harley-Davidson motorcycle and playing his guitars.

A memorial service and burial will take place at Arlington National Cemetery. In honor of Mr. Boots’s memory, please consider a contribution to the American Diabetes Association.

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Nancy Eagan Grant, former longtime Darien resident, passed away on December 7, 2016, at Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers. She was 79 years old.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 52 years, John C. “Jack” Grant, III; four children John T. Grant, Meg McColgan, Carolyn Ganley, Kathy Wolfenden; two sons in law, Danny Weiss and Mike McColgan; five grandchildren, TJ, Ellie, Gail, Grant, Deanna; and her cousin Loretta Boll.

Nancy was born in Revere, Massachusetts to Marion Louise Schroeder Eagan and Thomas Hugh Eagan, on March 5, 1937. She rode home from the hospital in South Boston at the end of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, with her dear Aunt Loretta reading “Gone with the Wind.”

She attended Colby Junior College in New London, New Hampshire graduating in 1957. In 1960, she traveled the world, to destinations as far as Tahiti, Australia, India and Greece. In 1963, the owner of the travel agency where she worked introduced her to Jack, and they were married on April 4, 1964 at All Hallows Catholic Church in La Jolla, CA.

After marriage, Nancy and Jack raised their family while being transferred back and forth between Houston and New York, ultimately settling in Darien, Connecticut. Nancy was an amazing mother and actively involved in raising her children. She was a volunteer in the high school music office, manager of the softball team, and a timer at track meets as well as a full-time chauffeur and gourmet cook.

Nancy enjoyed traveling and boating with Jack as well as socializing with their many friends. Nancy was game to jump in their plane with Pilot Jack who would fly her to any destination. Nancy took up the cause against Lyme Disease when Jack was diagnosed, not only helping him, but also passing on her wealth of knowledge to others. Together they were very devoted to the Catholic Church and upon retirement regularly attended mass at Saint Columbkille Catholic Church in Fort Myers, FL.

Nancy was very active and enjoyed golf, tai chi, water aerobics, walking, yoga and even keeping up with her youngest daughter, Kathy, in parasailing, zip-lining and jet skiing. It’s all documented on her Facebook page.

Anyone who met Nancy was immediately drawn to her friendliness and kindness. She was always smiling and positive. She had an enthusiasm for life that made you want to be around her. Nancy communicated daily through email with many friends and always ended each correspondence with “hugs”. She also skyped every Sunday night with all her children and grandchildren. Nancy’s family will always carry with them her words of wisdom: “There is a place for everything and everything in its place” and follow the Golden Rule.

Nancy’s loving presence will be missed by all who knew her. Funeral services will be held Saturday December 17th at 10:30 at Saint Columbkille Catholic Church in Fort Myers. Following the service a reception will be held at Ariel at The Landings.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions be sent to the Global Lyme Alliance. http://globallymealliance.org

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Sally Sutphin Joslin passed away peacefully on December 12th, surrounded by family after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was 86 years old.

Sally is survived by her husband of sixty-six years, Ramsey Joslin. She was pre-deceased by her son-in-law John Scott Wilkerson and her grandson Charles Ramsey Wilkerson.

Born to unwed parents in Burlington Vermont in 1930, Sally was brought as an infant to an orphanage in New York City where she was adopted by Caroline and Henry Sutphin, along with a three-year old boy who became her brother Donald. The family soon moved to West Hartford, CT where Sally was raised and met her future husband.

Wed in 1950, Sally and Ramsey Joslin moved to Darien, Connecticut where they raised four daughters: Susan, Sarah, Eliza and Caroline. Along with her parenting, Sally was deeply involved in the work of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. She was one of the founders of the church’s outreach program, “Person To Person,” and was a hands-on participant in the program for many years. Sally also led book discussion groups, worked as a Hospice volunteer and acted in community theater.

Since the 1920s, Sally’s family has had a home on Cape Cod. An avid sailor since her youth, Sally shared enumerable sails on Nantucket Sound with family and friends on her Bulls Eye, Silver Girl.

After their youngest daughter Caroline was born with severe disabilities, Sally and Ramsey sought out the best of care at a time when options for the disabled were extremely limited. They eventually became founding parents and stalwart supporters of The Lukas Community, a residential community for adults with developmental disabilities where they live in extended family households.

When in her sixties, Sally discovered her birth family and deeply valued the relationship she formed with her sister Peggy Dutton.

Known for her wonderful, self-deprecating sense of humor and nonjudgmental warmth and acceptance, Sally will be greatly missed by so many.

Along with her husband, Sally is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Brooks and Carol Lee Joslin, her four daughters, her five granddaughters: Joslin, Katherine, Emily, Allison and Cate, as well as her great-grandchildren Mia, Kaiden, Charlotte and Winston and other extended family.

A memorial service will be held at the Church of the Messiah, 22 Church Street, Woods Hole at 11:00 AM on January 6, 2017. A reception will follow in Fisher House. A memorial service at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Darien, Ct will held next spring. Donations made in Sally’s memory to The Lukas Foundation, POB 127, Temple, NH 03084 will be gratefully accepted.

— by the Family

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June O. Dondlinger, a resident of Darien, passed away on Tuesday, October 2, 2016 at Brightview Assisted Living in Norwalk.

Born on July 2, 1921 in Breckenridge, North Dakota, she was the daughter of the late James E. Okerlund and Rose Boetcher.  She was 95.

June Dondlinger was an undergraduate at St. Olaf College and completed her graduate studies at Case Western Reserve.  She worked as a social  worker in Norwalk.  She was a 50-year honorary life member of the America Association of University Women which was committed to the education and equity of women and girls.

She was married to the late Bennett K. Dondlinger of Darien.  She is survived by three children, Kenneth Dondlinger of Maine, Kristi Dondlinger of Fairfield and Peter Dondlinger of Darien.  She is also survived by four grandchildren and four great grandchildren. 

Burial was private with Rev.  Dr. Blaine Edele from Union Memorial Church, Stamford, presiding.

— by The Darien Times

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Mary Grace Bruno Fraccola, age 105, a lifelong resident of Darien, passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 20. Mrs. Fraccola was born November 8, 1911 at the family homestead in Darien still standing on Linden Avenue. She was the first of nine children born to the late Agostino and Rose Conti Bruno and, remarkably, was the oldest living Bruno family member outliving all her siblings.

Mrs. Fraccola’s husband, Anthony R. Fraccola, predeceased her in 1977 as did her son, James J. Fraccola, earlier in 2016, along with her eight siblings, Gustavo Bruno, Josephine Lombardo, Benjamin Bruno, Chiva Penna, Elizabeth Journalist, Joseph Bruno, Rose Papp and Tessie Sniffen.

She is survived by her daughter in law, Colleen Doyle Fraccola of Darien and Jensen Beach, Florida and also six grandchildren, Anthony (Stephanie) Fraccola of Knightdale, North Carolina, Tracey Hanold of Colorado, Christine (Aaron) Smith of Georgetown, Colorado, Kingston (Samantha) Fallon of East Greenwich, Rhode Island, Bruce (Christopher) Long of Milton, Massachusetts and Trina (Thomas) Erhard of Heber City, Utah, along with 13 great grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

After marrying her larger than life husband, Anthony Fraccola, they became proud owners of Tokeneke Limousine Service. In their retirement years, they enjoyed traveling and spending time at their other residence in Hallandale, Florida.

As a homemaker, Mrs. Fraccola’s kitchen was the lifeblood of her home. A wonderful cook always with an apron around her middle, anyone showing up at her door knew there would always be a place set for them at her table. Cups of tea, chatting for hours and reminiscing about family, friends and the good old days growing up in Darien were what continued to make her later years so happy. Even as she got older and everyone’s lives around her got busier and busier, her extended family, neighbors, Darien Senior Center acquaintances, and her close contacts at St. John Church never forgot her. She felt she was truly blessed.

Her family said Mrs. Fraccola never thought ill of anyone, and even if she did, she kept it to herself. Not a bad word about anyone, nor a profanity ever crossed her lips, they said. What did cross her lips were some wonderful original “Maryisms” — her words of wise, and her little phrases that made her family chuckle, they said..

The family would like to thank Mary’s two devoted caregivers, Enid Newby and Veneta Anderson, extended members of the Fraccola family, for their devotion, love and caring ways to Mrs. Fraccola bringing much joy and happiness to her during the last years of her life.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 4, at 11 a.m. at St. John Church, 1986 Post Road, Darien. Burial will immediately follow at Spring Grove Cemetery, Darien.
Memorial donations may be made to the Darien Senior Center, Mather Center, 2 Renshaw Road, Darien, CT 06820. www.lawrencefuneralhome.com

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Phillip A. Raymond, Sr., 78, a long time resident of Darien and a more recent resident of Brookfield, New Hampshire, died on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016 at Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Born in 1938 in Greenwich, he was married to the late Katherine Raymond. He is survived by his children Phillip Raymond, Jr. and his wife Melanie and Michele Long and her husband Michael Doyle, all of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire.  He was the grandfather of four, Jared and Christopher Raymond of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire; Tyler Raymond of Bronx, New York; and Ashley Long of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire.  He is also survived by his sister Sandra Randall of Rochester, New Hampshire. He was predeceased by his brother Richard Raymond.  He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

Most of his career was devoted to contracting and he was well known for his accomplishments in the community both professionally and for his efforts at the Darien Senior Center.  He had a passion for boating and was a member of the Darien Boat Club, rising through the ranks to Commodore.

Friends may call at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road, Darien on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017 from 12 to 1pm. A service will be held at the Funeral home immediately following at 1pm.  Burial will follow at the Spring Grove Cemetery in Darien.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Darien Senior Center, Mather Center, 2 Renshaw Rd, Darien 06820. www.lawrencefuneralhome.com

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Lucille (Pidge) Holloway Mitchell of Norwalk,  died at home on January 2, 2017, just shy of her 100th birthday.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Jan.  29, 1917, she was the eldest of seven children born to the late Myrtle Lange Holloway and Oliver Richard Holloway.  The family lived in Philadelphia, before relocating to New York.  As the oldest child she was a real support to her mother and became a second mother to her younger siblings.  This is a relationship that endured throughout their lives.  She is predeceased by her parents and six siblings.   

Mrs. Mitchell and her late husband Frederick Arthur Mitchell were residents of Darien, for over 50 years.  He was the president of the National Advertising Agency Network, and she worked as his assistant.  She was actively involved in recruiting employees, and on events, where she organized all their conferences.  Mrs. Mitchell had a lifelong interest in flowers and gardening, she was very involved in the Darien Community Association, holding various roles on the Garden Club and Decorating Committee.  She was an award-winning floral designer, and chaired a number of flower shows.  Her involvement also included the Noroton Presbyterian Church, where she arranged the altar flowers for over 10 years.  Actually, Mrs. Mitchell was still arranging the centerpieces for the 60-plus club meetings at the DCA when was she was in her 80’s (although she considered herself too young to be part of that group.)  She was an excellent cook as well and enjoyed entertaining often.    

She was dedicated to her family and friends, and will be remembered for her determination, positive outlook and strength.  She had a wonderful sense of humor which stayed with her till the end, her family said.

Mrs. Mitchell, the matriarch of the family, is survived by her brother Richard Holloway (Janice), of Richmond, Virginia and her four children, Nancy Mitchell Busak (Joseph) of New Canaan, Patricia Brainard Palmer (the late Rocco), of Darien, Spencer Brainard (Dulcy), of Greenbrae, California, and John Brainard (Sally), of Burlington, Vermont  She also leaves behind 12 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations be made to the Darien Community Association (DCA), 274 Middlesex Road in Darien, CT or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/Donate

A memorial service will be held in her honor on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Noroton Presbyterian Church in Darien.

— by The Darien Times

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Genevieve Keohane Burlingame died at the Meadow Ridge Health Center on Jan. 16.  Born in Boston, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Dennis J. and Blanche A. (Rowley) Keohane.  She was predeceased by her sister Evelyn Savini, as well as her brothers Jack Keohane, Kenneth Keohane, and Robert Keohane.

A 1946 graduate of the University of Massachusetts Teachers College in Boston, Mrs. Burlingame was motivated by her interest in travel and education to accept a job teaching second grade across the country at the George School in Portland, Oregon.  She returned to Boston in 1947 to marry the late John Francis Burlingame.  They moved to Schenectady, New York where she taught first grade at the Franklin School.  Ever the teacher, she continued to use her education skills as the mother of four daughters, Susan, Janet, Mary and Elizabeth, moving several times for her husband’s career.  She was a founding member of the Odd Lots Investment Club in upstate New York as well as the Goodwives Investment Club in Darien.  In addition, she served as a board member of the Darien Community Association, volunteered at the Stamford Hospital in Stamford, and was a parishioner at St. Thomas More Church in Darien.  For many years, she and her husband wintered in Scottsdale, Arizona where she belonged to a Scottsdale writing group and played golf.

Although a long-time resident of Darien, Mrs. Burlingame maintained a fondness for her Boston roots.  In 1995, she established the Genevieve Keohane Scholarship Fund at the University of Massachusetts to aid future teachers.  

She is survived by her sister, Blanche Keohane of East Harwich, Massachusetts; her four daughters, Susan LeVangia, Janet Burlingame, Mary Burlingame and Elizabeth Burlingame; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.  

The family will receive friends at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road, Darien on Friday, January 20, 2017 from 5 to 8 p.m..  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Mrs. Burlingame at St. Thomas More Church in Darien on Saturday, Jan. 21,  at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery in Darien.

Memorial donations may be made to the Darien Community Association (DCA), 274 Middlesex Road, Darien, CT 06820.  www.lawrencefuneralhome.com 

— by The Darien Times

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Anne Tyson Gilbreath, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at her residence in Atria Darien on January 11th, 2017. Mrs. Gilbreath was born on December 12th, 1927 in Evanston, IL, to the late Howell and Rosalind Tyson. She was the middle of three daughters and a graduate of Ashley Hall, SC, and attended the University of California, Los Angeles. She lived a bountiful life that was spent in the Mid-West to both U.S. Coasts, Europe and as a long-time resident of New Canaan.

Anne’s main priority was her family and it showed through the deep and meaningful relationships she held with each of her family members. Although she was a fiercely private person she had very dear friends and found a way to connect and befriend all those around her. Her love and devotion will be powerfully missed by all of those who came to know her.

Mrs. Gilbreath was a voracious reader, always inquisitive, very clever, and had a spectacular sense of humor. She was a woman before her time and will be cherished for eternity.

Anne is survived by her husband of over fifty years, William S. Gilbreath III; daughter Rollin Tod (David, grandchildren; Parker, Holly, and Hilary) of Hudson, OH; stepson Cab Gilbreath of Austin, TX; daughter Sydney Maley (Robert, grandchildren; Andrew, Tyson, and Avery) of Darien, CT; sister Joan Audiberti (nephew Paulo Audiberti, (Alixa) grandniece; Latitzia). She was preceded in death by her daughter Georgiana Sills and her sister Rosalind Coppinger.

A small private ceremony will be held in celebration of her life this Spring. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/Donate.

— by the Family

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Denise Laking Hamson, age 81, of Brookfield, died peacefully on December 21, 2016, after a long decline in health.  Raised in Marblehead, Massachusetts, she was the only daughter of the late Edwin and Nellie Laking. Mrs. Hamson was the wife of Donald Hamson and mother to Cheryl, Stephen and David. Mrs. Hamson met her husband in Marblehead and they dated throughout their college years. They would have celebrated their 60^th wedding anniversary this March. She graduated from Wheelock College and taught elementary school while Donald was stationed at naval bases along the eastern seaboard.  With the arrival of children, Mrs. Hamson turned her focus on raising her family first in Marblehead and then for over 30 years in Darien.  In recent years, Mr. and Mrs. Hamson relocated to the Danbury area.

Mrs. Hamson was devoted to her family, her friends and her charity work.  She was involved in many local charitable organizations such as the Norwalk Children’s Aid.  She cherished her time with her friends and always kept in touch whether friends were near or far.  She also enjoyed attending both her grandsons’ hockey and soccer games.

Mrs. Hamson  is predeceased by her daughter Cheryl.  Mrs. Hamson is survived by her husband Donald, son Stephen and wife Nancy of Darien, and son David of New Haven.  She also leaves behind grandsons Jack and William Hamson. A memorial service has been scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 25 at 3 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Darien.  Burial will be held at a private ceremony in Marblehead, Massachusetts.  Contributions in Mrs. Hamson’s memory may be made to the Darien Library www.darienlibrary.org.

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