Paul Steven Larson of Norwalk and former longtime Darien resident, died on January 24, 2017 at home, surrounded by his devoted family, after a courageous cancer battle. Paul took on his disease as he took on everything in life, with tenacity and grace.

Paul was born May 22, 1943 in Bristol, CT to Arnold Lee Larson and Lou Manchester Larson. He graduated from Wesleyan University in 1965 where he captained the track and cross country team and was a member of Kappa Nu Kappa fraternity.  He obtained his M.B.A. from the University of Rochester in 1967. He proudly served his country in the United States Naval Reserve as a supply officer aboard the U.S.S. Caloosahatchee, and retired as a Lieutenant Commander.

Paul began his career as a securities analyst at Chase Investors Corp., was then an assistant vice president at the General Electric Pension Fund, and finally an equity analyst/portfolio manager with General Reinsurance.

Paul will be remembered for his compassion for others, his kindness, his spirit, and his generosity. His unconditional love for his family was always his first priority.  He was quick-witted and always had a joke at-the-ready.  He believed laughter was the remedy for all. He truly loved his country, Christmas, and the 4th of July, as well as boating and beach vacations in Maine. He also was a diehard Red Sox fan.  He was a friend of Bill’s for 15 years, which brought him serenity and peace.

Paul firmly believed in giving back to one’s community.  He served as a Darien youth sports coach, Holmes School PTA co-chair, and Darien Boat Club officer. Paul served on the Darien RTM and the Board of Education. He was a member of Darien Kiwanis Club, Darien Men’s Association, the Country Club of Darien, and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. After moving to Norwalk in 2004, Paul became an officer with the Norwalk Association of Silvermine Homeowners, a volunteer at the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, and a member of the Norwalk Community Chorale.

He is survived by his wife and best friend, Molly Schumann Larson whom he married July 20, 1968; his daughters Katherine Larson Farnham (Barrett) of Chester Springs, PA, and Anne Larson Brakeman (Robert) of Monroe, CT; his son, Steven Hamilton Larson (Jessica) of San Francisco, CA; his brother, Lee Larson (Kathy) of Lyme, NH; two sisters, Sally Carignan and Mary Larson of Brunswick, ME, and several nieces and nephews.  Four grandchildren also survive him: William and Elizabeth Brakeman and Helen and Marshall Farnham. His beloved standard poodles, Phineas and Atticus, also survive him.

Calling hours are from 4-7pm on Friday, January 27, 2017 at Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road Darien. A Celebration of Paul’s life will be held at 2:30pm on Saturday, January 28, 2017 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 1864 Post Road, Darien.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in Paul’s memory to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Rare Cancer Research, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, https://giving.mskcc.org,  or the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, 1111 Stewart Ave., Bethpage, NY 11714, https://www.lustgarten.org/donate. www.lawrencefuneralhome.com

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Lee “Poldi” Stevenson, a 30 year resident of Darien, died peacefully on January 24th.  Her entire family was by her side when she passed.  Her strength and joyful spirit prevailed as her room was filled with love and laughter through her final moments.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, John Buchanan Stevenson III; her son and daughter-in-law, John and Jayme Stevenson of Darien, CT; her son and daughter-in-law, Doug and Gabrielle Stevenson of Southport, CT; her daughter and son-in-law, Joan and Don McDonald of Bellevue, WA; and her 13 grandchildren:  Alexandra, DL, Samantha, Ross, Kendall, Charlett, Amanda, Brett, McKenna, Ian, Hailey, John V and Kyle.  Lee was preceded in death by her sister Charlett  Strohlein of Hamburg, Germany and is survived by her half-sister, Jutta Schmoldt’s of Hamburg, Germany.

Lee was born in NYC in 1930 but her family moved to Germany in 1936 to care for her ailing grandmother.  With war breaking out in 1939, the family was forced to remain in Germany through the entirety of fighting and Lee witnessed some of the worst of times.  Who could have known, but of the thousands of American B-24 Bombers flying missions from bases throughout Europe, a tail-gunner on one of them was destined to be her husband.  Both having survived the war, it was 1948 and Lee was living at the YWCA in Stamford, CT employed at American Cyanamid.  As Stamford was John’s hometown, it was where he returned after the war.  A blind date was arranged and the rest is history.

Born with an eagerness for knowledge Lee pursued her love of learning throughout her life.  Lee embraced Bible Study, Bridge Club, Book Club,the study of art, music, history, literature, gardening and enjoyed social media through her 86th year, Lee loved it all.  Lee’s enthusiasm was infectious and as her three children will attest there was no better collaborator on homework assignments, reports and projects.  John and Lee spent much of their retirement traveling throughout the U.S. and abroad.  Visiting China, Australia or Colorado, every detail of the trips were meticulously planned, as Lee spent 8 years as a travel agent.  Wherever they went one constant remained:  John driving with Lee by his side co-piloting.  As diverse as Lee’s interest were, one constant always endured:  Family.  A devoted wife, dedicated mother and encouraging grandmother remain her everlasting legacy.

The Stevenson Family would like to thank all the nurses at Norwalk Hospital for their concern and special care and compassion.  And a special thanks to Pastor Paul Whitmore for providing spiritual comfort and guidance throughout the entire process.

A celebration of Lee’s life will be held in June.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Southport Congregational Church, care of the Missions Board, 524 Pequot Avenue, Southport, CT 06890, which supports local charities throughout the county.  

— by the Family

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Peter Joseph Fitzpatrick, 52, of Darien died on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017 at home. Mr. Fitzpatrick leaves behind the love of his life and wife of 28 years, Jennifer, his three children who were his proudest accomplishments and greatest gifts, Sean, 23, Kelley, 21, and Dillon, 20, and Lily, a yellow Labrador that he loved to spoil. He also leaves behind a vast network of family and an amazing group of friends that he considered to be his family as well.

Mr. Fitzpatrick had a unique ability to make everyone feel good about themselves whether it was with a witty remark, a great piece of advice, or simply listening, his family said. He was humble in his many accomplishments. His best memories were attending his children’s sporting events over the years and he would travel hours to watch his children play. However, this does not mean just watching from the sidelines. Mr. Fitzpatrick coached youth lacrosse in Darien for over a decade and co-founded the Blue Wave Buddies program.

Aside from his family, Mr. Fitzpatrick was happiest when he was on his boat, the Rita K. There were few things he loved more than boats, being on the water with his friends and family, and a good cigar. He was also weather obsessed and loved a good storm. He was a fan of all Boston sports, Rugby, his Irish heritage, classical music and The Who.

Mr. Fitzpatrick was born September 20, 1964 in Providence, Rhode Island to Dr. Donald Peter Fitzpatrick and Rita Kelley Fitzpatrick (deceased). He graduated from Classical High School in 1982 in Providence, RI and went on to earn his B.A., Cum Laude, from the University of Vermont in 1986, where he played Varsity lacrosse. While at the University of Vermont, Mr. Fitzpatrick attended Officer Candidate School at Fort Knox, Kentucky, where he graduated 2nd in his class, qualified as a paratrooper, and was designated to the 82nd Airborne Division as a Second Lieutenant. He began his extensive career in the financial markets in 1986 and then went on to earn his executive M.B.A from the Johnson School at Cornell University (2005). He proudly served on the Board of the Darien Boat Club as the Financial Secretary.

Surviving Mr. Fitzpatrick’s aside from his wife, children and friends are his father, siblings: Donald Fitzpatrick (Anne) of Portland, Oregon, Mary Jean Crouter (Jerry) of Portland, Maine, John Fitzpatrick (Anne) of Wellesley, Massachusetts, Anne Laffey (Mark) of Walpole, Massachusetts, and Sheila Plourde (Allen) of Cape Anne’s, Maine, and nine nieces and nephews: Matt, Andy, Julia, Catherine, Sarah, John, Kathleen, Graham and Ian. Also, his Mother-in-law, Mary Anne Murphy and in-laws: Mary Ellen, Shannon (Joe), Janine (Peter) and Padraig (Debbie) of Long Island, and eight more nieces and nephews: Moira, Thomas, Anthony, EJ, Lucas, Brooke, Aidan and Ava.

— by The Darien Times

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Bridget Lyons McGuire, 41, passed away Wednesday, February 2, 2017 surrounded by her loving family at her home in Framingham, Massachusetts. She fought a courageous battle against cancer with grace, dignity, and above all, hope. Bridget was the loving wife of Conor McGuire, originally of Longford, Ireland.
Bridget is survived by her devoted parents, James and Kathleen Lyons of Darien, her sister Mary and husband Sean Sorohan of Pearl River, New York, sister Celia and husband Michael Beluk of Stamford, brother Jim Lyons of Bridgeport and brother John Lyons of Darien. Bridget adored her nieces and nephews,  Lauren, Michael and Matthew Beluk, Bridget and Sean Sorohan, and Conor and Rachel McNamara. Bridget was blessed with a large family and leaves behind many aunts and uncles in the U.S. and Ireland and, while predeceased by two cousins, she had 47 first cousins, all of whom thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company. Bridget also had a close relationship with her in-laws, James and Carmel McGuire, Angela and Padraig McNamara and Kevin McGuire.
Bridget was raised in Darien, Connecticut and stayed in touch with many Darien High School friends. In her adolescence, she was known for her impressive talents as an all-state gymnast and Irish step dancer, winning several New England Oireachtas titles and competing at the World Championship level. Bridget graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Elementary and Special Education where she forged a life-long bond with her college roommates. She later received a Master of Arts in Education from Sacred Heart University. Most recently, Bridget was employed in the Human Resources department of International Data Group, and our family would like to extend our thanks for their support.
One of Bridget’s most captivating qualities was her immense kindness toward others. She sincerely cared for everyone who had the good fortune of being a part of her life. Bridget was always so thoughtful and made sure you knew you were loved. She had a passion for country music and would rarely pass on an opportunity to attend a live concert with family or friends. “In the end, it is not the years in your life, but the life in your years” – although we are so heartbroken over the loss of our dear Bridget, her inspiring presence will live on through treasured memories. We now have the most beautiful angel watching over us.
Services were held earlier this week.
If you would like to leave an expression of sympathy for the family online, please sign the guestbook at www.bosakfuneralhome.com or visit the funeral home Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bosakfuneralhome to share memories with her family.

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Anne Reuther Harris, 88, of Rowayton, CT and New York City died at home on February 2, 2017.  Born in Buffalo, NY to Bernard Oscar Reuther and Edna Steele Reuther and graduated from Smith College.  

Active supporter of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, former Co-Chair of the Winter Antiques Show benefitting the East Side House Settlement and former President of the Colony Club.  She was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, James Hoban Harris, and is survived by her three sons, Duncan (Beth), Gordon and Andrew (Christine) and grandchildren Jennifer, Amanda, Andrew, Christopher, Katherine and Michael.  

A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 18 at 11:00 am at St. Luke’s Parish, 1864 Post Road, Darien, Connecticut.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to MSKCC Flower Program, PO Box 5028, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5028 or the Fairfield County Community Foundation, 383 Main Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851-1543.

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Marie Helen Smoltz passed away at her home in Darien on Saturday, Feb. 4. after an extended battle with Alzheimer’s disease.  Marie was born in New York in 1941, raised in Worcester, Massachusetts and lived in Darien for the last 43 years.  She vowed she would never leave Darien, especially Noroton Bay, which was a great source of comfort and caring.  Marie is survived by her husband of 49 years, Joe Smoltz, her two sons Ken and Bryan, their wives Liz and Bethany, her brother Rob Mortimer and his wife Mimi, her four nieces, and last and far from least her six loving grandchildren, Jane, Sam, Lucy, Olivia, Ben, and Jack.

Mrs. Smoltz received a bachelor’s degree from University of Massachusetts Amherst and a master’s degree with honors from Stanford.  She spent many years as a teacher in the Stamford and Greenwich school systems.  She received many awards and accolades over the years, but because of her unwavering love of teaching, was most proud of being named Teacher of the Year in Stamford in 1992, a pride exceeded only by the pride in those six grandchildren.

The family is eternally grateful to the loving caretakers, especially Dulce Weingoz and Cristina O’Connor who so tenderly cared for Marie during this difficult time.  The family would also like to thank the marvelous nurses from Amedisys and the extraordinarily loving nurses from Constellation Hospice of Fairfield County.

The family will receive friends and neighbors at Lawrence Funeral Home in Darien on Saturday, Feb. 11 between 12:30 and 3 p.m.  Memorial donations in Marie’s name may be made to: At Home in Darien, 2 Renshaw Road, Darien, CT 06820, AtHomeinDarien.org/donate and Aces for Alzheimer’s, 67 Fernwood Rd, Larchmont, NY 10538

www.acesforalzheimers100.org/donate-now/

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“A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again.”- Maya Angelou

Paula Burns Palmieri, of Pennywise Lane in Old Saybrook passed away on February 7, 2017, at her home surrounded by her beloved children and husband.

She was born on July 7, 1960, in Haverhill, MA, the daughter of John F. and Blanche (Dacey) Burns.

Paula lived a life of love and support for those around her, forever present and available to serve others. She had an especially tender connection to children and adored her three grandchildren.

Paula is survived by her husband and best friend Jimmy; children James and his wife Lisa of Trumbull, Caitlynne of Hobe Sound, FL, Christopher of Old Saybrook, and Elizabeth, of Coventry; grandchildren Madisen and Olivia Palmieri and Thomas James Fyfe. She leaves her beloved siblings, in-laws and nieces and nephews with beautiful memories of her caring heart and incredible generosity of spirit. Paula made a difference in the lives of so many people and will be sorely missed.

Calling hours will be held on Friday February 10th from 2-4:30pm and 6-9pm at Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. A memorial service will be held on Saturday at 11:00am at Saybrook Point Inn. Burial will follow at Cypress Cemetery, Old Saybrook. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in her memory may be made to: the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Program at Dana-Farber Cancer Center at www.dana-farber.org. To sign the online guest book visitwww.swanfuneralhomeoldsaybrook.com.

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Dominick Calve, 69, died on February 7, 2017, with his children by his side, at his home in West Lafayette, Indiana. A life-long Darien resident, Dominick recently moved to be closer to his children. Sadly, he passed after a valiant three-year-long battle with cancer.

He was born on November 5, 1947, the only son of Elizabeth and George M. Calve.

Dominick was first and foremost a dedicated father. His love for his children, Dr. Sarah Calve of West Lafayette, and George Michael Calve of Fairfax, Virginia, knew no bounds. A life-long Mensa member, Dominick was exceptionally bright and a puzzle enthusiast. Quick-witted, with a keen sense of humor, Dominick loved nothing more than joking with his family.

In addition to his two children, Dominick is survived by his seven loving sisters: Josephine Calvi of Darien; Rosalie, Catherine and Camy of New York City; Linda of Greenwich; Diane of Fairfield; and Christine Miller of Baltimore, Maryland. Dominick will be dearly missed by them all.

Respecting Dominick’s wishes, there are no services planned.

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Tatjana Freelove

Tatjana Freelove was a resident of Darien for the last decade.  She passed away at home on Thursday, Jan. 26 after a hard-fought battle with cancer over the past five years.  Ms. Freelove was born in Paris, France on Aug. 11, 1968 to Antje Vanjak and Marija Drazic; both of Croatia.  As a two year old, she moved to New York and spent her youth in Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights neighborhood. Ms. Freelove attended grade and middle school at St. Bernadette’s.  She graduated from Bishop Kearney High School in Brooklyn in 1986. Ms. Freelove also graduated from St. John’s University in 1990, majoring in criminal justice and psychology.

She began her career as a sales assistant in the institutional equity department at Kidder, Peabody shortly after graduation. Ms. Freelove continued her career as the chief financial officer at Rock Maple Ventures and later as a Partner at Rock Maple Funds, a fund of hedge funds.  At the same time, she managed part of human resources for Del Mar Asset Management, a multi-strategy hedge fund.

She was a member of Westchester Country Club and enjoyed cooking, gardening, travel, interior design and fashion.

Throughout her life, she was active in the Catholic Church.  During her formative years she was a member of St. Cyril & Methodius Roman Catholic Church in New York City.  More recently she served as a catechist at St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church in Darien.  And for the last several years, Mrs. Freelove has been an active member of St. John’s Roman Catholic Church also in Darien.

Mrs. Freelove is survived by her husband of almost 11 years, David W. Freelove, and four daughters, Katarina (22), Jelena (21), Mia (19) and Madeline (8).  The children currently attend Trinity College, Georgetown University, Franklin & Marshall College and New Canaan Country School. The family resides in Darien.

She is also survived by her mother, Marija Vanjak of Brooklyn and two younger brothers Josip Vanjak and Petar Vanjak of Brooklyn and Darien respectively.  Tatjana has five nephews and two nieces.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. John’s RC Church, 1986 Post Road in Darien on Monday, Jan. 30. Burial was private.

The family asks that donations be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC in lieu of flowers. Donations can be made to a page set up in memory of Tatjana through:

http://mskcc.convio.net/site/TR/GivingPages/AnnualGiving?px=3695623&pg=personal&fr_id=2771

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Patricia G. McClancy of Darien died on January 10, 2017 at the age of 81.

Mrs. McClancy was born on April 24, 1935 in Brooklyn, New York, to Patrick and Mary Giannone. After attending New York City public schools she was a student at the Flower-Fifth Avenue School of Nursing of the New York Medical College, Flower and Fifth Avenue Hospitals. After graduating in 1955 she qualified as a registered nurse and worked in Manhattan for several years.

In 1960 she married Edward J. McClancy, who predeceased her. In 1967 she, her husband and their son, Christopher, moved to Darien, where she lived for the remainder of her life.

During her time in Darien she was a dedicated school volunteer at the Baker and Hindley elementary schools, Mather Junior High School, and the Darien High School. For several years she was an active member of the Darien Community Association and the Saint John’s Church Women’s Guild. Mrs. McClancy also worked, in numerous primaries and elections, as an election worker for the Darien Registrars of Voters.

She is survived by her son, Christopher McClancy, her granddaughter, Melanie McClancy, and her sister, Loretta Giannone, all of Darien.

Mrs. McClancy will be interred with her husband at the Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale, New York.

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Mary Ives Greely, a resident of Darien, CT and Edgartown, MA, passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2017 in Stamford Hospital.  Born on June 20, 1928 in Cincinnati, OH, she was the daughter of the late Robert Franklin Ives and Ruth Enger.  She was 88. 

Mary graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor’s degree.  She married the late Rev. John (Jack) A. Greely after he was ordained an Episcopal Minister. They moved to Toledo, OH to start their lives together.  Jack worked as a hospital chaplain in the Toledo area.  As Jack’s ministry grew, they moved to churches in Stonington, CT, New York City, NY, Boston, MA and finally in 1976 to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, on Martha’s Vineyard, in Edgartown, MA.  During this time Mary volunteered at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, the Martha’s Vineyard Hospice and delivered meals-on-wheels.  She was also treasurer of the Women’s Guild at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and a member of the Edgartown Yacht Club. Mary was very active in all the churches where Jack served.  She was a very generous and giving person and was committed to helping others.  Mary and Jack enjoyed entertaining people and were very social.  You never knew who Jack would bring home for dinner.  One Thanksgiving he brought home a hitchhiker. 

Mary was a loving mother and devoted Grammy to her six grandchildren.  She remained positive and never complained about anything, including her health.  While residing in Darien, Mary was blessed to have a true companion as her caregiver Alnie (May May) Hosang.

Mary is survived by her two sons, John I. Greely and his wife, Annette Bruscino of Orono, MN, Grant Greely and his wife, Mary-Laura of Wellesley, MA and a daughter, Mary (Maggie) A. Boris and her husband, Keith of Darien.  She is also survived by six grandchildren, Sam, Jack, Matthew, Austin and Abigail Greely and Finley Boris.  Also surviving is a cousin, Fay Fawcett and her husband, Ned. 

A Memorial Service will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 1864 Post Road, Darien on Saturday, February 18, 2017 at 2:00 PM.  Burial took place in Cincinnati, OH in Spring Grove Cemetery on Saturday, February 11, 2017.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Connecticut Chapter, 607 Main Avenue, Norwalk, CT  06851. www.lawrencefuneralhome.com

— by the Family

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Florence A. (Papallo) Sestito, 89, a lifetime resident of Darien passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 7. She was born in Meriden on Oct. 10, 1927 to the late Joseph and Rose Saverine Papallo.

Mrs. Sestito was a graduate of Darien High School, Class of 1945. She was employed at the Shepard Insurance Agency in Stamford until raising her family. She will be remembered as a very caring and loving wife, mother and grandmother.

She is survived by her loving children, Joseph L. Sestito of Darien, Lawrence R. Sestito and his wife Susan of Darien and Catherine Lombardo and her husband Michael of Trumbull, as well as her grandchildren Dana and Michael Lombardo, Lindsay Miller and her husband Elliot and Lauren Sestito. Also surviving is her sister Jean Cosway of MO and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, Mrs. Sestito was predeceased by her husband Dominick V. Sestito and her sisters Evelyn Vitti and Louise Rondano.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held St. Thomas More RC Church, 374 Middlesex Road, Darien on Sunday. Interment will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery, Hecker Avenue, Darien. Family and friends will may call at the funeral home on Saturday morning, February 11, 2017 from 9:00-10:15 AM.

Memorial donations be made in Florence’s memory to the Darien Emergency Medical Services, Post 53, P.O Box 2066, Darien, CT 06820

To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com

— by The Darien Times

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Elizabeth Macfarland Rosenberry (Tibby), 78, passed away peacefully Sunday, February 12, 2017 at Stamford Hospital.

Tibby was born July 8, 1938 in Evanston, IL to Lanning and Elizabeth Macfarland. She attended New Trier High School, Smith College and George Washington University, spending summers horseback riding at family homes in Missoula, MN and Wickenburg, AZ. She made her debut at the Passavant Cotillion in 1959. After graduation, she spent a year in Paris furthering her education by attending the Alliance Francais. Tibby loved travel. While at Smith she met her lifetime partner, Frank Rosenberry, whom she married on December 31, 1960 in her hometown of Winnetka, IL – an anniversary easy to celebrate and difficult to forget. Tibby was a delightful companion at home and during their many trips for pleasure and business abroad. She is survived by her husband Frank, her brother Lanning Macfarland (IL), and daughters Landes Rigby (OH) and Rowena Koran, husband Michael, granddaughters Isabel and Catherine (MA) and her furry friend, Tilley. She was predeceased by her brothers David and Willard Macfarland, and son-in-law Michael Rigby. Loving years were spent in Darien, New Canaan, Atlanta and again, from 1979 to present, at their home in Darien.

For 10 years, she co-owned a business, Flowers & Co, doing flowers for occasions, delighting in design and execution of beautiful arrangements. She cooked lunch for the Darien Senior Center in its first year. She was an accomplished cook, with a lifelong interest in studying cooking and reading recipes, including classes with James Beard and Maurice Moore-Betty. Many will remember her carrot soup at their annual Christmas Pudding party. Tibby enjoyed her long membership at Wee Burn, including fine dining, battles on the tennis court and bridge table. With Frank, she built a retreat in Warren, CT, starting with an old barn frame. Her many interests included raising and loving a series of dogs, gardening (particularly her passion for roses in her ‘secret garden’), completing Frank’s original needlepoint designs, tennis, reading, crossword puzzles, bridge and an enduring commitment to the Garden Club of Darien, GCA for over 30 years. The Garden Club provided an outlet for her creativity and she received recognition for her many contributions including horticulture, mentoring new members, participating in GCA shows and serving as president. In 2010, Tibby’s garden was accepted into the Smithsonian Institute’s Archive of American Gardens.

Tibby had a beautiful life. She will be remembered for her intelligence, elegance, kindness, generosity, wit, and creativity. She was a loving spouse, grandmother, mother and friend.

A Memorial Service is planned for Spring.

— by the Family

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Gayl Laymon Brown passed away peacefully on February 5, 2017. Gayl was a fixture in the Delray Beach community for over 60 years, having moved there with her family at the age of twelve.  

She was born January 21, 1937, in St. Joseph, IL, to Dr. Gayle and Margaret Laymon, and spent her early childhood in Champaign, IL.  After attending Seacrest High School, Stephens College and the University of Florida, Gayl met Air Force Lt. Harvey L. Brown on a blind date, and they were married six months later on June 11, 1955, at the First Presbyterian Church in Delray Beach, FL. Harvey and Gayl made a life and raised their family in Delray Beach, where Gayl devoted her time and leadership to many organizations, including Unity Church of Delray Beach, The Delray Beach Historical Society, and as a sustaining member of the Junior League of Boca Raton.  

Gayl was an avid and talented bridge player, and cherished the many friendships she developed through her love of the game. She was predeceased by her loving husband and parents, her siblings Richard Laymon, Sally Hofling, Daniel Laymon and Linda Perkins, and her son-in-law Robert Long. Gayl is survived by her three children, Susan Long, Anne Pugliese(James), of Darien, and Harvey Brown, Jr.(Marilyn) and the true lights of her life, her grandchildren, Caroline Pugliese, Catherine Pugliese, Andrew Pugliese, Robby Long, and Isabel Long.

She will also be greatly missed by her beloved dog, Luke. A celebration of Gayl’s life was held on Sunday, February 12, 2017, at 3:00 pm at Unity Church of Delray Beach, 101 N.W, 22nd Street, Delray Beach, FL. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Unity Church of Delray Beach or the Delray Beach Historical Society.  Visit www.Lorneandsons.com to sign and view Gayl’s online guestbook.

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Mary Ellen O’Brien, a resident of Darien, died on Feb. 9, 2017 at Stamford Hospital. Born on October 12, 1938 in Teaneck, New Jersey, she was the daughter of the late James and Celestia Roe. She was 78.

After graduating from the Academy of the Holy Angels in Fort Lee, New Jersey, she attended college at Caldwell College in Caldwell, New Jersey. Shortly after attending college she worked in publishing in New York City. She married Daniel H. O’Brien of Darien in June of 1965. Mr. and Mrs. O’Brien lived together in Darien for the past 51 years. During that time she successfully raised three boys, managed a home (and sometimes two) and worked as a bookkeeper for Hathaway, Reiser & Raymond in Stamford.

From an early age Mrs. O’Brien loved the beach and the water, spending many summer days at the Jersey Shore with her friends and family. After getting married, her love of the ocean grew stronger, and she enjoyed spending her weekends and summer vacations with her family boating on Long Island Sound. Although she maintained other family homes in New Hampshire and Vermont throughout her life, she never grew tired of her home in Darien and the allure of New York City. Mrs. O’Brien also enjoyed gardening, decorating, cooking and entertaining. Most of all, she loved her family and was always putting the needs of others in front of her own, which is something her family will always miss but will endeavor to carry on.

She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years Daniel O’Brien; sons James M. O’Brien; Daniel H. O’Brien, Jr. and his wife Nancy and William P. O’Brien and his wife Sheila. Mary Ellen also has two sisters, Celestia Diegmann and Patricia Neulen and her husband Cameron. In addition, she is survived by eight wonderful grandchildren whom she loved dearly, and who in return graciously accepted being spoiled by her whenever the opportunity presented itself (which was often).

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, Feb. 13 at St. John Roman Catholic Church, 1986 Post Road, Darien. Burial followed at Spring Grove Cemetery in Darien.

Memorial donations can be made to the Stamford Hospital Foundation, 1351 Washington Blvd., #202, Stamford, CT 06902 or to Darien Emergency Medical Services/Post 53, P. O. Box 2066, Darien, CT 06820. www.lawrencefuneralhome.com

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Marilyn Roper

Marilyn M. Roper, a resident of Darien, Connecticut since 1964, passed peacefully from death to life on February 15, 2017.  She is now united in heaven with her husband of 35 years, Leslie Harvey Roper of Stamford and Darien, CT.  Marilyn was born in Stamford CT on June 22, 1924, the only daughter of the late Romer John Myers of Pound Ridge, NY and Mary Carpenter Myers of White Plains, NY. Marilyn served her country as a Chief Petty Officer in the US Marine Corps during WW II. 

Marilyn met her future husband while she and her girlfriend were driving on West Ave in Darien.  They noticed him in uniform hitchhiking to the Noroton Heights Train Station and gave him a ride.  Within a year, Marilyn and Leslie were married at Stamford’s historic St. John’s Episcopal Church on May 10, 1947.  Leslie and Marilyn raised three beautiful daughters during their lives in Wilton, Hamden and mostly Darien: Dyanne Leslie Roper of Seal Beach, CA; Nancy Lynn Roper of Tulsa, OK, and Susan Elizabeth Roper-Connaughton of Greenwich, CT.  Marilyn also has two grandchildren, Elizabeth Wiegelt of Waddell, AZ, and Jonathan Hosmer, of Manhattan, NY.

Marilyn loved being a wife and mother.  She saw all of her daughters graduate Darien High School and then college.  She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star at St. John’s Episcopal Church and a member of the Altar Guild at the former Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Springdale.  She worked as a secretary at Cherry Lawn School, Middlesex Junior High School, Sound Realty, and served in the Altar Guild at St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Darien.  Her husband, Leslie, passed in 1982 and Marilyn remained in Darien in the home they lived in for over 50 years, keeping active in employment and volunteering. 

A service will be held at the gravesite.  Memorial contributions may be made to The Nathaniel Witherell Skilled Nursing Facility in Greenwich, CT.  www.lawrencefuneralhome.com

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John Ross Hamilton, 92, a resident of Darien, CT passed away February 15, 2017 after a short illness in Bennington, Vermont.

Born October 3, 1924 in Winchendon, MA, John was the youngest child of May Davina Ross Hamilton and The Reverend Rollo Albert Hamilton. An active member of Boy Scout Troop One in Flushing, NY, founded in 1910 by Daniel Beard and the Rev. Hamilton, John earned the rank of Eagle Scout and attended college with the support of an Eagle Scout Scholarship. His enthusiasm for scouting never abated and in later life he was both a Cub and Boy Scout Troop leader in Darien, CT.

He earned his BS in Physics in 1946 from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Princeton University and graduated as an Ensign from Columbia Midshipman’s School serving in Guam during World War II. After the war, he completed his MBA at Harvard University. John pursued a career in corporate finance, joining Procter and Gamble in 1949. He subsequently worked for Colgate Palmolive, Lever Brothers, The Bulova Watch Company, Crowell & Collier MacMillan and US Industries. Leaving the corporate world in 1974, John pursued a PhD in Accounting at Boston University while teaching accounting and business finance at the collegiate level. He began his academic career at the University of Hartford, later joining the faculty at Western Connecticut State University, and retiring as an Associate Professor of Accounting from Fordham University in 1988. His community interests included serving as a member of the Board of Finance for the town of Darien, Connecticut and a member of the Board of Directors of the Darien Nature Center in the 1980s.

He is survived by his companion, Harriette C. Thorne of Darien; his children, Heather C. Hamilton, and husband, Edd G. Lyon, MD, of Bennington, VT; John Ross Hamilton, Jr. and wife, Cynthia J. Babler, of Chicago, IL; Robert A. Hamilton and wife, Jackie Chu, of New Haven, CT; Hilary B. Hamilton and husband, D. Maurice Kreis of Hartland, VT; his granddaughters Anyata May and Isabel Helen Hamilton, 5 nieces and nephews, 13 great nieces and nephews and 14 great great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife, Roberta L. Hamilton, his second wife Barbara T. Hamilton, and his siblings, Dr. Donald Ross Hamilton, Elizabeth Hamilton Firehock, and Gordon Ross Hamilton. A memorial service will be announced at a later time.

John had a great love of nature and the outdoors. Gifts in his memory may be sent to either;

The Darien Nature Center, 120 Brookside Road, Darien, CT 06820 or Bearsville‐Fairview Cemetery, Inc., C/O Joe Thomas, 188 Cabin Run Rd., Middlebourne, WV 26149

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hanson Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home in Bennington, VT. To send personal condolences, visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.

— by the Family

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Silence — that’s what Darien gets from its Democratic state representatives.

A controversial state budget has been rolled out with drastic cuts to state aid that are only rivaled by the increase in what Darien and its similar neighbors will have to pay out.

Decisions in education aid to our students are being made simply by how fiscally well-managed and how wealthy of a town they live in.

Where is the fairness? What is the justification? Where is the accountability of Darien’s state legislators that represent the majority party that continues to make decisions that negatively affect their constituents?

None of them will return one single inquiry asking for their comments from The Darien Times. Fair enough, you say. They don’t owe a newspaper a return call, even when it’s one their constituents read. Maybe so.

They also don’t return calls to Darien First Selectman Jayme Stevenson, or often include State Rep. Terrie Wood in discussions, a Republican who also represents Darien, as per statements last week. Further, some of them opt to block Darien residents from their social media accounts such as Twitter and Facebook. Why? Because these residents criticized them.

Getting criticized is part of the job of an elected official. Being responsive to town leadership elected by the majority of your Darien constituents is also part of the job.

In the best possible interpretation of this silence, we can believe that State Rep. William Tong, Sen. Carlo Leone, and Sen. Bob Duff endorse this new budget philosophically. We are all entitled to our opinions. And who more than those elected to public office are beholden to make decisions that are true to their own deeply held convictions?

Part of it can be the combined towns they represent. The new budget is certainly more favorable to Stamford and Norwalk, with whom Darien shares state representation. The areas of constituency in those municipalities also carry Duff, Tong and Leone to election victories whether they win in Darien or not.

It is a challenge Darien faces that most of its similar neighbors don’t. Towns like New Canaan, Wilton, Weston, Easton and Ridgefield, for the most part, share state reps with towns of similar demographics and concerns.

Darien’s co-constituencies are significantly different in every category by which this state government determines financial and policy decisions by town.

So these state legislators can argue they support the policies that favor their larger constituencies. Understandable? Maybe. But the problem arises when there are no answers for Darien, and what can be perceived as fairly zero interest to try to provide explanations.

The worst possible interpretation of the silence is that these state legislators are simply carrying out the agenda put forth by their majority party and governor, and therefore don’t have any real explanation or justification to provide.

And since they don’t need Darien’s votes to win elections, maybe there’s no benefit to them to answer these hard questions or explain their decisions.

So for the record, here are the questions we’d like answered:

• Do you support this budget and the cuts made to Darien’s state aid, and the additions to Darien’s state financial obligations? If so, why?
• Do you think this budget is fair to Darien? If so, why? If not, why are you supporting it?

Perhaps another alternative is for Darien to petition the state legislature for a redistricting of at least one of these districts — maybe to share one with New Canaan. Perhaps then Darien would be served by more than one out of four on the state level that takes its wants and needs into account.

Being a public servant means you serve all of the public you represent, not just the public that votes for you, agrees with you or applauds your actions and agenda.

Sen. Duff, Sen. Leone, and Rep. Tong — whether you need us or not, Darien not only needs your accountability, it deserves it.

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Helen Olive Bates died peacefully on Wednesday, Feb. 8. She was 82.

Mrs. Bates was born at Firknowe, her family home, in Peebles, Scotland on April 20, 1934 to Robert Scott and Helen Hogg Scott. Mrs. Bates attended Peebles High School and Galashiels Technical College to prepare for work in the woolen textile industry. Mrs. Bates met her future husband, Kenneth Bates, when she was a darner and he, a promising designer, at the Ballantyne Mills of Peebles. They were married in 1955 and came to America on the RMS Queen Mary, settling in Cresskill, New Jersey. After raising three daughters and a son, Mr. and Mrs. Bates moved to New York City and eventually retired to their farm in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. They spent their lives together traveling, entertaining, laughing, singing, and enjoying the love and adoration of an ever-growing family.

Mrs. Bates showered her family with love, kindness, generosity and humble advice, offered as a guide to a life of happiness, rich with the values with which she herself was imbued as a child in the Scottish Borders.

While Mrs. Bates remembered life in wartime Scotland: gas masks at grade school; the drone of overhead planes; rationing and blackouts, she most often reminisced of a wonderful youth with her loving family; and childhood pals with whom she would while away the summer days, walking the hills; climbing castle ruins; swimming in the Tweed River; and going to the “pictures”, where salvaged jam jars were the price of admission.

After Kenneth’s passing in 2010 and 55 years of marriage, such fond memories of the past slowly became the only vivid ones, leaving Mrs. Bates with a longing to go home. It is with bittersweet comfort her family feels she has.

Mrs. Bates is survived by her daughters, Leslie Rottner and Cathryn Weiss of Darien; Barbara Bates Conroy of Rowayton; son, Robert Bates of Darien; grandchildren Andrew, Cameron, and Christian Rottner, Kenneth and Robert Weiss, Wilson, Henry and Grace Conroy, Olivia and Catherine Bates; great-grandsons Haven and Henry Rottner. Mrs. Bates is predeceased by her loving husband, Kenneth Clark Bates; sister, Catherine Steele Scott; brother, William Turnbull Scott; and grandsons, Harrison and Jackson Conroy.

A service to celebrate Mrs. Bates’ remarkable life will be held at Talmadge Hill Community Church, 870 Hollow Tree Ridge Road, Darien at 12 p.m. on April 15. Reception to follow.

A private family interment will be held at Lakeview Cemetery in New Canaan.

— by The Darien Times

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Betsy Trifone

Elizabeth “Betsy” Trifone, 84, of Fairfield, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family on Monday, February 20, 2017.  She was the devoted wife of the late Alfred Trifone who passed in November 2011.

Betsy was born in Brooklyn, NY on June 26, 1932 a daughter of the late Edward H. and Margaret (Clements) Dare.  While raising her five children, Betsy was active in the PTA’s of both McKinley Elementary School and Andrew Warde High School.  She had worked part time at Steinbach Department Store and years later at Kohl’s.  Betsy was also a devoted member of Holy Family Church, Fairfield.  Along with her late husband they were known as “Mama and Baba” to their 19 grandchildren.  When she found spare time she enjoyed bowling, reading and watching classic old movies.

Betsy leaves her loving children Dr. James Trifone (Cindy) of Cheshire, Robert Trifone (Marjorie) of Darien, Stephen Trifone (Diane) of Cheshire, John Trifone  of Clarksburg, MD, Nancy Trifone Ferrarese of Fairfield; 19 grandchildren Alyssa, Abby, Katie, Danny, Christian, Bobby, Mark, Christopher, Nick, Greg, Julie, David, Stephen, Mark, Kristin, Brian, Laura, Kevin and Jenny; 4 great grandchildren several nieces and nephews. Besides her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her sister, Mary Buckley.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 2, 2017 between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. at Redgate-Hennessy Funeral Home, 4 Gorham Place, Trumbull.  A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 3, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family Church, 700 Old Stratfield Road, Fairfield.  All are asked to go directly to the church.  Burial will be private.  Donations in her memory can be made to her favorite charity, CT Humane Society, 701 Russell Road, Newington, CT 06111 (www.cthumane.org).  To leave an online message of condolence, share a memory or photo, please visit Betsy’s memorial webpage atwww.REDGATEHENNESSY.com.

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