Nancy Van Anden Lawson

Nancy Van Anden Lawson, 91, of Naples, Fla. and Orleans, Mass. passed away at Moorings Park in Naples on July 4, 2015. She was born in Beacon, N.Y. on April 23, 1924 to Roxie and Charles Reginald Van Anden. She grew up in Scarsdale, N.Y., went to the Masters School at Dobbs Ferry, Briarcliff Junior College, and spent summers at their family home on the Hudson River in New Hamburg, N.Y.

Nancy married James Thomas (Tom) Lawson in 1948 and raised three daughters, ultimately settling in New Canaan, in 1965. They were members of the Wee Burn Country Club in Darien, Conn., the Moorings Country Club and the Royal Poinciana Club in Naples, and The Naples Yacht Club. She was also a member of the Stamford Norwalk Junior League, the League Club of Naples, and was an avid supporter of the Naples Philharmonic.

Nancy is survived by her brother, Charles R. Van Anden Jr. and his wife, Lee, of Dataw Island, S.C.; a sister-in-law, Rev. Rosemary L. Peters of Halifax, Mass.; her three daughters and their spouses, Sally and Job Taylor of Orleans, Mardi and George Trendle of Essex Junction, Vt. and Carolyn and John Otis of Chatham, Mass., as well as by her six grandchildren, Whitney, JT, Cassie, Alexandra, Ben and Carter. She was predeceased by her husband.

A memorial service will be held at St. Christopher’s Church in Chatham on Thursday, Aug. 20. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Moorings Park Employee Scholarship Fund in Naples. For online condolences, please visit fullernaples.com.

— The Family

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Maxine Mackle

Maxine Mackle, 83, died July 14 in Norwalk Hospital of complications following a stroke. She was a longtime resident of New Canaan, having moved here initially in 1966 with her husband, Joseph Tracey Mackle.

Born Maxine Kohl in London, Ontario, she was educated in the London schools, graduated with honors from the University of Western Ontario (now Western University), where she excelled in varsity sports, and the Harvard Business School. She taught mathematics and physical education in London for several years, then joined the Honeywell Corporation’s fledgling computer business in Toronto in 1960. She soon became manager of computer education for Honeywell Canada, staffing and directing all internal and customer training.

Early in her corporate career, Maxine perceived the need for computer education at the secondary school level. Encouraged by publisher W.J. Gage Ltd., she authored Computers in Business, one of the first texts on the subject in Canada. The Ontario Department of Education asked her to create a “teach the teachers” course, which she developed and taught, and which resulted in the first province-wide computer education program in the country. She also initiated a cooperative  computer program with the University of Waterloo (Ont.), now one of the leading technology centers in Canada.

In recognition of her work in the early Canadian computer business, Maxine was honored with her university’s Alumni Achievement Award in 1998.

Maxine left corporate life to move with her husband to New Canaan. The family relocated to Tokyo in 1973, where she became proficient in flower arranging, brush painting and other Japanese customs. Upon her return to New Canaan in the late 1970s, she pursued numerous endeavors. She co-founded the first summer music camp in the school system, spent countless hours volunteering at South School, Saxe and New Canaan High School, as well as with The United Way and AAUW, and was past president of New Canaan Community Concerts Association. She most recently retired from the real estate business.

Maxine was an energetic and devoted participant in two local organizations in particular, Pi Beta Phi and P.E.O., and was long active in the New Canaan Sewing Group. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church for almost fifty years, was a deacon, sang in the choir for thirty years, and served on various committees.

Her innate Canadian humor welcomed many into her wide circle of friends. She will be remembered for her graciousness, generosity and (especially by her grandchildren) her baking.

In addition to her husband, Maxine is survived by daughter Julie Reeves (Michael) and son Scott (Karen), both of New Canaan, by son Bruce (Susan) of Rye N.Y., and by nine grandchildren: Spencer, Kate and Vivi Reeves, Jack, Katie and William Mackle, and Daniel, James and Ellie Mackle.

There will be a memorial service at First Presbyterian Church of New Canaan on Thursday, July 30, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 178 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan, 06840, or to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, www.JDRF.org.

— The Family

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Kenneth Butler

Kenneth Blaine Butler III, 57, of New Market, Md., formerly of Weston, Conn., died at home Wednesday, July 22, from brain cancer, with his family by his side. He was the sister of Julie Butler of Jackson Hole, Wyo., a former longtime New Canaan resident.

Mr. Butler was born April 12, 1958, in Norwalk to the late Holly and Roger Butler of Weston. He grew up in Weston and attended the Weston schools, Rumsey Hall School in Washington Depot, Conn. and The Forman School in Litchfield, Conn.

Mr. Butler moved to Stowe, Vt. in 1975 to work and ski, one of his many passions and talents. He began his career as a facilities manager and carpenter at Stoneybrook Condominiums in Stowe.

In 1987, he moved to Frederick, Md. and took a job with NVR Homes. During his 18- year tenure with NVR, Mr. Butler managed the construction of hundreds of homes in Frederick and Montgomery County, and in 1999, received the prestigious Master Builder Award from NVR Corporate Headquarters. In 2004, he decided to utilize his extensive knowledge and passion for homebuilding in his own business, Custom Carpentry Plus.

Mr. Butler was predeceased by his parents, Roger (1996) and Holly (2005). He is survived by his wife Debbie, of New Market, Md.; son Blaine Butler and son-in-law Michael Goff of Boston, Mass.; daughters Brooke and Faith of New Market, Md.; sister Julie Butler of Jackson Hole, Wyo.; brother-in-law Donald Edwards of Frederick, Md.; mother-in-law Shirley Edwards of Conway, S.C.; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was set for Thursday, July 30, at Mountain View Community Church, 8330 Fingerboard Road, Frederick, Md.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Brain Tumor Society, at braintumor.org.

— The Advertiser

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Former New Canaan resident Sandra Gillan Dwenger died July 15, 2015 in Norwood, Mass. at the age of 77.

Dwenger was born on April 27, 1938 in Glens Falls, N.Y. to Alex and Genevieve Gillan.

She graduated from Glens Falls High School and attended Syracuse University. Kemp Dwenger and Sandy Gillan were married on Feb. 27, 1971 and had two children. Sandy worked as a speech pathologist for many years before staying home with her son and daughter, Tim and Kendra. She loved traveling, spending time with friends and family and volunteering her time in the community.

Sandy was a loving wife and mother, and devoted friend, according to the family. She worked hard at everything she did, and always took time to truly listen to others, especially children. She made everyone who came in contact with her feel special, and important. She will be remembered by all who knew her as a strong and caring woman.

Sandra is survived by her sister, Susan Spector of Milwaukee Wis., her husband Kemp Dwenger, her two children and their spouses, Tim Dwenger and Lindsay Bollwahn and Kendra and Chris Weiler, as well as her two granddaughters.

The family will be holding a private memorial service later this summer to celebrate her life.

— The Advertiser

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Elaine. E. Cook

Elaine Ellsworth Rogers Cook, a New Canaan native, hospital volunteer, long-time member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Altar Guild, and frequent blue ribbon winner for flower arranging at the New Canaan Garden Club, died on July 23, 2015 in New Canaan. She was one week shy of her 101st birthday.

Mrs. Cook was born Aug. 1, 1914 in the St. John house on Park Street in New Canaan, the fourth child of John S. Ellsworth Jr. and Lida (Burpee) Ellsworth. She grew up on St. John Place with kids from New Canaan families: Hall, Kellogg and Perkins. She often recalled her idyllic childhood as a “terrible tomboy,” playing boys’ sports and catching rides on the horse-drawn wagons that delivered coal and ice. Her parents were among the founders of New Canaan Country Club, and, at the age of seven, she learned to play golf, a passion she continued for the next 81 years.

She attended the Community School (later New Canaan Country School) and graduated from Low-Heywood in Stamford, which at that time was an all-girls school.

In 1937 she married Charles Francis Rogers Jr., grandson of John Rogers, the sculptor whose studio forms part of the New Canaan Historical Society. She had three children, Catherine, John and Laura. The marriage ended in divorce and in 1957. She married Horace Taylor Cook Jr. and moved to Princeton, N.J. Upon his death she returned to New Canaan.

Mrs. Cook was also a Brownie and Cub Scout leader. Her love for golf, gardening and sports never waned, and at close to 90 years of age she was still mowing her own lawn.

Her only son, John, died in 1996. She is survived by her daughters Catherine Rogers Stokes of Westport, Conn. and Laura Rogers of Norwalk, Conn.; granddaughter Caroline Murphy Douthit of Arlington, Va.; grandson Matthew Murphy of West Hartford, Conn.; granddaughter Jennifer Rogers of New York City and five great-grandchildren.

Donations in Mrs. Cook’s name can be made to the New Canaan Historical Society. A memorial service will be held in October. Sympathy cards and correspondences may be sent to: Hoyt Funeral Home, 199 Main St., New Canaan, CT 06840.

For online condolences please visit www.hoytfuneralhome.com

— The Advertiser

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Christopher J. Manning

Christopher Jordan Manning left this earth on July 22, 2015, after a long battle with depression. Despite his challenges, Chris lived a life full of love, adventure, ambition and humor. His family and friends are heartbroken by his early departure, but find peace and hope in their faith.

Chris was born on June 11, 1984, in Chicago, Illinois, where he and his family lived until he was five. In 1989 his family moved to Provo, Utah, returning to Chicago for his sixth grade year. When he was 13, Chris’ family relocated to New Canaan, Connecticut.

Chris studied Journalism and Communications at Utah State University and completed an MBA at the University of Utah – excelling in both programs. Upon completing his MBA, he was recognized in the U of U Alumni magazine for his creative ideas in fundraising for the University.

Chris was passionate about his career. Most recently, he worked for the start-up company, Power Practical, and was proud of the work he did with that team. Chris also specialized in establishing crowd-funding campaigns and was passionate about helping new, innovative companies succeed.

In stark contrast with the depression he battled, Chris had an incredible sense of humor, frequently making those around him laugh with his crazy antics, hilarious home videos, quick wit and clever jokes. He was also extraordinarily generous and tenderhearted, particularly to those he believed were in need of special attention.

Chris shared a special bond with his dog, Scout, whom he rescued. He took great pride in rehabilitating her from what had been a rough past. Together they took daily walks, road-tripped, hiked, and were nearly inseparable.

He is survived by his parents, Richard and Rochelle Manning; grandmother, Verda Page; siblings, Rachel Allen (Shiloh), Arrin Barton (Marcus) and Benjamin Manning; niece, Harper Allen; nephews, Samuel Allen, Jonah Barton and Magnus Allen; and beloved dog, Scout. He is preceded in death by his grandfathers, Elden Page and Leon Manning, and his grandmother, Gwen Manning.

A funeral will be held on July 31, 2015 at 5 p.m. at the LDS Church located at 1885 N. Summerwood Drive in Farmington, Utah, 84025. A viewing will precede the funeral in the same location, from 3 to 4:45 p.m. The burial will take place the next day in Pocatello, ID.
—The Family

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Linnea Mary Prudence Larson Westlake was born on May 16, 1917, in Kodaikanal, India, the youngest of five children of Lutheran missionaries, the Rev. Oscar Leonard and Lilie Liliedahl Larson. Linnea passed from this life on July 27, 2015.

The years in India made a lasting impression on young Linnea. She remembered traveling with her father to nearby villages where he taught and preached; she recalled occasionally living on a houseboat; and it was in India that she developed her lifelong love of nature. She treasured these vivid memories her entire life. In fact, during her “baby career” she asked parents and children to call her “Ayah” (Hindi for nurse.) She was possibly the only person in the world who drove a yellow VW beetle with “Ayah” on the license plate.

The family returned to their American home in Fremount, Kansas, in 1923, where Pastor Larson served Fremount Lutheran Church and also taught Christianity at Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kansas.
Linnea enjoyed a happy Kansas girlhood as the pastor’s daughter and was the last of her siblings to go off to higher education. She attended Luther Academy and Junior College, after which she traveled to Chicago to earn certification in infant nursing from Augustana Hospital. Babies became her life and her calling before and after her primary career as wife and mother.

It was during one “baby” assignment that Linnea met the love of her life who happened to be visiting the family: Robert Lockwood “Bob” Westlake, Jr., a graduate of Lehigh University.

Linnea and Bob Westlake were married in 1943 at First Lutheran Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, by her brother-in-law, the Rev. Dr. Paul M. Lindberg. Bob served his country during WW II as an ensign and lieutenant in the U.S. Navy.

Following his naval career, Bob was employed by Union Carbide. His career took the family to Pennsylvania, Virginia, Louisiana, Greenwich, Illinois, and finally to New Canaan, when he was assigned to the company’s New York headquarters.

Bob died suddenly in Feb. 1963, at just 49. That’s when Linnea resumed her baby career, first by caring for at-risk foster babies. Eventually, she began to care for the newborns of area families in their homes. She donned her white uniform, packed her suitcase, climbed into her yellow VW, and quickly became a highly sought after “Ayah” in residence to dozens of babies.

Linnea enjoyed a happy retirement taking many trips to Kansas for annual performances of Handel’s Messiah at Bethany College, in which she had sung as a teenager. She also traveled widely including trips to Iceland, Sweden, Holland, Germany, Jerusalem, Egypt and to Greece and Turkey “In the Footsteps of St. Paul.”
She had a deep commitment to her beloved church family at St. Paul’s, where she served on the altar guild and as a “kitchen angel.” Finally, ill health disabled her and kept her housebound with the happy exceptions of visits to Haydee’s Salon, regular Sunday worship at St.Paul’s, and visits with friends and family.

Anyone who visited Linnea in her cheerful and utterly personal home quickly realized something very important about her: she was a proud Swedish American! The gold and blue of the Swedish flag is everywhere, and Swedish treats – especially cardamom bread – abounded, especially during Advent, a season dear to the hearts of all Scandinavians.

Linnea and Bob had three sons: Robert Lockwood Westlake III, who died in 1981; Mark David Westlake of Brookfield; and James Larson Westlake of New Canaan, who served as her caregiver. A beloved granddaughter, Shea Elise Westlake, a junior at UConn, also survives.

Linnea blessed all who knew her with her extraordinarily warm personality. She was one of the most loving, accepting, non-judgmental and joyful persons many of us had known. She received more Christmas and birthday cards annually than most of us receive over a lifetime. She had a marvelous sense of humor leavened with a touch of mischief. Where Linnea was, there was laughter, good cheer, hospitality, good food, and above all, love. Love for family, friend and stranger. And Love, above all, for her Lord and Savior, in whose arms she now rests in purest joy.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Aug. 6, at 10 a.m., at St. Paul’s Church, 471 Mansfield Ave., in Darien. A reception will follow in the parish hall.

Memorial gifts in Linnea’s memory may be made to St. Paul’s Church or to a favorite charity.

Hoyt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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Colin Douglas Campbell, 27, formerly of New Canaan, passed away at his home in Norwalk on July 26th, 2015.

Born May 10th, 1988, in Stamford, Connecticut he was the son of C. Douglas and Katherine Curtis Campbell.

A 2006 graduate of New Canaan High School, Colin had a quick, dry wit and a kind heart. Despite his personal struggles with addiction he was always concerned with helping others, a trait that served him well in his job as Field Operations Supervisor at Fairfield Memorial Park in Stamford.

He is survived by his parents, his sister Lauren G. Campbell of New Canaan, and his grandparents Colin and Helen Campbell of New Canaan.

All services will be private.

Donations in his memory can be made locally to Connecticut Renaissance, 350 Fairfield Avenue, Suite 701, Bridgeport, CT 06604 as well as the national organization “Shatterproof” (www.shatterproof.org). Flowers are also appreciated.
—The Family

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Harley Leon Clark, 93, of Hendersonville, N.C., died peacefully on Monday morning, July 27 at his home following extended illness.

Harley was married to Virginia Lee Magee known to all as “Ginny,” who died in Hendersonville September 2011 at the age of 88. Both have been long-time residents of Hendersonville.

Harley is survived by his son, Kevin Clark and his wife, Heidi Sawyer-Clark of Chapel Hill, N.C.; his daughter, Pamela Clark, and granddaughter, Taylor Parker, both of Hendersonville.

Ginny and Harley were high school sweethearts from Perry, Okla.,  who married during WWII, and moved to Hendersonville from New Canaan after Harley’s 35-year career with IBM, The Clark family home was located off Old Norwalk Road near Route 123 in New Canaan.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville in Harley’s honor. Both Ginny and Harley have been actively involved in the Hendersonville Methodist church for over 30 years, and both were members of Methodist Church choirs in many communities over the past 70 years.

Services will be held on Thursday, Aug. 6 at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville, with Rev. Mark Ralls officiating. The family will receive visitors in the Barber Christian Life Center following the memorial service.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.

—The Advertiser

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Duffy Cleary

Duffy Cleary, of New Canaan died Oct. 7, 2014 after a long illness.

Duffy was born in Long Branch, N.J. on April 9, 1945 and was the daughter of Henry and Irene (Midge) Sandlass of Rumson, N.J. She is survived by her daughter, Ceci Cleary of Boston, Mass. and her three sisters and brother: Susan S. Gardiner of Montgomery Village, Md.; Ann S. LeConey of New York City; Sheila S. Reifenberger of McLean, Va.; and Henry J. Sandlass Jr. of Rumson,; and 12 nieces and nephews.

She stayed in close contact with her former mother in law, Mary Barrrett Cleary, a longtime resident of New Canaan and Stamford, and Ward Cleary and family in Darien.

Duffy  was a graduate of Holy Cross School in Rumson; Red Bank Catholic High School, Red Bank, N.J. and attended Dunbarton College in Washington, D.C. Following the completion of  her bachelor’s degree, she went on to receive a master’s degree in museum administration. She spent most of her young career in New York City, working in the design and fashion industry.

She later became a nursery school teacher at the Wilton Community Nursery School, where her daughter attended, following the family’s move to Wilton, Conn. in 1975. Over the years, she continued her career in merchandising until the onset of her illness, at which time she remained active in her community and moved into more flexible positions while dealing with the challenges of maintaining her health.

Her later years were spent in New Canaan enjoying spending time with her many friends and family. She was a loyal, loving, dedicated mother, sister, aunt and friend; and she was thankful for the many joys in life. We will miss her always.

A memorial service was held at St. John Church, in Darien, Conn. on Oct. 18, 2014. A reception followed at Woodway Country Club.

Donations can be sent  in her name to The Greenwich Hospital Breast Center, 35 River Road, Cos Cob, CT 06807.

— The Family

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Josephine Conklin

Josephine Ann Conklin, 88, daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, passed away peacefully, after 35 years in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2015.

She was born in New Canaan, the youngest of 9 children.

Josephine (JoAnne Philomena, Jippy) is survived by her husband of 69 1/2 years: Roy Allen Conklin Sr. of Barnsdall, Okla., six children, 17 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and by her sister, Reonilda (Ronnie) Paglialungo Zandri, of Moseley, Va.

She is preceded in death by her daughter Marcia Joanne Conklin Brock Gandy, a son unnamed, and son Brian William Conklin.

She was a member of the Cadet Nurse Corps and graduated as a registered nurse working in the emergency room and obstetrics areas of many hospitals from Norwalk, Conn. to Lajes, Azores from 1943 to 1998.

— The Family

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Kenneth Leonard

Kenneth Carl Leonard (Ken) passed away on the evening of Aug. 15, 2015 at his home in Harwich Port, Mass. surrounded by his loving family. He was 63.

Ken bravely and courageously battled cancer and was an inspiration to his family and friends. Ken was a loving and beloved husband, father and brother, and a friend and mentor during his professional career as an attorney.

Ken was born in Yonkers, N.Y. on Nov. 17, 1951 to Edmund Albert Leonard and Aileen Leonard (née Voges). As a young student at the Gorton School in Yonkers, Ken played the clarinet and participated in drama productions. He earned his undergraduate degree from Manhattan College in 1973, where he was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Society and studied abroad at the University of Kent in Canterbury, England. In 1976, he earned a law degree from the William & Mary Law School in Williamsburg, Va. where he served as the managing editor of the Law Review, and in 1978, he earned a Masters of Law degree from New York University.

After law school, Ken worked as a trademark and intellectual property attorney at Cooper & Dunham LLP and then until 2010 served as an in-house intellectual property counsel at the consumer products companies General Foods Corporation, Chesebrough-Ponds, Inc., and Unilever United States, Inc..

Ken had many passions and hobbies. He loved to ride his road bicycle on the Cape Cod Rail Trail and kayak in Nantucket Sound off the beach on Pilgrim Road in Harwich Port. He was a devoted daddy to two Norwich Terriers, Ginger and Teddy, and formerly to three Keeshonds. A former resident of New Canaan for nearly thirty years, Ken sang as a member of the choir and served as a vestry member at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. A person of great intellect, wit and wisdom, he had the ability to speak six European languages.

Ken is survived by his loving wife of nearly 35 years, Janet, and his one son William (Will), presently a law student at the University of Chicago Law School; his brother, Donald, sister-in-law, Lorraine, and nephew, Thomas, of Upper Marlboro, Md.; his sister, Gwendolyn, and niece, Emma, of Chatham, Mass.; and his sisters and mother-in-law, Catherine Brosnan, Jean Ann Tonka, and Marjorie Tonka respectively, of Atlanta, Ga.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VNA of Cape Cod – Hospice, 434 Route 134, South Dennis, MA 02660.

A funeral service for Ken will be held at Christ Church Episcopal of Harwich Port, 671 Route 28, Harwich Port, Mass. 02646 on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015 at 11 a.m.

A private interment ceremony for family members will follow the funeral service. Notes of comfort may be made to his family at www.MorrisOConnorBlute.com

— The Family

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Joseph Toppin

Joseph J. Toppin, Jr., 91, a resident of New Canaan for over 86 years, died Monday on Aug. 17, 2015, at his home with his loving family by his side, after a three year battle with dementia. He was the husband of Joan Nubel Toppin.

Joe was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., June 28, 1924, and was the son of the late Joseph and Mary Higgins Toppin.

He entered the U.S. Navy the day after he graduated from New Canaan High School in 1942. He served in the Philippines, Marshall Islands, Saipan, Tinian, Leyte Gulf, Enewctok and Hollandia, New Guinea, in addition to serving in Pearl Harbor. He was discharged in 1946.

Joe was the president of United Publishing and Printing in Stamford prior to his retirement.

He was a very active member of the New Canaan community for many years and one of the men who made New Canaan what it is today.  He served as the chairman of the Parks & Recreation for 23 years. He was an integral part of the Waveny purchase, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus Fr. John Stapleton Council # 2287 and was a past grand knight. Joe also founded and was chairman of the Family of 4th of July for 25 years. He was a grand marshal of the Memorial Day parade and assistant commander of the VFW for many years.

In addition to his wife Joan, he is survived by one son, Joseph Toppin, III, and his fiancé Ramona Zablan of Milford, Conn.; and his daughter Melinda Toppin Gallagher and her husband Jamie of Solon, Ohio, and three grandchildren Jamie Jr., Brendan and Ryan Gallagher. He was pre-deceased by a son, Gerald Toppin, and his sister Patricia Toppin Emro.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, Aug. 21, at St. Aloysius Church, Cherry Street in New Canaan at 10 a.m. and interment in Lakeview Cemetery to follow.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, Aug. 20 from 4-8 p.m. at the Hoyt Funeral Home, 199 Main Street, New Canaan.

For online condolences visit www.hoytfuneralhome.com

— The Family

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Tatiana (Tanja) Paturynski, 91, passed away on Sunday evening, Aug. 16, with her family by her side. Tanja was born Sept. 6, 1923 in Kharkov, Ukraine to Julia and Neil Ivanova. She is predeceased by her husband of 48 years, Vincent Paturynski, in 1993.

The family came to the United States in 1950 where they settled in Stamford, and where she remained a resident for 66 years before moving to Brookdale Assisted Living in Wilton. She worked at Norma Hoffman in Stamford and then as a waitress at Pierre’s in New Canaan. She later retired from Pitney Bowes where she worked as a dining room manager for 13 years.

She was very devoted to her family and loved by all, according to her family. She is survived by her three children and their families, Nickolas Paturynski (Yvonne) of Wilton, Peter Paturynski of Thornton, Colo. and Mary Schubert of Trumbull, Conn. Surviving grandchildren are Stephen Paturynski, Laura Carreiro (Eli), David Schubert and Michael Schubert, along with her great-grandson Jackson Carreiro.

Her family will receive friends on Wednesday, Aug. 19 from 4-8 p.m. at the Bosak Funeral Home, 453 Shippan Avenue in Stamford, Conn. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, Aug. 20 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Holy Assumption Russian Orthodox Church, 141 Den Road, Stamford. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery in Darien. Funeral arrangements to Bosak Funeral Home, 453 Shippan Avenue in Stamford.

— The Advertiser

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Thomas O’Meara Sr.

Thomas James O’Meara, Sr., of Westfield, Mass., died unexpectedly on Aug. 15, 2015.

Tom was born on Sept 15, 1931 in Stamford. He was the beloved father of Wendy S. Schmidle, East Greenwich, R.I., Laurie A. E. O’Meara, South Yarmouth, Mass., SMSgt. Thomas James O’Meara Jr., USAF Ret., Lancaster, Calif., and John Fickett O’Meara, New Sweden, Maine. He was also the beloved brother of surviving sister Marylou McMahon, Hillsboro Beach, Fla. He will be remembered fondly by his son-in-law, Paul and his daughters-in-law Lolita and Christine. He left behind nine grandchildren, Heather, Hillary, Jonathan, Katherine, Diane, Anya, John Jr., Tom, and Jim. They will all miss Grandpa Tom. Tom was married to Alberta Fickett O’Meara. He was a printer by trade, being employed by such companies as the New Canaan Advertiser, The New Bedford Standard Times, and The Cape Cod Times over his career.

He served in the United States Army during the Korean War and was based in Germany. His love of Willys Jeeps continued after his discharge, as did his love for antique sewing machines and the “fixing” of many things. Tom was an avid Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots fan.

A graveside service will be held at the St. John’s Cemetery, Darien, on Wednesday, Aug. 19.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

—The Advertiser

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Robert A. Meade

Mr. Robert A. Meade, 93, of New Canaan, passed away July 20, 2015 at Norwalk Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was the widower of Susan Joyce (Rothaar), who preceded him in death on Jan. 15, 1998.

Robert was born in Nashville, Mich. on Aug. 22, 1921, son of the late Kenneth A. and Gladys (Everts) Meade. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Kenneth, Carroll, Jerry and William. Bob graduated from Nashville High School and next attended Michigan State Normal College (Eastern Michigan University) and later attended Lawrence Institute of Technology (Lawrence Tech).

He married the love of his life, Joyce Rothaar, on Sept. 1, 1940 in Napoleon, Ohio, and they enjoyed 58 years of marriage. They first lived in Detroit, Mich., then Troy, Mich followed by a move to Warren, Ohio, and finally to Vienna, Ohio.

Bob first worked for Vickers, Inc., Division of Sperry Rand Corp. in Detroit and Troy. Next, in 1960, Bob joined General Motors Defense Systems Division in Birmingham, Mich. He later transferred to the Packard Electric Division of GM where he completed his distinguished career in Warren, Ohio. Bob was a long time member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and served on a variety of committees over the years and authored a number of technical papers.

Bob and Joyce shared the joy of traveling where they were able to combine golfing at many courses around the country. In addition to traveling, Bob and Joyce shared their home with family and friends and were skillful gardeners wherever they lived. Bob was a proficient golfer and enjoyed scoring a hole-in-one during his playing years. Bob was a longtime amateur radio operator (N8MJU, KB8ERS) at the General License Class. As a young man Bob had a passion for photography, building his own darkroom and working in color printing. In his later years he helped teach seniors how to understand and use computers along with teaching digital photography. He has left a legacy of antique family photographs and documented the history of his family ancestry for his children to carry forward.

Bob was a 33rd Degree Mason and a Past Master of Corinthian Lodge #241 F&AM Detroit. He was a Life Member of the Grand Lodge Free & Accepted Masons of Michigan and a member of Knights Templar. The relationships he forged through his participation with the Masonic Lodge lasted his entire life.

Bob is survived by daughter Susan Meade Clark of New Canaan and son John S. Meade (Mary Pat), of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. He had four grandchildren: Elizabeth Meade Moran (Santiago), Galapagos Islands, Ecuador; Shannon Meade Prohaszka (Hernan) Ridgefield, Conn.; David Clark, New York, N.Y.; and Sara Cowgill (Mike), Encinitas, Calif.; and five great-grandchildren, Kai, Ellie and Laila Prohaszka of Ridgefield, and Maximo Arturo and Alba Celeste Moran of Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.

He lived with Susan in New Canaan his final years. One of his greatest pleasures was family gatherings where he shared time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bob lived the life of a kind and gentle man and is treasured by those who had the opportunity to get to know him. Although his time in New Canaan was short he was proud of becoming a Connecticut Yankee. His family is honored to have shared his life.

He has been cremated and final arrangements will be made by the family at a later time.

— The Family

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Thomas Coster Scott III, 61, of Cranford, N.J. passed away on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015 with his wife of 20 years, Susan, by his side.

Tom was predeceased by his mother, Joan Davis Scott. Tom is survived by his beloved children, Owen, Ian and Emma; his father Tom Sr. and his wife, Linda; brother David and his sons Andy and Sam; sister Sandy and her husband Les Dale of New Canaan, and daughter Ashley; brother Michael and wife Alison and their sons Charles and William; and sister Patricia.

Tom attended Northfield Mount Hermon boarding school and Harvard University in Massachusetts. He was the son of a former NY Giants linebacker Tom Scott.

He worked for many years as a book agent at Little Brown, a financial analyst for TIAA-CREF and as a freelance writer. Tom was active in the Cranford youth lacrosse program, a self-taught artist, an avid reader and a music lover. Tom enjoyed spending time with family and will be dearly missed by all, the family said.

A Mass at Saint Helen’s, in Westfield, N.J. was  held on Tuesday, August 18.

Higgins and Bonner Echo Lake Funeral Home in Westfield handled arrangements. higginsandbonner.com

— The Family

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Reonilda Paglialungo Zandri

Reonilda Ann Paglialungo Zandri passed away peacefully on August 18, 2015 in Midlothian, Va.. after a diagnosis with Alzheimer’s. She celebrated her 98th birthday on July 28.

She was born in New Canaan at the family home on Summer Street in 1917. She was the last surviving sibling of eight children.

She is predeceased by her husband Silvio W. Zandri. And survived by her children, Patricia Zandri Dixon Donovan of Colchester, Vt., Lee Zandri of Moseley, Va., and grandchildren, Stephen Dixon of North Hero, Vt., Brenda Dixon Dunlap of Weston, Conn., Dawn Dixon Perry of Colchester, Vt. and Sara Zandri of Moseley, Va., and nine great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

Known as Ronnie, she was a lifetime member of the Catholic Daughters of America, and was active with the Senior Center. We will forever cherish all the family gatherings, and especially her love of cooking and baking. Her kindness and generosity will never be forgotten.

Per her request, she will be cremated, and laid to rest next to her loving husband. A memorial service will take place at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Colchester, Vt.

— The Family

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Virginio Perna, age 99, formerly of New Canaan, passed away.

He was born on August 8, 1916, in Rose, Italy, to the late Giuseppi Perna and Maria Smeriglio.

Virginio immigrated to the United States in 1933, at the age of 16, and began working as a trained cobbler. During WWII he served in the United States Army, 124th Infantry, in both the Asia Pacific and European theaters. After the war, he resumed shoe business and owned his own retail shoe stores throughout his career.

Virginio was a founding and longstanding member of the Italian Club of New Canaan. He was an army bandsman during the war, and continued to play the clarinet, as a member of the New Canaan Town Band for over 40 years. He loved sports of all kinds, and was an avid bowler and bocci player.

Most important, Virginio was a dedicated husband and father. He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Celestina Perna; and survived by his sons, Richard (Merideth) Perna of Dayton, and Joseph (Lucy) Perna of Los Angeles.

Private services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospice of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio. Condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family at www.routsong.com.

— The Family

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William N. Gardiner, Sr.

William Norman Gardiner Sr., 81, of New Canaan, and formerly of Hartford, South Windsor and Old Lyme, Conn. died Friday evening, Aug. 28, 2015 after a long illness.

Born in Hartford on Sept. 29, 1933, he was the son of the late Susan and William Gardiner. William was the husband of Concetta “Connie” (Mangiafico) Gardiner.

Bill went to high school at Holy Trinity in Hartford, received his masters degree from the University of Connecticut and was an avid fan of the UCONN men’s and women’s basketball teams.

Bill spent 37 years working for the City of Hartford and retired in 1997. Bill enjoyed playing golf, watching old movies and spending time with his family.

In addition to his wife of 62 years, survivors include three sons, Michael P. Gardiner and his wife Becky of Canton, Conn., William N. Gardiner Jr. and his wife Judy Larson of New Canaan, and Bryan M. Gardiner and his wife Cheryl of New Canaan. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren Nicholas, Tricia, Michael, Brooke, Colbey, Riley, Michele, Robin, Christopher and Amanda, his niece Joyce Woods and her husband Richard, and his nephew Dominick DePaolo.

He was predeceased by his sister Dorothy and three brothers, Ernie, Elmer and Russell.

Private funeral services were held at the Hoyt Funeral Home in New Canaan.

There will be no calling hours.

For online condolences visit www.hoytfuneralhome.com

— The Advertiser

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