2023
Janet Lewis, 1963 – 2022
On December 29, 2022 Janet Elizabeth (McCaw) Lewis, 59, passed away at her home surrounded by her loving family following a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on March 4, 1963 in Willimantic, CT to James and Geraldine (Manning) McCaw. Janet was a woman of great faith, an active member of her community, and took great pride in her civil service throughout her lifetime. Her many passions included a fondness for children, travel, the beach, gardening, pulling ponies, and a devotion to agriculture. Janet could often be seen on sunny days haying the Lebanon Green. These passions came second only to her love of family, especially her two year old grandson who brought her smiles and joy, brightening her final days. She will be forever loved and missed by her parents; her partner Peter Harvey of Lebanon, CT; her children- David Lewis and his significant other Melissa Goerlach of Groton Long Point, CT; Elizabeth Lewis of North Stonington, CT, Catherine (Lewis) Learned, husband Benjamin and grandson Elsdon Learned of North Stonington, CT; her sisters- Judi Larsen and husband Klaus, Jeanna Prink and husband Bruce; as well as numerous other extended family and friends. Janet is predeceased by her husband, the late David “Hummer” Lewis. Calling hours will be held at the First Congregational Church of Lebanon, 588 Exeter Road, Lebanon, CT from 5 to 8 PM on Friday, January 6, 2023. A memorial service will be held at the church on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 11 AM with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the First Congregational Church of Lebanon, PO Box 125, Lebanon, CT 06249 or to the Congregational Church of North Stonington, PO Box 66, North Stonington, CT 06359.
Madeleine Hartley Manning, 1934 – 2023
Madeleine H. Manning, 88, of Willimantic, CT passed away on March 9, 2023. She was born in Providence, RI, the daughter of the late John and Madeleine (Hayes) Hartley. In passing, she reunites with her beloved husband of 43 years, Millard Manning and was predeceased by her first husband William Hinckley.
She was a caring mother, loving grandmother, active community member and had a distinguished career with the Windham Center Post Office. Her primary passion was her church family at the First Congregational Church of Willimantic serving decades as chairwoman of the Mother’s and Others club; singing alto in the choir; countless other committees, Pot Luck suppers, church fairs and as Church Historian for 30 years. Her second greatest passion was watching her favorite, lady huskies UConn Women’s Basketball team while wearing anything in the color purple and keeping statistics with a purple flare.
Madeleine is survived by her children Pamela Hinckley and her husband Michael Teer, Robert Hinckley and his wife Maria Torres, Scott Hinckley and his wife Louise, and Peter Manning and his wife Christin, grandchildren Adam Hinckley and his wife Amanda, Emilia, Julia, and Tomas Hinckley, Peter B. Manning, and Nicole Adamian and her husband Kyle, great grandchildren Chase and Lyla Hinckley and Joseph Adamian.
James William Manning, 1944 – 2023
James Manning passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday April 12, 2023. Jim was born June 11, 1944, in Norwich Connecticut to Harold and Helene Manning. He grew up in Newington, CT and graduated from Newington High School. After completing an engineering degree at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, he was hired by Bethlehem Steel Corporation in Buffalo, NY. He married the love of his life, Marion Thomas in 1968. Together they raised 3 children, Tom, David, and Cynthia. In 1982, Jim was assigned to Bethlehem's new plant, and the family moved to Valpariaso, IN. There, Jim supervised the manufacture of the steel that is in our houses, cars, and buildings. Jim and Marion have been blessed with 5 grandchildren, whom they have spoiled rotten.
Jim was very active in Boy Scouting. He was the second in four generations Manning men to attain Scouting's highest honor: the Eagle. He went on to become a Scout leader in Valpariaso, devoting countless hours to the betterment of young men in Troop 7, including his two sons. He was always a favorite Scout leader among the boys for his sense of humor and nurturing attitude.
After retirement from Bethlehem, Marion and Jim moved to Cornville, AZ. There they fell in love with the beauty of Arizona and started a new chapter in their lives. Jim was again active in Scouting, helping begin a new troop in Cottonwood, and attending several national jamborees as a volunteer staff member. He expanded his devotion to our natural heritage by volunteering with Friends of the Forest. For years, he helped, and later led, volunteer trail work teams both in the Coconino and Prescott National Forests. Team members looked up to Jim for both his expertise, and sense of "trail humor." Next time you walk a trail in either forest, remember that there is a good chance Jim placed the stones underfoot. Jim was very active in the Skyliner's hiking group. He regularly led hikes, exploring new routes before taking the group. He was always excited by the wonders he found in nature and loved to share them on the hikes he led. He was always a favorite hike leader and trail crew member.
In retirement Jim and Marion took a well-earned chance to explore the world; making their first trips overseas. They were able to explore many sites across Europe, South America, and Alaska. Jim was a life-long blood donor, donating gallons over the years to help save countless lives. Like his parents, Jim was a life-long member of the Catholic Church and donated many hours helping to serve those less fortunate.
2022
Betty Johnson, 1928 – 2022
Betty was born in Willimantic to the late J. Addison and Ruth Niles Jackson on December 23, 1928. She was adopted in 1930 and lovingly raised by Donald and Alma Manning Collins of Bloomfield, CT. Betty attended Bloomfield schools, Northfield Mount Hermon preparatory school in Massachusetts, and graduated from Windham High School, class of 1947. She was married to the late Hadley P. Johnson in Franklin in 1948. They shared nearly 57 years together before his passing in 2005. Together, they owned and operated 2 trucking businesses in Franklin and Windham, CT, from 1953 until 1980. Mrs. Johnson served on the executive boards of the New London County TB Association, the American Cancer Society, and the greater Willimantic Chamber of Commerce. She also served on the Franklin Board of Education, as the clerk of the North Franklin Post Office from 1958-1964 and wrote the Franklin news column for the Willimantic Chronicle and the Hartford Times. Long active in Democratic politics on local, county, and state levels, she was appointed to a number of positions. Named by then Governor John Dempsey to be the only layperson from eastern Connecticut on the State Clean Air Task Force, she also served on the Solid Waste subcommittee of that group, as well as the Task Forces’ speakers bureau. She later served as Secretary of the Interim Legislative subcommittee studying solid waste problems in Connecticut. As a member of the Franklin Congregational Church, she taught Sunday School, and helped to raise the funding for the basement addition to the church. She enjoyed spectator sports of all kinds, particularly college basketball, and was an ardent crossword puzzle solver. In addition to her late husband Hadley, she was predeceased by her oldest son Donald, sister Mary Sylvia, and brother Fred Jackson. She leaves her sisters Ann Gozewski of Massachusetts, and Rebecca Paynter of Bermuda. Also left to miss her are her children, Carla Johnson (Bob Kimble) of Brooklyn CT, Colin Johnson (Ellen) of Havelock, NC, Marc Johnson (Cindy) of Plainfield, CT, Rebecca Collins (Michael) of Canterbury, CT, Pam Lewerenz (John) of Carolina Forest, SC, and her son Eric Johnson and wife Jennifer, with whom she made her home, and who cared for her so wonderfully. She leaves 17 grandchildren, Karin Hall, Hillary Watson, Aaron Johnson, Kristen Sullivan, Derek Johnson, Shannon Fontenot, Denae Abate, Brook Cresser, Kate Knoblauch, Maxwell Johnson, Lance Collins, Stacey Collins, Amanda Collins Benoit, Patrick Collins Jr., Nathaniel Conroy, John Lewerenz Jr, and Tyler Lewerenz. Also, 19 great grandchildren, and a host of friends, many from her childhood. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2022 at 10 AM at Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove Street, Putnam, CT 06260. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Day Kimball Healthcare, Hospice and Palliative Care of Northeast Connecticut, or the Franklin Congregational Church. Share a memory at Smithandwalkerfh.com
Graduation of Jessica Tyler
Jess, daughter of Karen Manning Tyler and Michael Tyler, earned her Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from Weleyan University in May 2022.
John Wanagel, 1944 – 2022
John died peacefully at the home of his son, Joshua, in Berwyn, PA on January 5, 2022 following a long battle with Atypical Parkinson's Disease. John was a deeply-loved and well-respected man. He was a wonderful brother, a loving husband, and a devoted father to his eleven children. He grew up in Coventry, CT with his mother, Deborah (Manning) Wanagel, and two siblings. He attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and then went on to obtain a PhD in applied physics at Cornell University, where he met his future wife, Carol.
John built a successful material testing business to support his family, and in turn, many other people and their families as well. He enjoyed coaching kids' soccer and baseball, collecting 1950s and 60s Lincolns, and mowing trails with his antique tractors for himself, his kids and grandkids to play on at his home in Freeville, NY. He lived his life with what seemed boundless levels of patience, kindness, generosity, and hard work.
Pre-deceased by his wife, Carol Cheney Wanagel, and daughter, Jocelyn Wanagel. Survived by his brother Walt, sister Catherine, ten of his children, nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. We miss him very much.
James Hill, 1941 – 2022
James E. "Jim" Hill, 81, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022, at Backus Hospital in Norwich, after a short battle with cancer. He was born to Archibald "Earle" and Ruth (Robinson) Hill. He was a 1973 graduate of Quinnipiac College and was employed as a Quality Engineer at Lockheed Martin Aerospace for over 30 years. Besides spending time with his family, his favorite pastime was exercising, specifically running. He was an avid runner throughout his life competing in many races, and multiple marathons.
Jim was blessed with a loving family. He married his Norwich Free Academy high school sweetheart Carole (Schmidt) Hill on July 18, 1964. Jim helped raise three daughters with patience, discipline, humor, and humility. He was kind and soft spoken, and always had time to answer a question or help with a project. He loved living in the country and took great pride in his outdoor chores. You could always find him raking the leaves, vacuuming the pool, or fertilizing the lawn with his straw hat on. Jim truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures; annual Disney World trips, family picnics, going to the grandchildren's sporting and school events, or having a glass of wine by the pool. He will be dearly missed by his loved ones.
Jim is survived by his wife Carole; and sister-in-law Laureen Forgey (fiancé Jim); his treasured daughters, Jayne Hill, Bonnie Deschenes (John), and Amy Palaia (Brian); his precious grandchildren, Ashley Marquardt (fiancé Slade Baxley), Emily Marquardt, Sam, Max, and Annelise Palaia; he was a loving brother to his sisters, Doris Greenhalgh (Bill), Marian Perkins; his cherished nephew Charlie Grant and his wife Carol; his dear friends Kenny and Claire Gero, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Raymond Hill and sister Margie Grant.
Polly Ann Crandall Hinckley, 1938-2022
Polly A. Hinckley, 84, of Brooklyn, CT passed away on June 13, 2022. She was born in Willimantic, CT, the daughter of the late Bernard G. and Julia (Rodman) Crandall.
Polly grew up in Franklin, CT, and attended a one room school from kindergarten through 8th grade. She was active in the town’s 4-H program. She attended Windham High School where she met her husband Arnold. During her high school years, she was active with the Future HomeMakers of America and was elected President of the group in her senior year. She graduated Windham High in 1956 and attended the University of Connecticut where she received both her bachelor’s degree in 1960 and a Master’s of Science in 1965.
Polly was a devoted member of the Columbia Congregational Church, serving on various committees. She loved singing in the church choir and being part of the music ministry. Polly enjoyed playing the piano and organ and would attend organ concerts at Trinity College. She was an exceptional seamstress. She made her own wedding dress and clothes for her family. Polly was an avid scrapbooker, from every family vacation to local community events; she made a scrapbook for every event. Polly was a home economics school teacher for well over 30 years having taught 6th through 12th grade. She worked at Lyman Memorial High School and then taught at the William J. Johnston Middle School and Bacon Academy High School until her retirement in 1992.
Most of all, Polly was a devoted wife and mom and grandmother to her family. She made every birthday and holiday special with her meticulous planning and thoughtfulness for every occasion. She enjoyed baking and cooking for family and friends and was always willing to share recipes. She enjoyed summer family vacations in Wolfeboro, NH and trips to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Polly also enjoyed doing one day bus tours throughout New England.
She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Arnold Hinckley; children, Cindy and Rev. Bernie Hinckley; grandchildren, Julia and Alexandra Hinckley; her husband’s siblings, Thelma, Henry and his wife Lynne, Nancy, and Ginny and her husband Lloyd.
Heather Lynn Dutcher Primett, 1976-2022
Heather Lynn Dutcher Primett of Franklin and Groton, lost her battle with brain cancer, after fighting with grace, courage and humor for nearly four years, July 22, 2022, at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London, surrounded by the love of her husband, mother and sister.
She was born at William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich March 18, 1976, and grew up in Franklin, where she lived until her marriage, and worked as a teen at the Franklin Farm's stand on Route 32. She attended St. Mary's Church of the Immaculate Conception in Baltic, and graduated from Franklin Elementary School and Saint Bernard's High School in Montville, before continuing her studies, first at ECSU and then, at SCSU, where she earned her bachelor's degree and her master's degree in special education. She worked at Chaplin Elementary School and Murphy Elementary School in Montville before accepting a position as a special education teacher at Oakdale Elementary School. She loved being a teacher and was devoted to her students, and found another family in the wonderful Oakdale community.
Heather and Bryan Primett were married in 2007, at the Coast Guard Academy and moved to Groton, celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary this past June 30th.
Heather was the beloved aunt of five nieces and nephews; the unofficial, but equally beloved aunt to several other young friends and family members; and godmother to two godchildren. She adored them all.
She loved going to the beach and finding sea glass, making handcrafted jewelry and home goods for MYTH Designs, scrapbooking, watching Hallmark, listening to Red Sox games, rocking out to 80s jams, visiting art shows, yard sales and craft breweries with her husband, and being with her family and friends.
Left to mourn her are her husband Bryan Primett of Groton; her mother Eleanor Wood Dutcher of Franklin; her virtual stepfather James Taylor; her uncle David Wood of Franklin; her father Donald Dutcher of Norwich; her sister, Traci Dutcher Hastings, her brother-in-law, Todd Hastings; her parents-in-law Stephen and Jo Ann Primett of Ledyard; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Brett and Jessie Primett of North Stonington; her nieces and nephews:Tyler Primett, Matthew Primett, Morgan Primett, Abigael Primett and Paityn-Evelyn Hastings; her godchildren, Abby and Alex Tufts of North Carolina; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and her cat Lilo. The family wishes to thank Dr. Jennifer Moliterno and Dr. Nicholas Blondin at Smilow Cancer Hospital and the oncology and palliative care staff at L&M Hospital, who made her last days as comfortable as possible. She was predeceased by her grandparents, D. Donald "Woody" Wood and Evelyn Wood of Franklin and Julia Dutcher of Franklin and Ledyard.
2021
Oliver Manning, 1924 - 2021
Lebanon - Oliver J. Manning, 96, passed away on August 10,2021. He was the 9th child of Ernest K. and Dora Arnold Manning and lived almost his entire life in Lebanon Connecticut.
Believing that each person has the responsibility to leave the world a better place for all, he was involved in countless organizations reflecting his commitment to his faith, occupation, community, and family. A believer in a benevolent God, and the need to put faith into action, he was a pillar of the 1st Congregational Church in Lebanon. He served the church in many capacities throughout his life from the Board of Deacons to teaching children in Vacation Bible School.
Proud to be a dairy farmer and taking seriously the challenge of feeding the world, he was an early adopter of farming innovations such as trench silos, milking parlors, and artificial insemination. He was active in Farm Bureau, New London County Extension Service and 4-H, and various farmers' cooperatives. He and his wife were early, and long-time supporters of Heifer International and hosted HI trainees from China and Tanzania who lived and worked on the farm. He also hosted interns from Nepal and Europe with International Farm Youth Exchange. He believed that it was important to be a productive and contributing citizen and served on the Town of Lebanon Zoning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals as well as various other boards and commissions for the Town; and was a volunteer for the Fire Department and the local Boy Scouts.
His family was his pride and joy. He faithfully attended the annual Robinson-Manning Family Reunion. He took his tractor and hay wagon to give rides around the Lebanon green.
He is survived by three daughters, Mary Ann Thomen (Garland, deceased), Carolyn Dalton (James), and Dora Brown (David); a foster son, Michael Proctor (Pierrette); 8 grandchildren and their partners; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by Lucille, his soul-mate and wife; and daughter Bethany.
A celebration of his life will be held in the fall. Make donations in his memory to the New London County 4-H Foundation. His spirit continues to live on in the lives of everyone touched by him and his actions.
Loretta T Manning, 1920 – 2021
JEWETT CITY – Loretta Manning, 101, of Jewett City, passed away peacefully at her home on December 2, 2021. She was the daughter of Henry and Marie Louise Topping, and wife of the late Edward H. Manning.
Loretta grew up in Lawrence, MA before coming to Jewett City with her family in the 1940’s. She worked at the Thermos Company and as a Social Worker before her marriage to Edward. She returned to college to earn a Master’s degree in Education from Eastern Connecticut State University. She taught for many years at Griswold Elementary School before her retirement in 1985.
Loretta was very involved in community organizations. She was a lector at St. Mary Church in Jewett City, and a member of the Columbiettes, as well as serving as a member of the Boards of Directors for the Visiting Nurses Association in Jewett City and the ARC of New London County. She also loved to travel with the family, visiting most of the states and eastern Canada.
Family was very important to Loretta, and she thoroughly enjoyed every family get-together.
Loretta is survived by her three daughters, Diane Manning, Mary Ann Manning and Susan Manning, all of Jewett City. She was predeceased by her husband, sister Rita (Fred) Marzec, brother Joseph (Anne) Topping and brother Norman “Bobby” Topping. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, including Fred and Pauline Marzec, Larry and Sandy Lumbert, Jack and Jane Puzine, Jim and Marion Manning, “niece” Nora Kaszuba and two close friends, Richard Carrier and Harry Fargo.
Carol Wanagel, 1945 - 2021
Carol died peacefully at home Feb 15, 2021 following multiple strokes, her family at her side. She was born and raised in Ithaca, NY by her parents Martha and Alexander Cheney. Among her many accomplishments were three Cornell degrees and raising 11 children with her husband John. She was well-known for her personality, which she had a lot of! People loved and respected Carol for her strength, boundless energy, infinite supply of opinions, keen intelligence, and her passionate love for her family to whom she dedicated her life. Carol is survived by her devoted husband, two sisters, ten of her children and all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be deeply missed.
Wedding of Nathan Tyler to Jasmine Shockness
Nathan Tyler, son of Karen Manning Tyler and Michael Tyler, married Jasmine Shockness, daughter of Frederick and Debora Clement Shockness, on June 26, 2021 in Locust Valley, NY.
2020
Graduation of Nathan Tyler
Nathan Tyler, son of Karen Manning Tyler and Michael Tyler, earned his Master of School Counseling from Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, CT on May 05, 2020.
2019
Juana Leigh Manning Eurek, 1978 - 2019
Juana Leigh Manning Eurek, daughter of Adriene (Andi) Smith Ashby and Roderick Manning was born June 21, 1978, at Sheppard Airforce Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. She graduated in 1996 from E.O. Smith High School, Storrs, CT. In 2007, she received her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from South Florida Community College.
Juana was the mother of four beautiful children: David Eurek, Russia Eurek, Alia Eurek, and Andromeda Eurek-Nance. As a result of her generous spirit and pleasant personality, she was loved by many. She always greeted everyone with a warm hug and kind smile that lit up the room. Juana continually put others before herself. She was compassionate and an excellent listener. She never judged people and made them feel beloved, welcome, and safe, no matter the circumstances. Her family, whether by birth or chosen, was her life. She would move mountains for them.
Juana had a great sense of humor. Even through the last leg of her journey, she would still crack jokes and make others laugh. In her struggle, she made sure that everyone was okay. Juana’s life was as beautiful as the roses that she loved so well, and her influence will forever remain in the lives of all who knew her.
Juana quietly departed this life on Friday, March 22, 2019. Besides her parents and children, Juana is survived by her two siblings, Michael Hurst and Jessica Reynolds, many aunts and uncles, a host of cousins, and a slew of friends. A Celebration of Life service was held on Saturday, April, 13, 2019, at 2:00 PM, at Wintonbury Church, 54 Maple Avenue, Bloomfield, CT 06002. Since this is a celebration, we requested that people dress tastefully and festive. Bright colors were appreciated. Also, a basket was provided to collect pictures and/or anecdotes that people would like to share with the family.
Rowan S. Durbin Dalton Born March 13, 2019
Rowan was born to Celia Durbin and Craig Dalton in New York City, NY on March 13, 2019.
Matthew Lawrence Hebert Married Eleni Patricia Asimacopoulos
Matthew, son of Barbara Hebert, married Eleni on November 2, 2019 in Boston, MA.
Jeffrey John Hebert Married Erica Meade Lokken
Jeffrey, son of Barbara Hebert, married Erica on September 28, 2019 in Winthrop, WA.
2018
Graduation of Alex Boutin
Alex Boutin earned a B.S. Mechanical Engineering from Merrimack College in Andover, MA in 2018.
Graduation of Dana Robinson Martel
Dana Robinson Martel earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Keuka College in Keuka, NY in 2018.
Victoria Holmes Born March 2, 2018
Victoria was born to Gordon and Rebecca Holmes at William Backus Hospital on March 2, 2018
Louie Arnold Manning born June 27, 2018
Louie was born to Stephanie and Justin Manning in Syracuse, NY on June 27, 2018.
Graduation of Scott Hendrick
Scott Hendrick earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Finance from Fordham University in NY in 2018.
Graduation of Erin Rachel Fedors
Erin Rachel Fedors earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN) from the University of Delaware in 2018.
Graduation of Jacob E. Fedors
Jacob Fedors earned a Bachelor of Science in Meterology from Plymouth State University in New Hampshire in 2018.
Graduation of Campbell Headrick
Campbell Headrick graduated from Whitman High School in Bethesda, MD in 2018.
Graduation of Reed Hinckley Barnes
Reed Hinckley Barnes earned a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from University of Wisconsin Milwaukee in 2018.
Kristine M. Manning Married Ross Murphey Cawthorn
Kristin, daughter of Phil and Donna Manning , married Ross, son of George and Jeannine Cawthon, in Gainesville, FL on July 21, 2018.
Graduation of Kristina Maillet Manning
Kristina graduated Summa Cum Laude from Stetson University in Deland, FL with a Bachelor of Science in Music, Voice, Education in 2018.
Huxley Timothy Rykoski Born July 16, 2018
Huxley was born to Jasmine (Manning) and Timothy Rykoski in Clinton, CT on July 16, 2018.
Daniel Paul Jugovic, 1989 - 2017
Charlton - Daniel Paul Jugovic, age 28, of Baylies Road, Charlton, Massachusetts passed away on Saturday, November 25, 2017 at UMASS Memorial Hospital in Worcester after a brief illness. He leaves his parents, Bruno and Joyce (Robinson) Jugovic and one brother, Nicholas Jugovic, all of Charlton. He also leaves his paternal grandmother, Mary (Marinich) Jugovic of Canton, Illinois and his maternal great aunt, Priscilla Dyson of Danielson, CT., Numerous aunts, uncles and cousins survive him. He was predeceased by special grandparents, Franjo B. Jugovic of Canton, Illinois, and Dr. Lavius and Marjorie Robinson, Jr. of Danielson, CT. Born with severe special needs, Danny attended the S.W.C.E.C. Project SMILE for all his education. He attended FRS in Dudley for his adult day program. He lived in a group home for the past 4 years, and was very well taken care of by many amazing people. He was a truly special child, touching the hearts of all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, since Christmas was such a special holiday for Danny, unwrapped toys or cash donations for the Toys for Tots program may be brought to the service. Those who wish may make a donation in Danny's name to your local Toys for Tots program, or donations to the Massachusetts Special Olympics are also welcome as Danny participated in the local Special Olympics several times.