Victor F. Zackay

Victor F. Zackay, professor emeritus of the University of California at Berkeley, passed away on March 14 at his home in Ridgefield after a long illness. He was 94.

Victor Zackay was born in San Francisco, Calif. He received his primary and secondary education there and attended the University of California, Berkeley, for three years prior to the outbreak of World War II. After volunteering for service, he rose from private to captain in the Combat Engineers and spent two years in the China-Burma-India theatre.

Upon his return five years later he completed his bachelor of science degree in materials science as well as a master’s and doctorate in that field. Dr. Zackay joined the newly-formed scientific laboratory of Ford Motor Co., in Dearborn, Mich. Serving in both roles of scientist and later, management, he designed unusual steels which were subsequently patented and widely used in industry. These included iron aluminum alloys for automotive exhaust systems and ultra-high nitrogen steels for some early gas turbine components.

In 1962 Dr. Zackay left Ford Motor Co. and joined the faculty of the University of California at Berkeley, where he supervised theses research of over 100 students. Dr. Zackay became associate dean of the College of Engineering as well as associate director of research in the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory. He developed new kinds of superconducting components with high transition temperatures and new ultra-high strength steels. He also consulted with engineers and scientists of companies such as Gillette and Johnson & Johnson. Dr. Zackay was a member of the J&J team that designed and produced ultra-high strength corrosion resistant steel needles used in cardiovascular and ophthalmic wound closures.

He also worked at Gillette to produce a special coating for razor blades that, when applied just below the cutting edge, would be hard and corrosion resistant and would provide lubricity. The alloys found to provide the required characteristics were the class of materials that Dr. Zackay had used for the best superconducting properties. For many years., all TWIN TRAC blades were made with this coating.

After 17 years at the university, Professor Zackay retired early to form his own company, Materials and Methods, Inc. The goal of his company was to bring companies with technical problems together with university professors processing sufficient knowledge of the required fields to solve these problems. These contracts were established in chemical, electrical, mechanical and metallurgical engineering. In the course of his academic and industrial careers, Dr. Zackay published over 100 papers and received many honors and awards.

Retiring eventually in 1989, he immersed himself in the art of woodcraft. Working in his well-equipped shop, he utilized exotic tropical woods from all over the world to create boxes of unusual size and design — a hobby most fitting as it related to his life-long association with materials.

Dr. Zackay is survived by his wife, Lillian Marie Sherdal as well as family in California and Illinois.

Contributions in memory of Dr. Zackay may be made to Regional Hospice and Home care of Western CT, 30 Milestone Road, Danbury, CT 06810.

—by the family

Dr. Robert E. Mead, 83, of Ridgefield, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 14, 2015. He is survived by his wife Patti of 48 years and his children: a son Robbie and his wife Mary, and a daughter, Andi. He is also survived by three grandchildren; Casey Jade, Fermin Brandon and Robert Jeremiah. He will be dearly missed by all of us as well as his faithful companion, his dog Annie.

Dr. Mead was born on November 2, 1931 in Danbury, CT; a son of the late Silas and Carrie Zang Mead. He attended Danbury Schools and went on to graduate from Northwestern University with a Doctorate Degree in Dental Surgery. He practiced dentistry in Ridgefield for 40 years and was involved in many local organizations including Ridgefield Boys Club, Boy Scouts, Rotary Club, Men’s Club, Founders Hall, the Fairfield County HCCA/AACA, and The Stanley Museum. He repaired the Cass Gilbert Fountain many times.

Bob loved life and his many endeavors. He was an avid skier, a member of numerous antique car clubs, and flew airplanes among other things. His passion was his Stanley Steam cars. He was well known in the antique car community as an expert on Stanley Steamers, and shared his enthusiasm with his daughter Andi.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at 10:15 am at Saint Mary’s Church; 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield.

Interment will follow in St. Peter’s Cemetery; Lake Avenue Ext., Danbury.

There will be no calling hours.

Kane Funeral Home, Ridgefield is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: The Stanley Museum: PO Box 77; Kingsfield, ME 04947.

—by the family

Jonathan Maxson

Jonathan Irving Maxson, a kind man with quiet wit, died March 10, of Parkinson’s disease at Apple Rehab, Watch Hill.

Born in Westerly, RI, February 1, 1927, the son of J. Irving and Kathryn Comstock Maxson, Maxson attended Stonington schools and graduated from Stonington High in 1944.

He was enrolled in the Army Specialized Training Program until the war in Europe ended, at which time, he was sent to Germany in the Army of Occupation.

Jonathan attended Yale University, graduating in 1949. He obtained work in Stamford, CT and in September 1949, married his high school classmate, Jane Hoxie.

In 1959, the couple and their three children moved to Ridgefield, CT and lived there for thirty two years. Jon was treasurer of Jesse Lee Memorial Methodist Church during the years the new building was erected. He was a member of a bowling team and a pinochle group in Ridgefield. He retired as comptroller of Marcus Dairy in 1991. when Jon and his wife moved to their summer home in Green Hill, RI.

Jon enjoyed stamp collecting, specializing in island countries and playing cribbage, which he taught his children and grandchildren. He led his family on memorable trips to Civil War battlefields and on cross-country trips to Yellowstone Park and Grand Canyon. In later years, he and Jane traveled to countries throughout the world, visiting many of the islands whose stamps he collected.

Jon is survived by his loving wife, Jane (Hoxie) Maxson, his brother, Henry C. Maxson and his children, Jonathan III (Sarah Rice), Judith Sharnik (John), and David (Diane Larose); four grandchildren, Rachel Maxson (Jesse Purkerson), and Clifford Maxson of OR; Hilary Settle (David) of NY; and Scott Maxson of MA; one great grandchild, Clara Purkerson of OR.

A memorial service will be held Friday, March 13, at Buckler Johnston Funeral Home in Westerly; calling hour from 1:00 to 2:00 PM with service following.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Apple Rehab Watch Hill Employee Education Fund.

—by the family

Donald H. Edman

Donald H. Edman, 80, of Waccabuc, NY, husband of the late Noel A. Edman, died on Wednesday, March 18. He was born August 4, 1934 in Mineola, NY to the late Harry and Evelyn (Bartel) Edman.

Don grew up in Williston Park, NY and graduated from Chaminade HS, where he played varsity basketball. He graduated from Hofstra University where he participated in many extra-curricular activities, including president of Student Council, fraternity president, ROTC, and business manager of the college newspaper. He also received many university honors, including Dean’s List and election to Who’s Who in American Universities.

After graduating from college, Don was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve. He served for six years, including two tours of active duty. Don then pursued graduate studies at George Washington University.

Don joined IBM in 1957 and remained for almost 40 years. During that time, he rose through many positions of increasing managerial responsibility in both the international and domestic operations. He retired in 1993 as a senior corporate executive at IBM corporate headquarters in Armonk, NY.

Don married Noel Anne Nelson in November, 1956. They were married for 54 years and raised five children. They were long time members of Waccabuc Country Club, and enjoyed many activities, including golf, tennis and paddle tennis. Don also served on the club’s Board of Governors.

Don had many interests in addition to athletics such as playing guitar, organ and bridge. He was a long-term supporter of Special Olympics, and was a member of the Board of Directors of NY State Special Olympics. In addition, Don utilized his golf experience to develop and implement a program to teach golf to Special Olympic athletes.

A childhood dream of Don’s was fulfilled when he became a licensed pilot.

He was an active member of St. Mary’s Church in Ridgefield, CT, where he was involved in the church’s Midnight Run program and often traveled to serve the homeless in NYC. Beyond these church sponsored activities, he volunteered as an overnight manager of the Dorothy Day Homeless Shelter in Danbury, CT.

Don is survived by a son, Donald N. Edman of Yonkers, NY, and four daughters: Denise M. Lupia and her husband David of Rancho Mirage, CA; Kathleen E. Segal and her husband Stephen of Oakland, CA; Lisa A. Terramoccia and her husband Robert of West Milford, NJ; and Gabrielle N. Briggs and her husband, Jason of New Milford, CT. Don also is survived by five grandsons, Kyle and Casey Terramoccia, Carson Martabano and Taylor and Avery Briggs.

A Mass of Christian Burial is being celebrated on Tuesday, March 24th at 10:15 AM ín St. Mary’s with Msgr. Laurence J. Bronkiewicz officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ridgefield.

The family will receive friends in the Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield on Monday, March 23rd from 5 PM to 8 PM. Contributions in Mr. Edman’s honor may be made to Special Olympics NY, Hudson Valley Region, 1207 Route 9, Suite 1C, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590, 845 765-2497.

Eric R. Goehringer, 59, of Ridgefield, CT died unexpectedly and peacefully at his home on March 21, 2015. Born in Connersville, IN on May 18, 1955; he was the son of Carol (Cox) Goehringer and the late Gene Goehringer. His family moved to Ridgefield, CT in 1964. Eric attended Ridgefield Schools and was a 1973 graduate of Ridgefield High School. He attended Thomas College in Waterville, ME.

Eric was very proud of his children and his greatest pleasure was to spend time with them and his grandchildren. He also enjoyed skiing and had fond memories of his days racing for the Ridgefield Ski Team and weekends at the family ski house in Vermont with family and friends. Eric was a music enthusiast and played drums in a number of bands during his high school years and afterwards.

Eric’s love of skiing led to his first career in the ski retail business where he was Manager of the Mt. Snow Ski Shop; and later, Manager of the ski shop at Bob’s Sports in New Canaan. He was always very handy around the house and eventually decided to change careers to start his own painting business; American Classic Painting. Several years ago, he transitioned into carpentry and it became his passion. He had many clients in Ridgefield most recently he enjoyed having his son, Spencer, help him out.

In addition to his mother, Carol; Eric is survived by his sister, Pam; as well as his children: Spencer Goehringer of Fairfield, CT; Shannon Fabiano and her husband, Dom of Southborough, MA and Kristen Goehringer of New York City. He is also survived by two grandchildren: Mia Goehringer and Bryce Fabiano. In addition to his mother, sister, children and grandchildren; he is survived by his former wife, Christine Goehringer and his dear friend, Carol Bomba, her family and grandchildren.

Friends will be received at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield on Sunday, March 29, 2015 from 2 to 4 pm. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Eric’s memory can be made to a charity of one’s choice.

It was Veterans Park’s annual Variety Show Friday, Feb. 27, and for many parents, it’s a highlight of the year.

“Hands down, it’s our family’s favorite school event all year,” said Andrea Atkins, who co-produced this year’s show and whose children, Finn and Heidi, both participated. “It is so many wonderful and important things — hard work, creativity, bravery, support, triumph, fun — all rolled into one.“

The 2015 VP Variety Show featured more than 100 third  to fifth grade students in 46 acts. Each act is just a minute long and is conceived, named and presented by the kids (with occasional parental guidance). This year’s lineup included instrument, vocal and dance solos, comedy routines and clever spoofs, dance and sports numbers, and even a mini puppet show, by the ChaCha Puppeteers.

Hard work begins in early January when previews are held and weekly rehearsals begin. “To witness these acts go from inception to performance and to watch the kids — and the amazing parent volunteer team — work so hard and be so supportive of each other is just an incredible experience,” said co-producer Meredith Thrutchley.

Ms. Thrutchley, whose son Tyler was in the show, has been part of the parent crew for two years.

Most kids performing in the Veterans Park Variety Show can calm pre-performance jitters with the consolation that their act is only one minute long, but they’re still performing on a big stage in front of a standing-room-only crowd with bright lights in their eyes.

Two Veterans Park students don’t have that luxury of performing: the Variety Show Masters of Ceremony — this year they were fifth graders Sara Hansen, who hosted Act One, and Finn Atkins, who took the stage for Act Two.

The emcees had to audition and even write their own scripts.

“I watched the acts and took notes for two practices,” said Finn. “Then on a snow delay one morning, I wrote the script, and then my parents helped edit it.”

Sara said, “I practiced the script a lot and worked on how to pronounce the kids’ names properly.”

Their advice for future emcees?

“To stay calm, ask people about their last names, and have lots of fun,” said Sara.

Finn said, “Have fun with it. Don’t worry about it. You can’t really see the audience because the spotlight is so blinding.”

Jane Catherine Lydon Cassidy

Jane Catherine Lydon Cassidy, 91, of Ridgefield, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2015. Jane is survived by her children, Sheila Upjohn of Salem, Oregon, her husband Donald, Mimi Cassidy of South Salem, New York, her husband Joseph Sacco, and Sean Cassidy of Fredericksburg, Virginia, his wife Karin, her five grandchildren, Sarah, Luke, Anna, Rosie, and Jacques, and her many friends. Her former husband, Jacques Cassidy, passed away in August, 2014, and her daughter, Jacqueline Cassidy, in 1991.

Jane, a leader of her community of elders at Prospect Ridge in Ridgefield, Connecticut, was known and loved by all. A former caregiver, always eager to help, Jane assisted anyone in need, doing everything from personal care to shopping and other household tasks. An advocate for her community, she rallied her fellow seniors and effectively petitioned for change at Prospect Ridge. Passionate about politics and current events, she kept abreast of world, national, and local news. An avid gardener, pet owner, gifted pianist, and former resident of Salem, Oregon for many years, Jane maintained ongoing relationships with the many people she had known and touched in her life.

A veteran of the United States Army from November 1944 until honorable discharge in July 1947, Jane saw active duty during World War II, where she was stationed in Nanking (now Najing), China, as a clerk typist and telephone switchboard operator, handling confidential calls for an army advisory group and assistant chief in charge of 40 government employees. During her service, she participated in meetings with President and Madame Chiang Kai-Shek. Returning to the United States in 1945, she survived a typhoon in the western Pacific that damaged numerous US ships. For her distinguished military service, she was awarded the American Defense Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

Jane will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.

Duncan W. Caney of Oldsmar Florida, formerly of Ridgefield, Ct., born in Norwalk, Ct in 1942, has passed away Friday, April 3, 2015 after a long battle with an extended illness. He is survived by his wife, Francisca Caney; his four children; Jackie, Sean, Rob, and Heather, and their spouses and partners, as well as his grandchildren. Also by his brother Robert Caney of Dunedin and his family.

Duncan proudly served our country in the United States Marine Corps. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: Oldsmar Cares as well as Suncoast Hospice. www.curlewhills.com

Roy Charles Cuny

Roy Charles Cuny, 90 of Ridgefield; husband of Kathryn “Kay” Cuny, died on April 5, 2015.

He was born on August 22, 1924 in Union City, NJ a son of the late Elsie and Julien Cuny.

After a high school career highlighted by an interest in photography and a stint as the marching band’s drum major, he attended Steven’s Institute of Technology. Upon graduation, he served on the Steven’s faculty for several years. During that time, he married his high school sweetheart, Kay Boschert Cuny; they celebrated their 66th anniversary this year.

Roy went on to work as an Engineer and Plant Manager for Lederle Laboratories and later moved to Davis & Geck where, among other activities, he oversaw the design of staplers used to accelerate a patient’s recovery from surgery.

Roy was devoted to his wife and three children; Jan, Roy, and Douglas, and a family which has grown to include seven grandchildren; Jose, Christine, Roy, Michelle, Myrna, Cisco, and Ryan and two great grandchildren; Elayna and Quinton.

He was looking forward to the birth of two additional great grandchildren children and the wedding of one of his grandchildren next month.

Roy’s father was a craftsman and interior decorator, and in continuing that tradition Roy was an accomplished craftsman and engineer; he could build anything and fix anything. He was happy to share those skills with family and friends: he was a neighbor who was always ready to plow a driveway during a winter blizzard or lend a generator after a summer storm.

Roy was an active civic volunteer. He was a volunteer fireman, a member of multiple school boards and planning boards, and a volunteer for Meal on Wheels. He loved woodworking, camping, fishing, marksmanship, skiing, tennis, and barbecuing for his family. Though always trim, he always enjoyed good eating, especially with family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Ridgefield Meals on Wheels, 25 Gilbert St., Ridgefield 06877.

Funeral Services will be private; Kane Funeral Home, Ridgefield is in charge of arrangements.

Maurice Francis Quaide, 86, of Ridgefield, passed away on April 7, 2015. He was the loving husband of Mrs. Mary (Halleran) Quaide.

Mr. Quaide was born in New York City on September 3, 1928; a son of the late Thomas and Josephine (Mulcahy) Quaide. He worked as an Electrical Engineer with AT&T and was a US Army Reservist.

In addition to his wife Mary, Mr. Quaide is survived by a son, Kevin and a grandson, Daniel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 13, 2015 at 10:15 am at St.

Mary’s Church; 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. Interment with Military Honors will follow at the Connecticut State Veteran’s Cemetery; Middletown, CT.

There will be no calling hours.

Kane Funeral Home, Ridgefield is in charge of arrangements.

Sandra D. Reed

Sandra D. Reed, 77, of Ridgefield; passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2015. She was the wife of the late William C. Reed.

Mrs. Reed was born on May 13, 1937 in South Gouldsboro, Maine; a daughter of Alan and Evelyn (Hammond) Wilkinson. She was a graduate of Eastern Maine General Hospital, School of Nursing, worked as a Registered Nurse for many years, was co-owner of Reed Landscape Management with her husband, and was a devoted mother to her children.

A resident of Ridgefield for the past 42 years, Mrs. Reed was a member of Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church. She was a member of the Fairfield County Chorale, the Ridgefield VNA, was a master gardener and was very active in the church and community.

Mrs. Reed is survived by a son; Karl Dahnke and his wife, Melissa and three daughters; Joy Gardineer and her husband, Chris; Jennifer Beneventano and her husband, John; Col. Heidi Cornell and Col. James Bowen and a stepson; William Reed and his wife, Dr. Cathleen Campbell.

In addition to her children, Mrs. Reed is survived by 12 grandchildren: Christopher, James, Kaitlyn, Victoria, Annie, Emma, Lauren, Kelly, Katherine, Jane, William and Jack.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 24, 2015 at 11:00 am at the Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church; 207 Main Street, Ridgefield.

Interment will be private; there will be no calling hours.

Memorial contributions can be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: 1275 York Avenue; New York, NY 10065 or at giving.mskcc.org.

Kane Funeral Home, Ridgefield is in charge of arrangements.

The Discovery Center at Ridgefield, in conjunction with the New Pond Farm Observatory, 101 Marchant Road, West Redding, is celebrating an Astronomy Day with a program that is open to the public on Saturday April 25, starting at 8 p.m.

Participants will gaze through telescopes at the mountains and craters of the crescent moon, a brilliant Venus in the west and an almost equally brilliant Jupiter overheard. The astronomers will also create a scale model of the solar system — the dimensions will be quite surprising. The spring and late winter constellations will be pointed out and discussed.

Participants should bring a flashlight for the walk from the parking area to the observatory, and binoculars. The program is $4 per person for Discovery Center members, with a maximum of $16 per family. For nonmembers, the charge is $6 per person, with a maximum of $24 per family. Registration is required. Visit ridgefielddiscovery.org or call 203-438-1063. If it looks as if the skies might be cloudy, check the website after 4 p.m. for program status.

Robert “Bob” Tanneberger, 88, of Hingham, MA. formerly of Ridgefield, husband of Gertrude “Trudy” Tanneberger, died on Tuesday, April 28, 2015.  Bob was a longtime resident of Ridgefield, CT before moving to Hingham 11 years ago.

In his early years, he proudly served in the U.S. Army in Europe toward the end of WWII. He graduated from Queens College and went on to work for IBM in corporate services for over 35 years. In Ridgefield, Bob was an active volunteer including time spent with FISH, driving the elderly to necessary appointments, and the Dorothy Day House of Hospitality in the soup kitchen. He was also an Assistant Den Master with the Cub Scouts. Bob was an avid sports fan, playing, watching and coaching sports throughout the years. He will be dearly missed.

In addition to his wife Trudy of 62 years, Bob was the devoted father of Stephen and his wife Dorothy of Danbury, CT, Joseph and his wife Mary of Charlotte, NC and Michael and his wife Debra of St. Albans, VT. Cherished “Grandpa” of Peter, Andrew, William and Jordan. Loving son of the late Frank and Lillian Tanneberger and brother of the late Dr. Frank Tanneberger.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 1, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. in Sacred Heart Church, 30 Church St., Redding, CT 06896.

Interment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Ridgefield with military honors.

The family will receive friends in the Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah St., Ridgefield on Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

Martin Joseph Kendrick, 88, of Aptos, California, passed from this life on February 19, 2015.

Born May 9, 1926 in New York City to Emma Arney Kendrick and Martin John Kendrick, Marty was raised in Jamaica, Queens, New York and attended local schools. In 1944 he joined the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Mechanic and was stationed at the Hutchinson, Kansas Naval Air Station until the end of World War II.

After the war, Marty — an avid photographer — was employed by Pathe News as an assistant cameraman for their newsreel division, and later became a Director before leaving the company in 1958.

That same year he married the love of his life, Carol Brooks of Long Beach, California, whom he had met through mutual friends while they were both living and working in New York City. Carol was a flight attendant with Pan American Airways, and the group of coworkers, housemates, fellow flight attendants and pilots they knew from that time remained lifelong friends. Carol predeceased him in 2005.

During the 1960’s Marty joined the Hearst Corporation as a Director in their Screen News Digest division, and remained with Hearst until his retirement in 1985.

A natural athlete and avid sports fan, Marty played organized baseball and basketball in his youth, and coached youth hockey for 10 years during the 1960s and 70s in New Jersey, where he and Carol raised their two daughters.

Marty loved golf, playing regularly in a senior golf league and working as a volunteer Ranger at Seascape Golf Club in Aptos, California, where he and Carol retired in 1989.

He was a frequent visitor to Ridgefield, and enjoyed visits to Ballard Park with his grandchildren, attending their soccer, lacrosse and hockey games, the annual Memorial Day Parade, and treating the family to Mr. Shane’s ice cream.

In addition to his daughters Kerry Christensen, of Ridgefield and Kristen Willig, of Hillsborough, California, Marty is survived by his six beloved grandchildren: Emily, Brooks and Claire Willig, and Brita, Jack and Will Christensen.

A Service celebrating Marty’s life is planned for May 9th at 11 am at the First Congregational Church, 103 Main Street, Ridgefield. Donations to one of Marty’s favorite charities, The Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind (www.Guidedog.org), are welcomed.

Jean Taylor Safford

Jean Taylor Safford died April 18, 2015 in Kingston, MA, following a brief illness. She and her husband, Ted, who passed away earlier this year, lived in Duxbury, MA for several years following fifty-seven years in Ridgefield, CT.

Jean was born in New York City on November 23, 1922 to Josephine Carver and George Henry Taylor, and she grew up with her three sisters in Ellenville, NY. After graduating from Ellenville High School she moved to New York City to attend Katherine Gibbs School from which she graduated in 1946. Her first job was at Harper’s Bazaar where she was a Merchandise Editor. She met her future husband, Theodore Safford, Jr., of Cincinnati, Ohio while living in Manhattan. He was attending medical school in Brooklyn. They courted and were married in June 1947.

Ted and Jean moved to Ridgefield, CT to raise their family. She loved her life there and found many ways to give back to the community. Jean served on the boards of the District Nursing Association, the Altar Guild at St. Stephen’s Church, Silver Spring Country Club, Literacy Volunteers of America and ABC House. Jean also volunteered as a classroom mentor to young students in the Danbury, CT public schools. An avid gardener, Jean was blessed with an eye for composition and color which she developed into a flair for arranging flowers. Jean served as President of the Ridgefield Garden Club, and one of her proudest achievements was being appointed a judge for The Garden Club of America, a role she loved and at which she served for many years.

Jean was a renowned hostess, and her parties were legendary. She passed on her love of great food and entertaining to her children. She also had an abiding love of animals. Her devotion to the many dogs and cats she nurtured over the years gave her great pleasure. Once she discovered the Rescue League for Golden Retrievers, she took in a string of five or six rescued dogs who needed a loving home. She gave them that and more.

Jean also was an accomplished athlete. She skied, played tennis and was an avid golfer well into her eighties. She loved to laugh and knew how to have fun. She was feisty and spunky right up to the end, and she always could be counted on for her absolute candor.

Jean was inspired by an unconfirmed report that her family was descended from Mayflower passengers. The tale was told by an elderly aunt which made the veracity of the account even more suspect. Intrigued with the challenge of confirming or refuting this claim, she embarked on a more than two year process of research. After many dead ends and a bit of luck, the family lineage was confirmed. Jean and her sisters are 10th generation direct descendants of John and Priscilla Alden. Her line is through their second child and eldest daughter, Elizabeth, who married Thomas Pabodie, a family name now known as Peabody.

Jean’s older sister Patricia passed away 20 years ago. She is survived by her sisters, Mary Francis Evans of Clinton, NY and Harriet Hoskinson of Wilton, CT; and her four children; Holly and her husband, Charles Weilbrenner of Duxbury; MA, Jennifer and her husband, Jefferson Kimball of South Freeport, ME; Theodore Safford III of Norwell, MA; and Taylor and his wife Kathleen, of Mill Valley, CA. Grandchildren include Andrew Marconi and his husband, Ed Quinones, of Duxbury, MA, and their children Cody, Brandon and Zachary; Jason Marconi of Venice, CA; Alexander Marconi and his wife, Megan, of Duxbury, MA, and their children Jackson, Parker and Addison Sarah Viteri and her husband, Alex and daughter Louisa of Stamford, CT; Brad Weilbrenner and his wife Lucy of Duxbury, MA; Sarah Sullivan, and her husband, Jim, of Raleigh, NC, and their children Molly and Paul; Tripp Kimball, of Miami, FL; and Noah Safford of Norwell, MA; plus many devoted nieces and nephews.

Jean’s family is grateful for the wonderful staff at Wingate at Silver Lake in Kingston, MA, where Jean received such attentive and loving care.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, June 27, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church, 410 Washington Street, Duxbury, MA. A luncheon will follow at the Mattakeeset House.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation, 804 W. Diamond Ave, Suite 210, Gaithersburg, MD 20878. This was a cause to which she had a personal connection.

Elizabeth “Bettye” (Foreman) Jackson, of Danbury, formerly of Ridgefield, died on Friday, January 23, 2015 at Hancock Hall.

She was a former resident of The Gardens of Danbury.

Bettye was born in New York, New York, the daughter of the late Paul and Eva (Cudlip) Foreman. She moved

Elizabeth F. Jackson

with her family to Stamford, where she attended local schools and graduated from Stamford High School.

On April 12, 1947, she wed the love of her life, William Edward Jackson Jr., to whom she was married for sixty-four years. They lived in Stamford and Rowayton before moving to Ridgefield in 1963.  For many years, she volunteered in the Farmingville Elementary School library.  She was a devoted wife, mother and friend.

Bettye is survived by four daughters, Sandra Jenny and her husband, Brian of Winchester, VA, Donna Drumm of Danbury, Wendy Myers of Elgin, SC and Tracey Jackson of Danbury; a niece, Denise Johnson of Fairfield, CT; seven grandchildren, Jack, Jenny, Kate Drumm, Kristen McCosham, Timothy Myers, Miichael Scarlett, Amy Scarlett and Lauren Scarlett; a great grandchild, Thomas Pakiela and her dear friends, Tina and Richard Moskwa and Marilyn Crowe.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Jackson was predeceased by a brother, Paul Foreman Jr. and by a sister, Louise Tymon.

Graveside funeral services and burial will take place on Friday, May 15, 2015 at 12 noon in the Great Plain Cemetery, Great Plain Rd., Danbury with Chaplin Leo McIlrath officiating.

Contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908 would be appreciated.

Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home, 9-11 Granville Ave., Danbury is in charge of arrangements.

—by the family

Patricia “Patty” Lu Ann Dieterich, age 85, formerly of Ridgefield, died Friday, May 1, 2015 in Suffield CT, after a long courageous battle with Lung Cancer. Patty was born on November 16th in 1929 in Sioux City, Iowa a daughter of the late Ellen and Forest Smith.  She spent her early childhood in Emery, South Dakota, where her father was a doctor of Veterinary Medicine treating large and farm animals. She later moved to Sioux City, Iowa and then to Ames, Iowa where she attended the University of Iowa, studying Occupational Therapy.

Patricia Lu Ann Dieterich

While there she became an active member of the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority and met the love of her life Robert Dieterich.  Bob and Patty married on Aug.19, 1950 and settled in Chicago and South Bend, Indiana.  In 1953, when her first son Steven was 2 years old, they moved to Caracas, Venezuela for Bob’s work in the printing machine export business. While living there, her second son Kevin was born in 1954. Patty, Bob and the 2 boys continued living in South America, moving to Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, Brazil. She enthusiastically embraced living in a foreign culture, learning both Spanish and Portuguese. In late 1955 they returned to the United States, to live in Park Ridge, Ill. for the next 17 years. During that time she had 2 daughters Julia and Susan.

In 1971 she and her family moved to Ridgefield, CT residing there 15 years. Patty worked locally in women’s retail and for many years along side her husband in his business, Berkshire Graphics. Sadly, in 1984, her husband Robert died, and she began the next chapter of her life, moving to Vero Beach, Florida where she continued to live for 25 years. For 20 of those years, she worked as an active volunteer in the Indian River Medical Center Auxiliary. Patty returned to live in Connecticut in 2011, settling in Suffield and making some wonderful new friends. She was a lifelong Episcopalian, and a member of St. Andrew’s Church in Longmeadow, Mass.

She enjoyed traveling the world on business and for pleasure, bike riding, gardening, attending art events and theatre productions. But most importantly, she loved interacting with friends and family. They knew her as a strong, smart and independent woman with an engaging, caring and generous spirit. As one friend says, “she just had that certain spark that could light up a room”.  Patty was blessed to have 4 children, and 7 grandchildren, who all loved her dearly.  She is survived by her children, Steven Dieterich and his wife, Christina, of Suffield, CT,  Kevin Dieterich and his wife, Candace, of  Winthrop, ME and Susan Dieterich and her life partner, David Antonez, of Easton, CT and seven grandchildren. Patty was predeceased by her daughter, Julia Meetze. Patty had a special love of children; in lieu of flowers, please consider donating in her honor to a charity of your choice that supports and nurtures children around the world. Private services for Patty will be held in Ridgefield, Ct.  Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, Enfield, CT and the Kane Funeral, Ridgefield, CT are assisting Patty’s family.

—by the family

Dorothy I. Blosat, “Dotti”, of Ridgefield passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at Danbury Hospital. She was 71 years old.

Dotti was born on April 3, 1944 in Sycamore, Illinois; a daughter of the late Arthur and Evelyn (Schultz) Dolder.

A resident of Ridgefield for the past 35 years, coming from Illinois; Dotti worked as a Legal Secretary.  A sociable and compassionate person, Dotti enjoyed life to the fullest, with her crossword puzzles, Elvis Presley music, trips with family, and especially living in the town of Ridgefield.

She is survived by her son, Bradley and his wife, Sarah of Ridgefield along with her grandson, Brendan. She is also survived by a sister, Kathy Parsons of Mississippi and by two special nieces; Danielle Waite and Andrea Beck and a devoted friend and neighbor, Antoinette Leal.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 from 5 to 8 pm at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. A memorial service will be held at 7:30 pm in the funeral home. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Ridgefield Meals on Wheels mealsonwheelsofridgefield.org or the Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association ridgefieldvna.org.

—by the family

Nancy J. Christiansen-Johnson passed away on May 16, 2015 after a brief illness. Her family and friends were by her side.

Nancy was born in Glen Cove, New York on October 12, 1960, the youngest of four sisters. Nancy is survived by husband Lee Johnson. She is predeceased by her father, Calvin Charles Christiansen, and mother, Dorothy Haight Christiansen Archer. Nancy is survived by sisters Susan Christiansen, Cynthia Lacey and Caren Vickery, and step-brother Glenn Archer.

Nancy moved from Long Island to Ridgefield, CT with her family when she was two years old. During her childhood she enjoyed swimming, boating and skating on Lake Mamanasco. Nancy graduated from Ridgefield High School in 1978 and subsequently attended Mitchell College in New London, CT. She lived in the Danbury area most of her life, except for a period of time when she lived in Falmouth, Mass.

Nancy held various positions over the years at companies including DIBA Industries and Lorad. She was an employee at Boehringer-Ingleheim for many years, and her latest position there was as Corporate Governance Specialist.

In 2010 Nancy met the love of her life, Lee Johnson. The two were married in Barbados in 2013 and lived in joy and devotion until their union was cut short by her untimely death.

Nancy is remembered for her kindness, loyalty and generosity. She was thoughtful and unselfish, always concerned for her family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. She was a member of the First Congregational Church in Ridgefield.

Nancy supported several charities, and was a DAWS volunteer for many years. She had a strong love of animals and birds, in particular her beloved cat Talullah.

Nancy loved Cape Cod and she and Lee took trips to their favorite spot in Falmouth whenever they could.

Nancy was also well known for her quirky sense of humor and applied her enthusiasm and creativity to any celebration or get-together. Her close friends knew she would always have something up her sleeve to make a festive occasion.

Nancy will be deeply missed by a host of family members including nieces Kelly, Becky, Catrina and Christa and a nephew, Daniel, as well her newly gained Johnson family.

A memorial service will be held in the First Congregational Church, Ridgefield, CT, on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 11 a.m. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Danbury Animal Welfare Society.

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Olga Bellagamba Cohen of 73 Prospect Street, Ridgefield, passed away Sunday, January 18, at the age of 100. Her husband, Abe Cohen, of 25 years, predeceased her. Her sister, Laura Carboni, and brother, Deno Bellagamba, also predeceased her. She leaves behind her brother, Louis Bellagamba, of Newport, RI, and many nieces and nephews in the Ridgefield and Newport area.

Services for Mrs. Cohen will be on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 1 p.m. at the Kane Funeral Home.

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