Barbara H. Feeney

Barbara H. Feeney, age 85, beloved wife of the late Joseph T. Feeney, passed away peacefully in her residence at the Watermark in Bridgeport with her two beloved sons by her side Thursday, December 8, 2016.

Born in New York City the daughter of the late Dr. William G. Hogan and Margaret Waldron Hogan, she had been a long-time resident of Pelham Manor, NY prior to relocating to Weston and later to Fairfield. Her early childhood was spent in South Orange, NJ and New York City. She graduated from The Convent of the Sacred Heart in NYC where she was an accomplished athlete and continued to be an active alumnus. Mrs. Feeney received her Bachelors Degree from Marymount College in Tarrytown, NY. She married Joseph in 1955. Joe was an advertising executive at National Geographic Magazine for 39 years.

While living in Pelham Manor she was an active member of the Manor Club and won the women’s B golf championship at Pelham Country Club in 1973. She and Joe moved from Pelham Manor, NY to Weston, CT in Jan. 1974 where she resided until 2002. Barbara worked as an executive assistant at the executive search firms of Halbrecht and Assoc. as well as Ward Howell International from the early 1980’s through the late 1990’s.

Barbara then moved up to Fairfield, CT in 2002 , then finally to The Watermark Independent Living Facility in Bridgeport in August of 2014. She was a very active and long-time member of The Women’s Club of Weston. Mrs. Feeney loved her childhood summers spent in Spring Lake NJ, spending time with her cherished grandchildren, gardening, the Opera, the ocean and the beach and spending time in Newport RI. She also loved bird watching and the many cats she had as pets over the years. Barbara loved baseball and was a devoted NY Mets fan. She enjoyed travelling and after Joe’s death in 1992 had the opportunity to travel every year with her best friend since 1947 and Godmother to her son, Matthew, Janet (Gumprecht) Courtland. Her favorite 2 places she travelled to being Istanbul, Turkey and The Hermitage in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Predeceased by her eldest child, daughter Deirdre (Feeney) McGowan, she is survived by her sons, Dr. Austin W. Feeney who is an Orthodontist in New Canaan, CT and resides in Westport, CT and Matthew C. Feeney who is in sales for Medtronic PLC’s Neurosurgery division and resides in Boston, MA. She is also survived by her two grandchildren, Hagen and Olivia Feeney; her daughter in law Virginia Gambale Feeney, and a brother, Edward W. Hogan of Middletown, RI. She was predeceased by a brother, Dr. William G. Hogan, Jr.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 11AM in Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 545 Stratfield Road (RT 59) in Fairfield. For information or to sign an online guest register please visit www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com.

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Lois H. Roehr

Lois H. Roehr, a longtime resident of Westport and Weston, died in September. She was 84.

Born in New York, she grew up in St. Albans and studied at Queens College CUNY, majoring in Latin American studies. After graduation she worked at the Benrus Watch Co. in Manhattan while pursuing a master’s degree in education. She met her future husband at a New Year’s party. They eloped sixth months later. They moved to Westport in the late 1960s and to Weston in the 1990s.

She tutored students for the English SAT, taught Spanish to adults and children, and worked as a freelance editor and translator. She also substituted in the public schools. After studying at the New York School of Interior Design, she applied her talents to home design. She later worked as travel director for the Discovery Museum in Bridgeport. She was also a volunteer for a women’s crisis center.

Survivors include her husband of 59 years, Henry Roehr of Weston; a daughter, Karen, and granddaughter Natalia; a son, Robert, of Weston; and a sister, Lynne, of Australia; as well as nieces, nephews, many cousins, and numerous friends in many countries. A celebration of her life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, her family encourages an act of kindness.

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Dale W. Lutz

Dale W. Lutz, 70, of West Palm Beach, FL, passed away peacefully surrounded by his sons and wife of 47 years on December 29, 2016. He was the beloved son of the late Elmer and Dorothy Lutz, and Edith Lutz of Long Island, and the grandson of William and Mae Lutz of Long Island.

Dale spent more than 35 years in the banking industry and held numerous leadership positions starting as Manager, Data Control at National Bank of Detroit. In 1972 he joined Manufacturers Hanover Trust’s Credit and Lending program. As branch banking expanded, he went to MHT Co’s Rochester office in 1976 as Assistant Vice President, and was named Vice President in 1979. While in Rochester, he served on various local organizations including the Board of Trustees of the Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Compeer, Corporate Counsel for Memorial Art Gallery, and Strong Memorial Hospital’s Managers Development Committee.

In 1983 he relocated to NYC for the MHT Business Banking Group and in 1989 became Group Executive and Regional Manager for the Special Markets Group. He taught Credit and Commercial Lending for the American Institute of Banking, was a speaker at the American Banking Association and the Bank Marketing Association.

By the late 1990s until retirement, Dale was JPMorgan Senior Vice President and Regional Manager, Southern Tier Region where he was responsible for commercial and municipal business for ten upstate New York counties and 26 counties in Pennsylvania. He was active in various civic organizations and was the bank’s community spokesperson.

Mr. Lutz holds degrees from the University of Toledo and the Graduate School of Credit and Financial Management at Dartmouth College. Despite travel and late work hours, Dale never missed a school event for his sons and made time to serve as Little League Coach, Cub Scout Pack Leader, Treasurer at church, and mentor for his sons through college to their early careers. During retirement, Dale alternated his time between Connecticut, Cape Cod and West Palm Beach, where he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Dale is survived by his wife and college sweetheart Sandra and his 3 sons Kristoffer and wife Marisa of Sudbury, MA, Jeffrey and wife Carolyn of Hopkinton, MA, Adam and wife Erika of Briarcliff Manor, NY, and brother Drew Lutz and wife Christine of Columbia, MD. He is also survived by his 4 grandchildren, Mason, Madeline, Alexander, and Aaron, and his niece Julie and nephews Kevin and Corey. In addition, Dale is also survived by his aunt Muriel Salerno of Whiting, NJ, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday.

A visitation will be held at the Chapman Cole and Gleason Funeral Home 74 Algonquin Ave. (Rte 151) Mashpee, MA on Monday January 2, 2017 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated at Christ the King Church, 3 Job’s Fishing Rd., Mashpee on Tuesday January 3, 2017 at 10:00am. Burial will follow at Great Neck Woods Cemetery in Mashpee. Floral donations of your choice will be accepted by the funeral home. For online guestbook and directions please visit www.ccgfuneralhome.com.

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Christopher M. Byron

Christopher Michael Byron of Stony Brook Colony in Weston, died Saturday, Jan. 7. He was 72.

Byron was born on Dec. 27, 1944 in Washington, D.C. and grew up in Westport on Blue Water Hill, which he was recently writing a book about. His parents Edward and Katherine Byron worked in radio and television.

Byron dropped out of Stamford High School in 1962 to join the Navy. In 1964, he enrolled at Yale College, graduating in 1968. While at Yale he met Maria Los and they married on June 4, 1968 in Mount Vernon, New York.

Byron had an immensely successful career in business news journalism exposing white collar crime and fraud over the course of 40+ years. In his early days, he was a foreign correspondent for Time Magazine working in Bonn, Germany and London. He later wrote for The New York Post, Bloomberg News and The New York Observer as a columnist focused on taking down corporate swindlers. He also wrote for Forbes, Playboy magazine, the New York Daily News, New York magazine and Esquire magazine.

He authored six books including the New York Times best-selling unauthorized biography about Martha Stewart that was made into made-for-TV movie and aired on NBC.

Byron is survived by his now ex-wife Maria Byron, daughters Katy Poats and Jana Byron, son Nick Byron and brother Kevin Byron.

A wake will be held on Saturday, Jan. 14 from 12 to 3 p.m. at Collins Funeral, 92 East Ave., Norwalk, followed by a memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, the Byron family asks for donations to the Southern Investigative Reporting Foundation, which Byron was on the board of, Yale University (Journalism Initiative), or the Authors Guild, where Byron was a member.

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Ida I. Stratz

Ida I. Stratz (Pim), age 90 of Weston, beloved wife of the late Donald Charles Stratz, passed away Saturday, December 24, 2016 at Norwalk Hospital.

Born January 17, 1926 in Half-Way-Tree, Jamaica, BWI, she married Donald in Jamaica on September 3, 1951. As newlyweds, they initially moved to Buffalo, New York to begin raising a family. Over the next 20 plus years, the family relocated several times on the East and West coasts. They finally settled in Weston, Connecticut and lived there for approximately 43 years.

Ida had an artistic touch and enjoyed painting and drawing as a hobby. She eventually transitioned her artistic talent to floral designs and provided beautiful flower arrangements for weddings and other events. Ida also had a passion for growing orchids, and for a number of years, she shared a working relationship and friendship with J&L Orchards. Other recreational activities included golf and tennis with her friends at the club.

Ida is survived by her three sons, Marc Stratz and wife Sheri, Pete Stratz and wife Terri, and Donald Stratz Jr.. Grandchildren include Ben Bottini, Aaron Stratz, Danielle Stratz, Lauren Stratz and Collin Stratz. A memorial service for Pim was held Saturday, January 14th at Spear-Miller Funeral Home in Fairfield, CT. For information or to sign an online guest register please visit www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com.

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Barbara J. Blankfort

Barbara J. Blankfort passed away on January 16, 2017 after succumbing to complications from a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

She is survived by her five children (Frederick Kauhl of Whitefish, Montana, James Kauhl (and his wife Lisa) of Windham, New Hampshire, Jeffrey Kauhl of Norwalk, CT, Douglas Kauhl (and his wife Diane) of North Haven, CT and Lisa Rothman (and her husband Max) of Fairfield, CT) and six grandchildren (Sam, Paige, Cooper, Emma, Matthew and Jonathan). She is predeceased by her husband Charles, father James, mother Margaret and sister Peggy.

Born and raised in Mt. Vernon, Ohio she attended the College of St. Mary of the Springs where she studied music theory and began to fully realize her natural gifts and angelic voice. After marrying Frederick Kauhl Sr. in Ohio in 1959, Barbara had five children who would become the focal point of her life. Throughout the next 15 years she would not only provide her family with unconditional love but also a safe harbor amid some personal hardships. The family moved to Weston, CT in 1970 and, after divorcing her first husband in 1973, she transitioned seamlessly into her new role as both emotional and financial provider.

She worked tirelessly teaching piano at home to her many students and as Music Director at St. Francis of Assisi Parish while providing the emotional support for her family. After a chance meeting through a local handyman, she would marry the love of her life, Charles L. Blankfort (1933 – 2013), in 1976 and together they raised the family in Weston. In 1995, Barbara left St. Francis and continued her work in the church as organist and choir director at Sacred Heart Parish in Georgetown, CT until her retirement. She also continued teaching piano and performing with various singing groups as a volunteer throughout the remainder of her life.

Barbara was beautiful both inside and out and had an endless reservoir of compassion and a smile that would warm any room she entered. She was the backbone of her family with a fierce love and devotion for her children. As her memories faded in her later years and she lost the ability to express herself, it was her strength and love that once again provided the foundation for her family to move forward. She will be missed beyond words and her beautiful voice and smiling eyes will forever remain in our hearts.

Friends and family are invited to attend a wake this Friday, Jan. 20, at 9 a.m., at the Bouton Funeral Home, 31 West Church Street, Georgetown. Services will follow at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Parish, 30 Church Street, Georgetown.

Barbara will the be laid to rest at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, 80 Commerce Street, Hawthorne, NY. Memorial donations can be made in her name at The Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.

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James T. Hogg

James T. “Jim” Hogg passed away peacefully on November 15th at the age of 99.

He was born on July 8, 1917 in Boston Mass. His parents James and Jane Hogg were first generation immigrants from Aberdeen, Scotland.

He settled in Weston, CT in 1951 after serving six years with the US Army where he was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. He later landed in Normandy and fought under General Patton in the Battle of the Bulge. In 1945 when stationed in Pilsen, Czechoslovakia the Third Army soccer team was formed and they appointed him as coach and asked to play in the theater championship which they won in France. As a result of his soccer record he came in touch with special services in Munich and was assigned and managed the Riessersee, Post Hotel and Marktplaztz in Garmish Partenkirchen during Army occupation.

In 1951 he joined the Weston Westport Agency (now Camelot Real Estate) in the town center later becoming owner and president. Over the next 50 or so years he may have sold most of the homes in Weston at least once.

Jim was the founding father of the Weston Little League in 1956, an umpire for 25 years and secretary for 10 years. He was an avid supporter of the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots.

He was very active in Weston. He was a town selectman for two terms, member of the Republican town committee, land acquisition committee, community service advisor, treasurer of Weston scholarship committee, sportsman of the year, past president of Westport-Weston Board of Realtors and a charter member of the local Kiwanis club.

He treasured his vacations in Cape Cod, Palm Springs and having dinner with his friends at various restaurants in Fairfield county.

He is predeceased by his brothers Douglas and Angus Hogg, a son, Charles Howard and his wife of 40 years, Ruth P. Hogg. He is survived by his sister Ruth Woolston-Smith, his four children, Karen Demeter, Sharon Hogg, Deborah Howard and husband, William Sokolowski, Robert Howard and wife, Pam Howard, five grandchildren plus the many other children who grew up in Weston and called him “Uncle Jimmy.”

He will be remembered by his wonderful smile and twinkle in his eyes as he merrily called you “dahlin” or the children “you rascal.” He never met a stranger.

A celebration of life for Jim and Ruth Hogg will be held at the Northfield Congregational Church. Weston, CT on March 25th at 1 p.m. Jim will gladly catch a fly ball in heaven if a contribution in his name is made to the Weston Little League, P.O Box 1277, Weston, CT 06883.

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Terry Hope (Limenfeld) Hulley of Redding, died on Tuesday, Jan. 24.

She was the wife of the late Norman Bloom, the late James Hulley, and the late Jay Jackson. She is survived by her children Marcia Allegra Hulley and her husband Scot Osterweil of Brookline, Mass., and her grandchildren Willie and Peter Osterweil.

She was predeceased by her son Roger Hulley and sister Diane Samuels.

Before moving to Redding, she was a longtime resident of Weston and a member of a number of boards and commissions, including the Commission on Aging and League of Women Voters of Weston.

A Memorial Service will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the American Civil Liberties Union, aclu.org.

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Maryanne Bolella, Servant of God, very unexpectedly and suddenly departed this life to be in the Kingdom of the Heavens on January 25, 2017 at her home in Weston, CT. She was age 60.

She is survived by her loving and adoring husband William Miller with whom she has been together for 25 years and many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and extended family including remarkable friends of her dearly departed sister, Christine.

Maryanne touched the lives of so many quietly with a gift for making everyone in her life feel like the most special person in the world. Always giving, caring, sharing and forgiving with genuine love, affection and sincerity, never wanting reciprocity in the least. She had a passion for music, cooking, gardening, the New York Yankees, the New England Patriots and all of God’s wonders and creations. Her organization skills were incredibly effective.

During her career she worked as a teacher, administrator and contract manager at Merrill Lynch from which she retired in 2008.

Maryanne is now in a better place with her sister Christine, her mother Irene and her father Robert.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, January 30, 2017 at 12 Noon at the Zoodohos Peghe Greek Orthodox Church, 3573 Bruckner Blvd., Bronx, NY 10461. Interment following at Mount Hope Cemetery, 50 Jackson Ave, Hastings-On-Hudson, NY 10706.

Maryanne’s family received friends on Sunday, January 29, 2017 between the hours of 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm. at the Bouton Funeral Home, 31 W. Church Street, Georgetown CT 06829.

Memorial contributions in Maryanne’s name are welcome at: Zoodohos Peghe Greek Orthodox Church, 3573 Bruckner Blvd., Bronx, NY 10461 and /or St. Basil’s Academy, 79 Saint Basil Rd., Garrison, NY 10524.

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Angela J. Flocco, 78, of Wilmette, IL, formerly of Weston, CT, died on Thursday, February 2nd, after a long illness.

Born in Hollis, NY, she was the daughter of the late Conchetta (nee Testa) and William Farina, and was the wife of the late Edward C. Flocco. She is survived by three sons and their wives: William and Leslie (nee Lafayette) of Shillington, PA; Thomas and Mary (nee Fritz) of Winnetka, IL; and David and Anne (nee Ciccarelli) of Montclair, NJ. In addition, she is survived by eight grandchildren, the true treasures of her life: Matthew and Trevor (PA), Thomas, Jr. “Tip” and Edward “Willie” (IL), and Dominic, Angela “Grace,” Carl and Julia (NJ).

Angela was a beloved elementary school teacher of 35 years, most of which were in the Wilton (CT) School District until her 2004 retirement. Her students and colleagues speak of her fondly and with admiration, even to this day.

Visitation will be on Saturday, February 11, 2017, 1:00 p.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass at 2:00 p.m., Sacred Heart Church, 1077 Tower Rd., Winnetka, IL. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, Tribute Gifts in Angela’s name can be made to The North Shore Senior Center, 161 Northfield Rd., Northfield, IL 60093 or www.nssc.org, 847-784-6000. Info: Donnellan Funeral Home, 847-675-1990, www.donnellanfuneral.com.

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Marguerite Mortensen

Marguerite (Peggy) Mortensen passed away in her home at Rooster Ridge in Aromas, California on January 28, 2017. She was 85. Her tremendous strength of will and love of family portaged her forward through the challenges of cancer, while always remaining positive and kind. Throughout her life, Peggy’s calm, compassionate and generous demeanor provided comfort, stability and safe haven to all those she loved.

To her last days, Peggy thought of others before herself. With her welcoming spirit and bright sense of humor, Peggy made everyone feel instantly comfortable. Her presence will be dearly missed and her legacy of love will live on in all those whose lives she touched.

Peggy was born in Stamford, Connecticut, and raised in Weston, Connecticut, where she delighted in sledding and kite flying with her three sisters and family at their apple farm. After graduating from Staples High School in Westport, Connecticut, Peggy worked as a receptionist at Perkin-Elmer in Norwalk, where she met her sweetheart, Robert (Bob) Mortensen. Peggy and Bob married in 1958, at which time she became a homemaker and a devoted mother of three.

An avid gardener, Peggy was an active member of the Los Altos Garden Club for whom she served as president for three years. Christmas was her favorite time of year and she was known for her unique advent calendars and her spirited Christmas Eve tree trimming gatherings. She enjoyed traveling, reading, sailing, Stanford games, family skiing trips, and most especially her yearly reunion in Ocean City, Maryland, where she and Bob gathered with high school friends and their families for more than 50 years. Spending time at her hilltop farm, Rooster Ridge, was a great joy for Peggy as she tended to her beloved goats, donkeys, chickens, cats, and dogs, peacefully surrounded by all the wildlife and birds that she loved so much.

Peggy is survived by her husband Bob and her three children: Rob Mortensen and his wife Jennifer of Kent, Washington; Kurt Mortensen and his wife Mary of Boulder Creek, California; and Paige Heller and her husband Ken of Aromas, California; and her grandchildren Kate and Erik Mortensen of Kent, Washington. Peggy is also survived by her sister Joan Kramer DeLuca of Ridgefield, Connecticut, and her sister Carol M. Kramer of Mountain View, California. She was preceded in death by her mother Flora Belle Harrison Kramer, her father Gustave Kramer, her sister Miriam Kramer Johnson and her dear Marilyn (Mimi) Shepherd Aitken.

Peggy will be cremated as was her wish and a tribute to her memory will be engraved on a family bench at Willowbrook Cemetery in Westport, Connecticut. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a charity Peggy supported, P.O. Box 1000, Tribute – Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38148.

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James Clark Schaper of Weston, CT, passed away peacefully on February 13th at the age of 86. He was married to his loving wife Adele, for 56 years. He is survived by his children, Kerry, Sarah, Peter and Amanda; his 6 grandchildren, Jade, Blake, Kelly, Courtney, Rhys and Alexandra; as well as his sister, Patricia; his sons-in-law Michael and Tom; and his faithful dog, Willow.

Jim was raised in White Fish Bay, Wisconsin with his parents, Harold “Curly” and Berta Fern Schaper and his sisters, Patricia and Jean. He went to college at the University of Wisconsin where he studied business.  After graduation, he moved to the east coast to work for Ryerson Steel. There he met his soulmate, Adele and they married after a brief courtship.  They settled in Weston, CT for two years, then moved to Westport, CT for two years. They made a final move back to Weston in 1964 where they raised their family and were active residents for 51 years.  

Jim was very involved with the Kiwanis Club and began the “cans for kids” campaign to raise money for Weston High School over 30 years ago. That fundraising campaign is still going strong. Jim was an accomplished craftsperson and loved to search for and refinish antiques with Adele. He liked to work with his hands and made many wooden carved signs for conservation trails in Weston as well as signs for neighbors’ homes. He enjoyed tennis, paddle tennis, golf, bridge and skiing with the Trailblazers at Stratton Mountain near their river retreat in Jamaica, VT. He and Adele were active members of the Weston Field Club. They were also avid volunteers at the Norfield Church and belonged to the unstructured dinner group through the church.

A memorial service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, February 25th at 2PM at the Norfield Congregational Church in Weston, CT. Friends and family are welcome.  In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Weston Senior Center, 9 School Road, Weston, CT 06883. To send an online condolence, please visit shaughnesseybanks.com.

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Owen C. Smith

Owen C. Smith, retired General Counsel of Philip Morris International, passed away at first light on February 5, 2017 at his home in Big Pine Key, FL, surrounded by his wife and three children. After battling and beating a rare form of cancer for over five years, he died of an equally rare neurological disorder, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. He was 75.

After attending the Weston School as a child, Owen was Class Poet of The Lawrenceville School (’59) and graduated from Princeton University (AB ’63) and The University of Pennsylvania Law School (JD ’66). Owen also studied law at the Hague Academy of International Law (’65), the University of Missouri Law School (LLM ’70), Harvard Law School (PIL ’77), and the New York University School of Law (LLM ‘81).

Owen served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam as Captain in the 23rd Medical Battalion, for which he received two Bronze Stars, Combat and Expert Field Medical Badges, and numerous other decorations. His military service continued throughout his life as a Captain in the Army Reserve, Judge Advocate for the New York Commandery of the Military Order of Foreign Wars, and, most recently, a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, District 7.

During his long career at Philip Morris International, Owen helped establish its Lausanne, Switzerland office, as the Chief Legal Officer & Director of Philip Morris Europe, Middle East and Africa. While living in Lausanne, where two of his children were born, Owen was the Chairman of the Commonwealth-American School and a member of the Governing Board of the Scottish Church. After returning to the United States, Owen lived in New Canaan, CT for nearly 30 years, where he was active in the community, singing in the choir at the First Presbyterian Church of New Canaan, serving as Commissioner of the House League at the New Canaan Winter Club where his children played hockey, and as a member of the Field Club and Country Club of New Canaan. He also established the New Canaan Yacht Club, which served as gathering of like-minded sailors for food and good cheer during the winter months.

Owen became a passionate sailor at a young age, sailing at Saugatuck Yacht Club. Later, as a member of American Yacht Club, he did frostbite racing during the winter in his dinghy Skate. He was also a member of the Cruising Club of America, the New York Yacht Club, and a past Commodore of the Edgartown Yacht Club, where he raced his Herreshoff 12 ½ Bonnes Mares, his Sabre 38 Upbeat, his J42 of the same name, and his J28 Resurgo with great distinction. He cruised in the Virgin Islands, Grenadines and Hebrides, completed a Trans-Atlantic passage to Kinsale, Ireland, and competed in six Newport to Bermuda Races, among other offshore adventures. Owen was a member of the Bermuda Race Role of Honor Selection Committee, the Chappaquiddick Beach Club, Cloister Inn at Princeton (President), La Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, Edgartown Reading Room (Vexillary), Martha’s Vineyard Rod & Gun Club, The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem (Officer), and the University Club of New York.

Owen’s tenacious devotion to duty, extraordinary personal drive, intelligence and indomitable spirit were felt by all who encountered him. As much as he gave to others, Owen gave most to his family. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Christine M. Smith, of Big Pine Key, FL; his three children, Philip C. Smith II, of Winterport, ME, Andrew C. von S. Smith, of New Canaan, CT, and Sarah S. Betz, of Darien, CT; his two brothers, Lawther O. Smith, of Doylestown, PA, and Richard C. Smith, of Pinellas Park, FL; and seven grandchildren, Charles and Hazel (Philip), Adeline and Andrew Jr. (Andrew), and Oliver, Margaret and Louisa (Sarah).

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 11 at the First Presbyterian Church of New Canaan, CT at 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception at the Country Club of New Canaan. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Owen’s honor to The Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice of the Florida Keys, Inc. www.VNAHospiceKeys.org

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David Stankiewicz in a cross country meet when he was a runner at Weston High School. — Forum file photo

Calling hours and funeral services have been announced for David Stankiewicz of Weston.

Stankiewicz, 21, was a senior at Syracuse University’s College of Arts and Sciences. He died on Saturday, March 25, according to an announcement by the university. No cause of death was specified.

He was a 2013 graduate of Weston High School where he was an All-State and All New England runner for the boys track team. He was a multiple time SWC and Class M champion.

At Syracuse, he was a member of the men’s track and field team in his freshman and sophomore years.

Calling hours are Friday, March 31 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Harding Funeral Home, 210 Post Road East, Westport.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, April 1 at 11 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 35 Norfield Road in Weston. 

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David Stankiewicz, left, was a star runner at Weston High School.

David Stankiewicz, a senior in Syracuse University’s College of Arts and Sciences died on Saturday.

He was a graduate of Weston High School, competed for SU men’s track and field his freshman and sophomore years, and was an All-State and All New England runner for Weston’s Trojans.

Stankie will be remembered for his quiet, easy going manner that hid a competitive drive. He wasn’t a vocal leader but gained the respect and admiration of his teammates by leading by example and with his dedication to his team.

He was a multiple time SWC and Class M champion and helped Weston’s 4 x 800m to a third place finish in the New England Championships his freshman year. His greatest race was the State Open his sophomore year where he popped off a three second PR to finish fifth in 1:54.59 and qualified for New Englands.

Nagging injuries never allowed him to improve on that time, but he still won several individual championships and relays with his blazing kick. He led his team to several championships, mostly notably the 2012 Class M cross country title which he won with several of his closest friends at his side.

There have been several Connecticut athletes who have passed away recently. As a coach, it always bothers me about the loss of potential and how much their passing leaves a hole with their family, friends and teammates.

Athletes, especially distance runners spend an incredible amount of time together. They usually compete in all three seasons together and of course there is the mandatory summer training plus the ever-popular week long overnight camp experience with your teammates. In short, athletes become family during some very important formative years.

Most coaches also become part of the part of this second family and take their responsibilities quiet seriously.  We refer to the members of our team as “our boys” or “my kids”.  Well David was one of my kids.  I want the best for all my athletes and try to impart lessons that will help them in their lives.

But now just like other coaches who have gone through such tragedies, I feel that hole that is left behind.  Nothing will fill that hole, but at least it will be a time for our track family to reconnect and reestablish our relationships to lean on each other.  We will share stories of David and remember our good times together.

His fellow captain, Will Glaser wrote “it’s unfortunate that something like this brings everyone together, but I’ll be damned if it’s not going to be a celebration of David’s life and his time with us. To say the least, it’s certainly a hard dose of mortality.”

David will always live on in our memories and the way he made us feel. You knew you could always rely on him as a friend and teammate. His other co captain and close friend Noah Krassin summed up his feelings about David by saying “he was always ready to do anything that was asked of him. He put the team first. From racing any event to even racing a season on a stress fracture. He was always the guy I would trust for anything. I knew that no matter what he would have my back. He never let his success get to his head no matter what. To him the team was the priority and individual success and records were just a bonus.”

One of my favorite Stankie stories was from the 2011 SWC Indoor Championships. He had already run a hard 600 and ran the 800m leg in the sprint medley relay. His legs were tired and you could see the fatigue in his eyes. It was a close meet and it was coming down to the 4 x 400m. I asked him if his legs were heavy and he responded truthfully by saying “yes.” But his face lightened up, he smiled and said, “Don’t worry coach, I got this.”

There wasn’t a slightest bit of cockiness in his voice, just the confidence that he would do it for his team. The relay won the race and that was the point difference in the meet.

That confidence came from the fact that he knew he and his teammates had all worked hard and they were counting on him and he didn’t want to let them down.

Many years ago, there was an essay printed in Ann Lander’s advice column written by Robert N. titled “To Remember Me…” It begins by stating that when he dies, he would like to have everything his body has to offer be donated to help others. And It concludes with the following lines:

Burn what is left and scatter my ashes to the winds to help the flowers grow.
If you must bury something, let it be my faults, my weaknesses and all prejudice against my fellow man.
Give my sins to the devil; give my soul to God.
If, by chance, you wish to remember me, do it with a kind deed or word to someone who needs you.
If you do all I have asked, I will live forever.

Stankie, you will live forever… we got this.

This remembrance is reprinted from Marty Ogden’s story at CTmilesplit.com.

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Robert “Bob” Gardner, 79, passed away after a long illness on April 1, 2017, at the Carolton Hospital in Fairfield CT.

Bob was the son of the late Samuel and Shirley Golstein. Born in Chicago, IL, he never lost his love of Chicago-style hot dogs or the Cubs. Bob had a long career in Advertising and was devoted to good writing; loved music and his dogs; and became passionate about politics later in life. He was an unapologetic knee-jerk Liberal.

He is survived by his wife Joan Byrne of Weston, CT and his son Steven Gardner and daughter-in-law Valerie Talangbayan Gardner of New York, NY.

There will be a memorial service at a later date.

Donations in his memory can be made to the Democratic Party.

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Joan E. Lewis

Joan E. Lewis of Redding, Connecticut, passed away Thursday, April 6, 2017 after a brief illness. She was born November 29, 1930 to English parents, James B. Murray and Ethele Murray in Merrick, Long Island, New York, and moved to nearby Garden City at the age of six.  After graduation from Garden City High School in 1948 she earned an Associate Degree in Business at Scudder School in New York.

In 1954 she met Will Lewis, an officer aboard the USS Murray returning from a five month goodwill tour of Europe. It was love at first sight and with only 2 dates they were engaged. They were married in Garden City, Long Island in May 1955, officiated by Lieutenant Lewis’s father, Rev. Paul S. Lewis. They enjoyed a honeymoon on St. Margaret’s Bay, Nova Scotia.

Their marriage was blessed with two children, a son Scott, born December 17, 1956, born in Denver, Colorado, now living with his partner, Sean, in Los Angeles and a daughter, Karin, born April 8, 1959, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, now living in Redding with her husband, Kevin and their 2 daughters.

Joan was an amazing, loving, caring wife, mother, grandmother and friend — first and foremost.  She was also an accomplished artist, exhibiting her works in various art shows including the annual Norfield Church Fair in Weston and the Mark Twain Library Exhibit in Redding. She joined Norfield Church in June, 1974, served in various volunteer positions including Chair of the nominating committee. She retired this past November after 28 years as the Administrative Assistant to Weston Planning and Zoning and Conservation. She also held an administrative position at Mitchells in Westport. She served as a volunteer in Norwalk Hospital emergency room for ten years and as an Emergency Medical Technician in Weston.

She was gracious and sweet. All who knew her were blessed by her kind words and her generous spirit. She was a true gift from God and we are so very grateful she is now free in heaven with Jesus. She will be greatly missed but we know she will continue to love us all with her sweet touch.

Survivors, in addition to her husband, Will, and son, Scott and daughter, Karin include five grandchildren. Katie (19) Kelly (16) Keith (38) Jamie (32) and Ashley (28). And 4 great grandchildren Kassie (16), Samantha (14), Christina (9) and Monroe (5).

A celebration of her life will be held at Norfield Congregational Church in Weston at 12:00 noon on Sunday, April 23rd.  A reception will follow at the parish hall at Norfield Church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Norfield Congregational Church, her home church for the past 43 years.

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Bruce Alec McDougall Jr., 58, the husband of Mariellen (Pekar) McDougall, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 13, 2017 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Bruce Alec McDougall Jr.

Bruce was born on December 17, 1958 in Detroit, Michigan the son of the late Bruce A. and Mary (Edmonds) McDougall. Bruce was a 1977 graduate of Naugatuck High School and a 1981 graduate of the University of Connecticut, earning his bachelor’s degree in English. He worked for the past 12 years as a dedicated circulation director for Hersam Acorn Newspapers (now the HAN Network) and enjoyed working for the last two years at Home Depot in Trumbull.

Bruce was fond of traveling, hiking and all things Southwest, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his wife and children. He will be remembered for his goofy sense of humor, and always putting everyone before himself. He will be greatly missed by all.

In addition to his wife Mariellen of Southbury, Bruce leaves his daughter, Kariann McDougall of Torrington; his son, PFC Shane McDougall, USMC; his daughter, Cheyenne McDougall of Southbury; his sister and brother-in-law, Maureen and Doug Keleher of Woodstock, Vt; his nephews, Bret, Seanan and Bridger Keleher; and his niece, Mairin Keleher.

“As a dreamer of dreams and a travelin’ man, I have chalked up many a mile, Read dozens of books about heroes and crooks,  And I learned much from both of their styles.”

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, April 19,, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 910 Main St. South, Southbury. Everyone attending is kindly asked to go directly to church.  

Calling hours are Tuesday, April 18, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Avenue, Naugatuck.  

In lieu of flowers and to honor Bruce’s memory, contributions can be made to the Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center, 1075 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, CT  06708.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.buckmillerthurstonmengacci.com.

— From the family

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Kathleen P. McAuliffe

Kathleen Pritchard McAuliffe, of Wilton, CT, died peacefully and comfortably on Thursday, April 27, 2017. She was 74 years old.

She is survived by her four children: Katie (Michael) Radcliff of Fayetteville, GA; Barbara McAuliffe of North Bridgeport, CT; Jennifer (partner Jeff Gianelli) McAuliffe of Reading, MA; and John (Caitlin) McAuliffe of Darien, CT, as well as her four grandchildren: Sheehan, Jack, Burke, and Samantha; her brother, Jerry (Nancee) Pritchard of Warminster, PA, and seven nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by Jack, her husband of 52 years, and her sister Maryanne, who died prior to Kathleen’s birth.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, on June 18, 1942, to John and Mary (Parks) Pritchard, Kathleen, nicknamed both ‘Pritch’ and Kathi, grew up in the city and attended Catholic schools. Throughout her life, she shared a very close bond with the four-years-younger Jerry.

While a nursing student at Philadelphia General Hospital, she met Jack, who was attending graduate school at Wharton. They married in January 1963 and welcomed their first child that November. Over the years, they moved several times for Jack’s job – to NY (Watertown, Brooklyn, and Port Chester), CT (Westport), and Montreal, adding to their family and eventually moving back to the States and settling in Weston, CT.

Despite the demands of her large family, and having postponed her nursing career while her children were young, Kathleen found time to volunteer with Weston EMS. As her children grew, she was actively involved in their extracurricular activities and was their biggest supporter. She also went back to nursing, working for many years in geriatric care and eventually in hospice care. Known for her compassion and skills, she also taught others, both literally and by example, what it takes to be a great nurse. She continued to take care of others even after she retired. That was just who and how she was.

She will be remembered for the strength of her faith and her character, her love of reading and reality tv (and shoes), and her love for her grandchildren. She will be dearly missed.

A Memorial Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 3, at Sacred Heart Church in Georgetown. All are welcome to attend as we celebrate our mother, Kathleen’s, life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the SWIM Center for Cancer Care at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, 2800 Main Street, Bridgeport CT 06606. As both a nurse and a patient, St. Vincent’s held a special place in her heart.

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Patricia Heifetz

Patricia Steiner Heifetz, the founder of the Weston Forum who served as its editor and publisher for over 20 years, died on May 3. She was 89 years old.

Ms. Heifetz was known as a strong political presence in the town, active and outspoken at public meetings and through her persuasive and powerful editorials in the Forum.

She was born in Youngstown Ohio, spent much of her adolescent years in Florida, and then attended the University of Wisconsin, where she graduated with a Masters from the School of Journalism and also with a degree in Political Science.

She began her career as a staff writer for Liberty Magazine in the years following World War II. She also was a member of the Foreign Service for a brief period before stepping away from work to raise a family.

She moved to Weston in 1964 with her husband Paul, and then three children (with a fourth on the way). She joined the nascent League of Women Voters, which began her decades-long passion for government transparency and justice at the local level. Frustrated that there was no real town communication over an important vote on a real estate purchase for the town schools, she sat at her typewriter and wrote about the issue — titled the piece THE WESTON FORUM — and handed it out at the Memorial Day Fair.

She soon had people calling her with town stories, and advertisers followed. The first full printed edition of The Forum was published on August 5, 1970. She loved that an early town supporter wrote “This is what the new Forum has done for the town: turned a discombobulated area into a community.”

Under her leadership, the Forum became a notable influence on town and regional politics. She fiercely defended issues that kept the burgeoning Weston from becoming “another New York suburb” and retain its independent small town flavor. When former president Nixon resigned in1973, rather than accept that Weston would be satisfied with reporting at the national level, she decided to dispatch a local photographer and proudly printed on the front page that week her own version of the iconic photo as Marine One lifted away from the White House.

The paper’s office, located on the first floor of her home on Ledgebrook Court, was a buzzing center of town news. At the time, the Forum was arguably among the area’s first woman-owned and operated businesses. She employed a small staff of reporters, mostly local stay-at-home moms who wanted to be involved. And many townspeople volunteered to attend meetings and supply photography. Family members were also recruited for editorial roles, as well as operations that included typesetting and even ensuring papers made it early Wednesday mornings to the post office for regular distribution.

Her husband Paul, who was also very active in town politics as a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, predeceased her in 2010. She is survived by her four children: Heidi, Merrilee, Peter and Philip Heifetz, and eight grandchildren, Emily DeFiore, Alec Heifetz, Ben Heifetz, Morgan DeFiore, Addie Heifetz, Olivia Heifetz, Grace Heifetz and Mary Heifetz—and her two sisters Sue Bogen and June Rose and brother Michael Steiner.

A local memorial service will be planned and announced soon.

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