Louis J. Veilleux,
Korean war vet
PUTNAM — Louis J. Veilleux, 87, of Vine St., died Dec. 9, 2018, at Day Kimball Hospital. He was the husband of Jeanette (Sarette) Veilleux. Born in 1931 in Hartford, he was the son of the late Alcide and Evelyn (Lefebvre) Veilleux.
Louis was a proud Korean war veteran serving with the U.S. Navy. On Nov. 4, 1950, at Sacred Heart Church in Webster, he was united in marriage to the former Jeanette Sarette.
Mr. Veilleux worked for many years as an oil truck driver for Agway. After retiring from Agway, he worked part time as school bus driver.
He was a lifetime member of the Thompson Hill Fire Department and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and bowling.
He leaves his wife, of 68 years Jeanette; two daughters, Cheryl Walsh (Dennis) of Putnam and Linda Thorstenson of Sterling; five grandchildren, Gary, Timothy, Dennis, Ryan, and William; six great-grandchildren, Gary, Louis, Lauren, Aaron, Michael, Carter, and Peyton, and a great-great-granddaughter Elizabeth. He was predeceased by a son, Robert Veilleux; a brother, Gene Veilleux, and a sister, Evelyn McConnell.
Funeral arrangements are private. Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Allan W. Bushey,
Air Force vet
WOODSTOCK — Allan W. Bushey of Woodstock died Nov. 27, 2018.
He was born Feb. 27, 1955, son of the late Bernard and Elsie (Shipee) Bushey.
Allan is remembered by all as a man with the steadiest and most generous of hearts. He created and nurtured a vast biological family, adopted family, and extended family; leaving no distinction between. He is a man whose greatness is evident in the loving bond shared by all he considered family. Allan never spoke of being an example. He simply lived as who he decided to be. As such, he lived as the example which all would benefit by admiring, while never judging any who would need his help.
Allan was a proud Air Force Veteran who enjoyed golfing, Wednesday night pitch league, and fishing; he always carried a hot coffee. A jack-of-all-trades, Allan was employed as a skilled carpenter for Engineered Construction for the past 20-plus years and took pride in becoming a mentor to all who were eager to learn.
He leaves his wife, Kim Bushey; sons William Gregoire, Israel Bushey, Marc Gregoire, Mason Bushey, Shane Bushey; daughters Nicole Beaudreault, Courtney Metras, Jessica Lambert, Lynsey Bushey; brothers David Bushey and Donald Bushey; grandchildren Anna, Tabitha, Zoey, Kaylee, Zachary, Anthony, Alainah, Brayden, and Zadoc. He was predeceased by his brother, Steven Bushey.
Visitation was Dec. 7 at Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.
Sr. Marie Rose
Courtemanche, DHS
PUTNAM — Sr. Marie Rose Courtemanche, 86, a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, died Dec. 7, 2018, at St. Joseph Living Center, Windham.
Born March 7, 1932, in Southbridge, she was the daughter of Flavien and Amelia (Duclos) Courtemanche. She entered religious life in 1954 at the Holy Spirit Provincial House in Putnam and made her religious profession there on Sept. 6, 1955. She was then known as Sr. Amelia Thomas.
Following her profession, she was assigned as dietician in several DHS communities from 1955-1970: Fitchburg, Waterbury, and the Provincial House in Putnam, Hartford and St. Elizabeth Guest House also in Hartford. In 1975 she began serving as a nurse’s aide at the Villa St. Joseph in Putnam.
In 1982 she went to mission in Kaele, Cameroon, until 1992. Upon her return to the U.S., she served again at the Provincial House as a nurse’s aide and at Patient Care of Connecticut until her retirement in 2002. In 2014 she entered the Holy Spirit Health Care Center and in 2016 she moved to St. Joseph Living Center in Windham.
She leaves the Daughters of the Holy Spirit spiritual family – her sisters in community, the Consecrated Seculars and the Associates as well as three sisters, Mrs. Juliette Bertrand of Southbridge, Ms. Pauline Courtemanche of Southbridge, and Mrs. Jeanne Adamuzka of, Wilsonville. She is predeceased by two brothers, Robert Courtemanche and Leo Courtemanche and three sisters, Emma Rousseau, Rita Vincent and Helen Nascin.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Dec. 12 at the Provincial House Chapel with burial at St. Mary Cemetery, Putnam. Donations: DHS Retirement Fund, Holy Spirit Provincial House, 72 Church St., Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Chelsea A. Paquette
WOODSTOCK — Chelsea A. Paquette, 28, of Woodstock died Dec. 7, 2018, at W. W. Backus Hospital in Norwich. She was born Sept. 5, 1990, daughter of Chandler Paquette and the late Karen (Campbell) Paquette.
Chelsea graduated from Woodstock Academy, Class of 2008. She enjoyed cooking and baking fancy cakes. She was fond of four-wheeling in the country, and spending time with her friends and family.
She leaves her father Chandler Paquette and stepmother Heather of Woodstock; sister Amanda Leach; longtime boyfriend Justin Scricco; nieces Elizabeth and Jessica, godfather Michael “Peach” Campbell; aunts, uncles, cousins and her dog Delialah.
Private family service will be held at a later date. Donations: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, JDRF, 20 Batterson Park Road, 3rd Floor, Farmington, CT 06032. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Ellen M. Frink
DANIELSON — Ellen M. Frink, 72, North St., died peacefully Dec. 6, 2018, at the Hospital of Central Connecticut. She was the wife of James R. Frink Sr. for 50 years. Born in 1946 in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Kenneth and Hazel (Aldrich) Brooks.
Ellen earned her bachelor’s degree in social work and was employed by United Services. She was a member of the Red Hat Society.
She leaves her husband James Frink Sr.; her son James Frink Jr.; her two daughters Christine Frink of Danielson, and Sarah Booker of Danielson; nine grandchildren.
Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Alice E. Gerard
PUTNAM — Alice E. (Morel) Gerard, 91, of Sabin St., died Dec. 5, 2018, at Day Kimball Hospital. She was the wife of the late Roland “Mac” Gerard. Born in 1927 in Woodstock, she was the daughter of the late Marcel and Denise (Hulot) Morel. Alice attended schools in Pomfret and Putnam High School.
Mrs. Gerard was a homemaker. She enjoyed dining out with her daughter, shopping, and trips to the Foxwoods Resort and Casino.
She leaves her daughter, Susan LaRose (Leo) of Putnam; four sisters, Nancy Dubreuil of Brooklyn, Antionette Roy of Shelton, Helen Beaulieu (Edmund) of Louden, N.H., and Lucille Moreau of Delray, Fla.; nieces and nephews.
Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Yvette A. Pleau
N. GROSVENORDALE — Yvette A. (Demers) Pleau, 90, of Blain Road, died Nov. 18, 2018, in Matulaitis Nursing Home. She was the wife of the late Roland Pleau. Born in 1928 in N. Grosvenordale, she was the daughter of Levis and Maria (Santerre) Demers.
Yvette was a lens inspector for American Optical and also worked as a winder for Cluett Peabody. She enjoyed playing the piano, reading, cooking, gardening and camping.
She leaves her children, Lorna Wade (Joseph) of Dudley, David Therrien (Susan) of Bangor, Maine, Robert Therrien (Marie-Jeanne) of Putnam, Sherry Ann Lavallee (Dennis) of Putnam, Gerard Therrien and his companion Connie of Esmond, Va., Jeffrey Pleau (Linda) of Dudley; her daughter-in-law Gail Pleau of Jewett City; her sisters, Harriet Demers of Quinebaug and Janet Fafard of Ballouville; 16 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her son, Robert Pleau.
Visitation is from 9 to 10 a.m. Dec. 15 in Valade Funeral Home & Crematory, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, with a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph Church, 20 Main Street, N. Grosvenordale. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.
Joshua A. Proulx
N. GROSVENORDALE — Joshua A. Proulx, 35, of Riverside Dr., died unexpectedly Dec. 2, 2018, at UMass University Hospital from an illness.
He was born in 1983 in Southbridge, son of Paul Proulx and Cindy (Leduc) Proulx, both of Southbridge. He lived his childhood in Dudley. He attended school at Bay Path High School in Charlton.
Joshua enjoyed fishing, the outdoors sitting by the fire. He worked most of his life in the manufacturing business, mainly running around on his forklift truck and making everyone laugh.
He was the companion of Callie Parker for 19 years. They have two children, Jameson and Kaylynn Proulx.
In addition to his parents and companion, he leaves his grandparents, Roland and Shirley Leduc; two sisters, Kasey Proulx of Southbridge and Erin Proulx along with his brother in-law, Christopher Nichols also of Southbridge; and his nephews, and Jordan and Jionni Nichols; aunt and uncle, Donald and Lynn of Texas and their children; close cousins, Dawn Santasieri and Andrew Proulx, also from Texas. He spent many of his younger years close to his taunte, Madelene Stubbs of Worcester. He also leaves his “minoke,” Christopher Leduc of Woodstock. He is predeceased by his grandparents, Gerald and Jeannette Proulx.
Visitation is from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 15 in the Valade Funeral Home and Crematory, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale. Donations: Jameson Proulx Memorial Fund, or the Kaylynn Proulx Memorial Fund, c/o Key Bank, 163 Providence St., Putnam, CT 06260.
Carl P. Jankowski,
WWII Marine vet
DUDLEY — Carl P. Jankowski, 93, died Nov. 14, 2018, at the Harrington Hospital, Southbridge.
He was born in Webster, son of the late Jacob and Anna (Tschierzy) Jankowski and lived here most of his life. He was a WWII U.S. Marine Corp veteran. Carl was a machinist, and worked for Pratt Whitney in Hartford. He was a past commander of the PAV, and a longtime member of the Webster-Dudley Veterans Council. He was part of the invasion of Guam and Saipan. Carl received the honor of being the first Grand Marshal of the Veterans Day Parade.
He leaves his wife of 69 years, Irene (Wedda) Jankowski; three daughters, Christine Laroche (Gui) of Milford, Mass., Debra Jankowski of Dudley, and Carol Parks of N. Grosvenordale; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Carl was predeceased by three brothers, Louis, Chester and Ralph and a sister Josephine Patterson.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Dec. 15 in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Webster. Donations: Charity of donor’s choice. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
Bernice Antul
BROOKLYN/WORCESTER — Bernice B. (Bojarski) Antul, 98, died Dec. 6, 2018, at Pierce Memorial Baptist Care, Brooklyn. She was the wife of the late Paul J. Antul Sr.
Bernice was born in Worcester daughter of the late Alexander Bojarski and Josephine (Jasinski) Bojarski and lived in Worcester for 64 years and for the past several years living in Brooklyn.
She leaves her daughters Paula Antul of Pomfret Center, Pamela Antul of Brewster, Mass., Debra Patchak of Jackson, Mich., and Loren Filgerleski of Gilbertville, Mass.; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also was predeceased by a son Paul Antul Jr.
Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
Sandra Brassard
VERO BEACH, Fla. — Sandra Pauline Brassard, 61, of Vero Beach died Sept. 19, 2018.
At the request of the family, there will be no services. Sandra’s remains were interred in the Brassard Family plot in Putnam Heights Cemetery in Putnam.
Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home, Vero Beach.
..
By Shawn Bates
The Putnam High School boys’ and girls’ basketball teams are ready to roll.
The Lady Clippers
Coach: Mandi Hogan 6yr
Asst. Ashley Espinosa 3yr
Key Returnees: Jr. Kayleigh Lyons and Jr. Molly Mckeon
Additional returnees: Sr. Lauren Blackmar, Sr. Morgan Blackmar, So. Abby St. Martin , Jr. Jillian Gray, So Laylah Charvez , Jr. Haley Cutler , Jr. Ellie Morissette and So. Emma Braithwaite.
Last year’s record: 17-5 with a second round CIAC Tourney loss to Lyman by 3 points.
Entering her sixth year as head coach of the Lady Clippers Mandi Hogan brings back a well-disciplined squad with her assistant coach Ashley Espinosa by her side. Fourteen girls came out for the team this year with only losing two starters from last year. The core group returns with the 11th grade tandem of Kayleigh Lyons and Molly Mckeon to lead the Clippers.
Last year the school played all sports Independent so this year Hogan‘s goals are simple 1) Win the Clipper Classic and 2) compete in the ECC and CIAC tournament’s. With the schedule that Hogan put together last year to scale the competition in the ECC those teams being Wheeler, Tourtellotte, Plainfield, Griswold Killingly and St. Bernard. Winning all but two games in that class last year gave Hogan an advantage to gauge the teams they will face this year.
And that adds a grudge match against Lyman. They handed the Ladies their exit out of the second round of the State tournament last year by a 3-point thriller. Hogan Stated she‘s happy to be back home in the ECC to face some talented teams this year.
The Ladies have been at it since Nov. 26 and have already scrimmaged three teams and won all the quarters in a round robin against Bartlett ,Bay Path Tech and Tourtellotte.
When asked want she wanted to see out of the girls and why she coaches she stated she’s been at it for 13 years and loves it all she wants for her players is to compete and have them succeed on and off the court in school and in life.
The Clippers:
Coach: Shawn Deary 10th year
Assistant coaches: JV Head coach Dennis Deary 10th season and freshman Head Coach Dino Porcic
Last season record: 10-10
Key returnees: Sr. Sebastian Ramos, Sr. Tyion Harris, Jr. Ezavier Key, So. Colby Livingston, Sr. Hunter Touchette, Jr. Anthony Navedo ,Sr. Michael Dicolella, Sr. Kobie Bates , So. Jordan Marks.
Top newcomers: Jr. Justin St. Martin, So. Jack Lomax, So. John Carita and Fr. Karson Bates
Outlook: The Clippers only graduated 4 last year (Holloman, Bararylski, Ciquera and Davagian) two starters and two role players so Deary still has the speed and inside threat of Tyion Harris and the Point guard of the team Sebastian Ramos.
Last year’s freshman guard Colby Livingston is moving into the power forward position due to his height gained in the off season.
Navedo and Key are the wild cards both can shoot the three and aren’t afraid to go inside to score.
The bench is what coach Deary is most excited about: “I can go 7 deep on the bench this year and we`re heavy on the guard side” Not a terrible problem to have. Dicolella will play a major role with his rebounding ability off the bench.
Marks and Kobie Bates can hit from deep if needed and Hunter Touchette is the perfect fit as a reserve point guard to give Ramos a rest.
They‘ve played 2 scrimmages so far one against Stafford which Harris went coast to coast several times and then against Woodstock threw down a nice dunk to get the home crowd a look at what’s to come this year.
When asked about his center going to coast to coast Deary said, “I love it you don’t see it often but when you do the crowd will go nuts!”
When asked about going back to the ECC Deary said. “I’m more than happy it’s where we belong playing against the good eastern competition.”
His goals to win the Classic this year which has been changed this year they will start off against Tourtellotte and the Parish Hill will play and old CSC foe Windham Tech on Dec. 21 and the Championship will be on the 22nd.
Then of course to make the ECC and CIAC tournament’s.
Expect that hard nose Clipper defense man to man and in your face.
.
Banks run
annual PJ drive
PUTNAM — bankHometown kicked off its 16th annual pajama drive on Nov. 26th with a challenge to residents to help support local children in need of new pajamas or slippers.
From now until Dec. 15, all 13 bankHometown branches will be accepting pajama donations for children sizes 4T and up, as well as small and medium sizes in men and women. Pajamas must be in complete sets (top and bottom) or an appropriate nightgown. The pajamas and slippers will go to local shelters throughout central Massachusetts and northern Connecticut.
“We believe in giving back to our community all year round, but especially for children during the winter and holiday season,” said Matthew Sosik, president and CEO of bankHometown. “This initiative is to give children in our communities the warmth and comfort they may need during the cold winter nights.”
The pajamas and slippers are sent to local schools in central Massachusetts and northern Connecticut, as well as the TEEG (Thompson Ecumenical Empowerment Group) in Thompson.
.
caption:
Signing
Eric Preston, left, and Audrey Poehler sign their National Letters of Intent to play for, respectively, Assumption College and Post University last week on the South Campus of Woodstock Academy. Photo by Marc Allard.
Two members of The Woodstock Academy athletic community were congratulated Dec. 4 for successfully making the next step in their athletic careers.
Senior Audrey Poehler recently announced that she had signed a National Letter of Intent to play women’s soccer for Division II Post University in Waterbury.
Classmate Eric Preston will also continue his playing days at a Division II school. Preston will head north to play baseball for Assumption College in Worcester.
Poehler never played soccer for the Centaurs.
She chose instead to play for the South-Central Premiere program which is based in North Branford. The goalkeeper also received some private tutoring.
“It’s interesting, a different path,” Poehler said.
Poehler played for South-Central program for the past three seasons. She started reaching out to college coaches two years ago and began to receive interest. She said she was “excited” when the offer came from a Division II school.
“I could have played high school soccer, but I thought it would be more of an advantage to get private goalie training all year,” Poehler said.
She had begun her career as a forward for the Northeast Premiere program but didn’t think she was making much progress. When the keeper left, Poehler seized the opportunity.
“I started to go to goalie training, really liked it, and went to a higher level from there,” Poehler said.
She added she was attracted to Post University, not only for the soccer, but also because the Waterbury school has a good Homeland Security program.
“I’ve always known Audrey to be a very hard worker as a student, super-diligent in class, a subtle but real superstar in the academic world so when I found out that she had this great athletic accomplishment, it didn’t surprise me,” said Woodstock Academy associate Head of School Holly Singleton.
Preston said it was a nice relief to have his destination planned out well before the baseball season begins.
“I can relax and just do what I have to do,” Preston said. “For 17 years now, I’ve been wanting to play college baseball and working toward it. It’s a huge load off my shoulders.”
The Assumption College choice was not all that difficult for Preston.
He has been working with the Greyhounds’ pitching coach, Aaron Kaska, since Kaska coached Preston’s 12-U team.
“I’ve been working with him for the last five years and I’ve also been playing with one of their players so I know it’s a good atmosphere and the right fit,” Preston said.
Preston, a catcher for the Centaurs, will likely remain in that position in Worcester although Preston knows the Greyhounds like their athletes to be ready for other positions if necessary.
“Catcher is definitely a hard-working position and I accept any challenge that comes with it,” Preston said. “Division II is quality baseball. There is a little difference between it and Division I, but sometimes, the competition level is the same.”
Preston will be a health science major with a focus on physical therapy.
“I watched him play in Little League and I knew he would be something special. Not only is he a great baseball player, he is also a great leader, one of our co-captains and more importantly, a great young man. He’s got good morals, good values and a good work ethic – a tremendous kid,” said Woodstock Academy baseball coach Brian Murphy.
For now, Preston can focus on the high school baseball season this spring.
He hit .303 with one homer, two doubles, four triples, two stolen bases and 11 runs batted in for the Centaurs last year.
He also posted a 3-2 record on the mound with 30 strikeouts.
“We would like to win the Eastern Connecticut Conference championship and compete in the state tournament,” Preston said.
Marc Allard
Sports Information Director
The Woodstock Academy
.