MaryLou Bell, 83, Died; Staples Class of ‘56, Beloved Westporter
MaryLou Bell, 83, of Westport, CT, died Thursday, June 30, 2022 peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family.
MaryLou is survived by her daughter Kathy Santarella and husband Scott of Westport, CT; son Bob Stephens and wife Marybeth of Suffolk, VA; her six grandchildren, Jordan & Jamie Santarella, Weston, Tyler, Ashley & Will Stephens; her sister and brother-in-law Annette & AJ Izzo of Westport, CT; her brother-in-law Ray Barry and his wife Linda of Fairfield, CT. She is also survived by many cousins (especially her 'ABC' cousins) and many cherished nieces and nephews.
MaryLou was preceded in death by her spouse of 35 years, William E. Bell in 2000, and her youngest sister Angela M. Doddo in 2001.
MaryLou was born in Norwalk, CT to the late Patsy and Antonette Doddo. She was the eldest of three daughters and a lifelong Westport resident. She graduated from Staples High School in 1956.
MaryLou was a well-loved and respected local banker. She began her banking career with The Westport Bank & Trust company while in high school, often telling stories of sun-bathing on her lunch breaks with fellow employees on the roof of the downtown building which is now home to Patagonia. She amassed a loyal customer base during her career which would faithfully follow her to the newest bank branch in her capacity as Branch Manager, AVP. Throughout the years she worked with Connecticut Bank & Trust, The Bank of Darien, The Bank of Westport and many others, ending her career in 2012 at Fairfield County Bank.
She enjoyed her annual NYC outings with her network of bank colleagues, taking in Broadway shows and dinner. Her vacations in North Truro on Cape Cod were very special to her. She volunteered her time at the Westport Sons of Italy's Festival Italiano, the Westport PAL's Annual Memorial Golf Tournament and was a member of the Westport Sunrise Rotary Club. She was very active in local politics during the 1970's and 1980's as a member of the Republican Town Committee and Save Westport Now. She had multitudes of friends, co-workers and customers whom she loved very much. She always enjoyed spending time at the Westport Senior Center and sharing laughs with her friends and family. She was fiercely independent, a straight-shooter and was never afraid to express her thoughts to others. MaryLou lived life "her way."
MaryLou's family would like to thank her exceptional caregivers Millie and Thomasine for providing friendship along with compassionate care during the years MaryLou was not able to care for herself.
Friends may greet the family on Wednesday, July 6, 2022 from 4-7pm at Harding Funeral Home, 210 Post Road East, Westport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Church of the Assumption, 98 Riverside Avenue, Westport on Thursday, July 7, 2022 at 10:00 am. Entombment will follow at Willowbrook Cemetery, 395 Main Street, Westport. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in MaryLou's memory to the American Heart Association or to the charity of your choice
Mary Ann Baldwin, 78, Died; Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club Member
Mary Ann Baldwin, a fifty-two-year resident of Ridgefield died on June 22, 2022. She passed away comfortably at home with her husband holding her hand.
Mary Ann was born on January 29, 1944, to Michael Sudzina and Elizabeth (Gregus) Sudzina in Perth Amboy, NJ. She grew up in Metuchen, NJ and graduated from Michigan State University and subsequently received a master's degree from Fairfield University. She married Dr. Randall Baldwin in 1966 and had two children: Geoffrey and Matthew. She was the proud grandmother of Sarah, Nathaniel, Lindsey, and Abigail. She is also survived by a brother, Michael R. Sudzina and two favorite nieces: Christine Shutt and Susan Brandon.
Mary Ann loved the Town of Ridgefield and was very active in town affairs. Among her many positions were nine years of service on the Board of Education, including four years as Chairman. In 1991, she took the responsibility of Director of Social Services for the town. She served in that capacity until her retirement in 2010. Mary Ann and Randall were also members of the Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club for over forty years. She was a faithful member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, September 9, 2022, at 11:00 AM at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church; 353 Main Street, Ridgefield. Interment will take place privately.
Mary Ann may be remembered with a gift to the Ridgefield Social Services Emergency Fund or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which were her favorite charities. Kane Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Mary Bath, 67, Died; Former Westporter, “selfless to a fault”
Mary Frances Bath, 67, passed away on June 22, 2022.
Mary was born November 27, 1954 in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England to Stuart Howard and Pamela Joy Lomax. Mary spent almost half her life living in the United States firstly in Westport, Stamford and Glastonbury Connecticut, before retiring to the sunshine in Parrish Florida.
Mary was a paralegal and fitness instructor. She bravely battled cancer with courage and dignity and was a fighter to the very end. Mary was a beautiful soul inside and out, selfless to a fault, and a true lady in every sense of the word.
Left to cherish the memory of Mary are her loving husband Michael J Bath, beloved children: Philippa, Simon and Nicholas and three grandchildren Madison, Sebastian and Alyssa, who were Nanny's angels and her pride and joy and mother Pamela Joy Amos and a host of other family and friends she made along the way. Please check back for dates and times for a memorial service in Parish, FL. Online Condolences at Skywaymemorial.com
Russell G. Slayback, 85, Died; Greens Farms Resident
Russell G. Slayback - 85, of Greens Farms, died peacefully in the arms of his daughters and long-time caretaker, Monica, on June 20th.
Russ was born on September 19th, 1936, in New York, New York, to Russell B. Slayback and Doris (Dolly) E. Gardner. He earned a B.S. degree in geology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1959. By 1960, Russ began work as a hydrogeologist for Leggette, Brashears & Graham Inc. (LBG), where he later became Vice President and Director before ultimately ascending to President and Chairman of the Board. Russ also worked to expand the scope of geoscience through his volunteerism. He held twenty different positions at the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG), including as the national president. In addition, Russ served in several positions at the American Geosciences Institute (AGI), including as the foundation's chairman and the president of the Institute.
While in his role as Chairman at AGI, Russ championed the creation of the endowed AGI Fisher Congressional Fellowship. Russ also sat on the University of Texas at Austin Jackson School Geology Foundation Advisory Council, rising to the chairman. Russ was honored with many awards throughout his career, with some of the most notable being the AIPG Martin Van Covering Award, the AIPG Ben H. Parker Medal, the William B. Heroy Jr. Award for Distinguished Service to AGI, the AGI Medal in Memory of Ian Campbell, and the Russell G. Slayback Award of the AIPG Northeast section.
Russ joins his beloved Judy, the light of his life, who he has missed dearly. He is survived by his daughters, Leigh Reed of Highland, Maryland, and Lynn Sikora of Manassas, Virginia, and his four adored grandchildren, Derek and Kelly Sikora, and Taylor and Dana Reed. He was also blessed with a cherished son-in-law, Rob Reed. Russ is also survived by his dear sister, Ava Burkard.
Russ' family will receive friends at the Harding Funeral Home, 210 Post Rd. E., Westport, Saturday, June 25th from 2:30 to 5:00 pm. No flowers, please. Memorial contributions in honor of Russ may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, stjude.org/onlinegiving
Jacqueline Fink, 90, Died; Former Bank and Trust Company Employee
Jacqueline Fink (Klein) Age 90, daughter of David and Esther (Stern) Klein, died June 11, 2022 at Lasell House, Auburndale, MA.
Jackie was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Martin Fink; her sister Nancy (Klein) Abel; and her more recent partner, Alfred Simon. She is survived by her three sons, Howard (and Deborah, Acton, MA), Andrew (and Mary, Lexington, MA) and Douglas (and Susan, Monroe, CT), six grandchildren, Caroline (and Micah), David (and Monica), Molly (and Jack), David (and Courtney), Hannah and Ethan; as well as her nephew and niece Alan Abel and Deborah (Abel) Glazer.
Jackie was born in Allentown, PA in 1932 and received her BS from Simmons College. After raising her children she worked in Westport, CT at Connecticut Bank & Trust Company and then Chatterson Company. She lived for many years in West Hartford, CT and then Fairfield, CT before retiring to Newton, MA in 2000. A private family Graveside Service will be held at Westview Cemetery in Lexington. Lexington
Eleanor Goddard Forger, 91, Died; Former Westporter, Earthplace Youth Skating Club Organizer
Eleanor Goddard Forger died on June 10, 2022. She is survived by Bob, her husband of 71 years, her son Gary and his wife Felicia of Newton, MA, her granddaughter Lauren Carreiro and her husband Jay of Norfolk, MA, her daughter-in-law Patricia Forger of Bethel, CT, and her brother Edward Goddard of Tewksbury, MA. She is predeceased by her son Jeffrey Forger and her brothers Frank Goddard and Paul Goddard.
Eleanor Marie Goddard was born on Nov. 3, 1930 in Lowell, MA. She was the daughter of Frank and Juliette (Lanoue) Goddard and attended Tewksbury, MA schools. Following graduation from Tewksbury High School in 1948, she attended Vermont College in Montpelier, graduating in 1950.
She was married in May 1951, moving to Westport, CT where she embarked on her life-long career as a homemaker. Eleanor was active there in both the annual art show and the youth skating club of the Nature Center for Environmental Activities.
After moving to Wilton, CT in 1964, Eleanor developed an intense interest in patchwork quilting. That culminated in a red ribbon (second prize) for full size bed quilt excellence at the Vermont Quilt Festival.
She also participated as an alumna representative in various activities of Vermont College (which had merged with Norwich University) including development and long-range planning. In 1999, she was recognized by Norwich as a Distinguished Alumna, the first woman to be so honored by the University.
She and Bob moved to Newtown, CT in 2006.
There will be a visitation at 10:30 am on Thursday, June 16 at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Brookfield, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating her life will at St. Joseph Church at 11:00 am followed by her burial in Newtown's Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in Eleanor's name to Norwich University in Northfield, VT.
Stanley J. Prackup, 87, Died; Staples Class of ‘53, Former Firefighter, Veteran
Stanley J. Prackup, age 87, husband of Joan Prackup passed away on June 1, 2022.
Born August 1, 1934 in Westport, CT, he was one of eight children, the son of the late Michael and Aniella (Nellie) Chmura Prackup.
He was a graduate of Staples High School class of 1953. While at Staples he played on the baseball team and was a sharpshooter on the rifle club.
Stanley enlisted in the U.S. Navy after high school and served on the U.S.S. Valcour and U.S.S. Intrepid. He was awarded the Navy Good Conduct Medal.
After the navy he attended the University of Connecticut.
He was a U.S. Postman for several years before becoming a member of the Westport Fire Department, where he served as a fireman for 20 years until May 1988. He also owned his own landscaping business.
Stanley lived in Westport his entire life. He and his wife Joan built their home in Westport and lived there over 42 years. He was a religious man. He was happiest when he was in his garden and spending time with his family and friends.
He was predeceased by his brothers, Frank, Michael and George and his sisters Rose, Barbara and Alice.
Stanley was survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Joan Prackup, their daughters Brenda Prackup, Linda Prackup-Desautels and Sandra Prackup, grandson Luke Desautels and sister Virginia Fiordelisi, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Calling hours have been omitted. A memorial mass will be held on Monday, June 6, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at St Luke's Church, 49 Turkey Hill Road North, Westport, CT 06880 followed by internment services at Assumption Cemetery on 73 Green Farms Road, Westport, CT 06880.
The memorial service will be lived streamed on St. Luke's website. The link is www.saintlukewestport.org
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made to the Alzheimer's Association (https://www.alz.org) or to the Cancer Research Institute (www.cancerresearch.org).
Mark Howard LeMoult, 59, Died; “…always remember his roaring laugh, unyielding hugs and his gentle heart and soul”
Mark Howard LeMoult, age 59, of Norwalk, lost his life suddenly while behind the wheel of his cherished 1968 Pontiac Catalina on Monday afternoon, May 23, 2022.
Born in Bronxville, NY, the son of the late Adolph LeMoult and Carole Calkins Furgess, he was raised in Westport and had been a lifelong area resident. He attended Staples High School and graduated from The Culinary Institute of America. Mark was a highly esteemed chef and leader in his industry. His culinary vocation began at the age of 13, squeezing limes at Viva Zapata, where his love for the industry blossomed. Mark went on to work at some of the area's finest establishments including Café Christina in Westport, the Hudson River Club and Rainbow Room in NYC and Tamarack Country Club in Greenwich. He had been the Executive Chef at the Field Club of Greenwich for the past 14 years.
He met his adored fiancée, Elizabeth, while working together 21 years ago at Beacon Restaurant in Stamford. One of the highlights of Mark's professional career was serving as the President of the Club Chefs of Connecticut from 2006-2010. Because of his loyal dedication to his craft and the Field Club, Mark zealously worked nights and weekends limiting his attendance at many personal functions, affectionately earning him the family nickname of "The White Rhino" as sightings were elusive but exciting to all.
An incredibly dedicated father, Mark enjoyed camping, river rafting and spending as much quality enjoyment with his sons as possible. He always carved time out of his busy schedule to have "Tuesday Dad Days," many of which were spent barbecuing and cheering on the NY Yankees. Mark would check in with his boys daily and had the utmost pride in them both. His favorite places to visit were Lake George and Cape Cod with family. He was an avid NY Yankees fan (especially of Paul O'Neil #21) and absolutely loved to get his hands dirty planting in his garden. He cherished his two dogs Leo & Teddy and loved mornings at the dog park and walks through the neighborhood. He was a true cigar aficionado and relished his evening smoke to relax after a long day. Mark and Elizabeth enjoyed entertaining in the backyard with friends and family around the firepit, concerts at the Levitt Pavilion and experiencing wonderful meals at local restaurants where Mark reveled in supporting other industry & hospitality professionals.
All those who knew him will always remember his roaring laugh, unyielding hugs and his gentle heart and soul. Mark's legacy will live on through his two dynamic sons, Scott LeMoult of Stamford and Eric LeMoult of Fairfield; his loving fiancée, Elizabeth Kenny of Norwalk; three revered brothers, Michael LeMoult and his wife Mary of Trumbull, Chris LeMoult and his wife Carole of Trumbull and Kevin LeMoult of Murrells Inlet, SC; the mother of his children, Ellen LeMoult of Fairfield; his stepfather, Bert Furgess of Murrells Inlet, SC, and several incredibly loved nieces and nephews who adored their uncle. Mark forged deep connections with every person that he met and leaves behind an infinite circle of very dear friends and colleagues. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Kelly LeMoult.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 545 Stratfield Road, Fairfield. Interment will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Friends may be received by the family Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. in the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. Cheerful attire is encouraged to honor the vivacious life that Mark lived. In lieu of flowers or other recognition, the family requests that donations be made in Mark's LeMoult's memory to the Culinary Institute of America's scholarship fund at www.ciachef.edu/give. For information or to offer an online condolence, please visit www.SpearFuneralHome.com
Jeanne Marie Alling Sweeny, 103, Died; Westport Library, Curio Cottage Volunteer
Jeanne Marie Alling Sweeny, known to most as Johnny, passed away on Mother's Day, May 8, 2022, at the age of 103.
Mrs. Sweeny was born February 1, 1919, to Leon and Jeanne Alling in New York, NY, and grew up in Plainfield, NJ. Always serious in whatever she did, she graduated at the top of her class at age 16 from the Miss Hartridge's School and then from the Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School. She was employed by Arthur Andersen in New York until her engagement to Lieutenant Colonel Hugh B. "Jim" Sweeny, Jr. Married on June 3, 1942, she became a military wife, relocating, enduring the long absence of her husband and managing as mother of a newborn.
A devoted wife and mother, Mrs. Sweeny volunteered her time and energy to many causes. She taught Sunday School at Fanwood (NJ) Presbyterian Church and was a Cub Scout Den Mother for both her sons.
Mrs. Sweeny actively supported her husband in his position as National Program Director and National Conference Director for Junior Achievement(JA). Her relationships with many JA young people have endured until this day. In 2017, she was elected Board Member Emeritus of the Achievement Foundation in New York.
In the mid-1960's, she revived her career, working as the executive assistant to the founder of the Koos furniture chain where she broadened her finance and investment skills. She actively invested and managed her own accounts until she was well past 100 years young. She and her husband had an ongoing competition with their respective portfolios. Mrs. Sweeny's returns, more often than not, were better.
After moving to Westport, CT in the mid-1970's, she continued her community involvement, volunteering with many organizations including the Westport Women's Club's Curio Cottage for many years. Mrs. Sweeny channeled her love for books by volunteering with both the Westport and Easton libraries. She also enjoyed a lively (and very competitive) bridge game well into her 90's.
Mrs. Sweeny was predeceased by her husband of 74 years, Hugh B. "Jim" Sweeny, Jr., son David Alling Sweeny, and sister Patricia Alling Peterson. She is survived by her eldest son, Hugh B. Sweeny, III (Amy O'Donnell Sweeny) of Jersey City, NJ; daughter-in-law Andrea(Mooney)Sweeny of Venice, FL, step-grandson Jeffery Delauter (Claire) of Brooklyn, NY, nieces Laura Peterson Starrantino and Barbara Rice, nephews Carl Peterson (Andrea), John Peterson and Andrew Peterson(Debbie), and cousin Marian Bradley of Southport, CT, many great nieces and nephews, and special friends Carol and Paul Wolff of Trumbull, CT .
Friends are invited to a memorial service on Sunday, June 5, 2022, 2:00 p.m., at First Church of Christ, Congregational, 25 Cross Highway, Redding Center, CT 06875. A reception will follow in the church hall. Interment will be private at another date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mrs. Sweeny's memory to:
First Church of Christ, Congregational, P. O. Box 1055, Redding Center, CT 06875.
Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, 103 Vision Way, Bloomfield, CT 06002
Bridgeport Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 9057, Bridgeport, CT 06601
Robert Darefsky, 61, Died; Westporter
Robert J. Darefsky, 61, of Westport, CT, husband of Amy (nee Brown) and father of Jordan and Carlie, passed away at home on May 11, 2022.
Rob grew up in West Hartford where he attended Hall High School. He went on to graduate from the University of Vermont and later received his MBA from the University of Chicago. Rob was a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers' Business Recovery Services practice before becoming a senior managing director at FTI Consulting.
Rob is survived by his wife, children, mother Rosalyn Darefsky of West Hartford, sisters Marla (Mark) Severance of Stamford and Elyse Darefsky of Bloomfield, and niece Kayla (Josh) Jarnagin of Phoenix, Arizona. He was pre-deceased by his father, Leon Darefsky and nephew, Jared Bergman. Graveside funeral services were held on May 12, 2022 at The Emanuel Synagogue Cemetery in Wethersfield, CT.
The family is observing a private mourning period. Contributions in his memory may be made to a charity of your choice or the Jared Bergman Scholarship (New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence, 265 Clove Road, New Rochelle, NY 10801).