Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home

Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home Providing exceptional funeral and cremation services through a tradition of caring and unsurpassed service.

Nadene Cole StoltenbergNadene Cole Stoltenberg, 87, of Manchester, beloved wife of the late Mel L. Stoltenberg, passed a...
04/27/2026

Nadene Cole Stoltenberg

Nadene Cole Stoltenberg, 87, of Manchester, beloved wife of the late Mel L. Stoltenberg, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. She leaves her loving family, her sons Doug and his wife Kathy and their children Zachary and Molly; Gary and his wife Carol and their son, Cole. Arrangements are private.

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Marlene CouchMarlene (Misovich) Couch, 70 of Tolland, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother passed away peacefully on Fr...
04/20/2026

Marlene Couch

Marlene (Misovich) Couch, 70 of Tolland, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother passed away peacefully on Friday, April 17, 2026. She was born in Manchester, CT to the late Michael Misovich Jr. and Ella (Tomasaitis) Misovich on May 23, 1955.

Marlene graduated from Manchester High School in 1973 and from Morse School of Business in 1975. While attending Morse School of Business, she met her beloved husband, Russell at East Beach in Rhode Island. They married in 1980 and raised two beautiful daughters, Salena and Pamela. Marlene was a devoted mother who would do anything for her two girls. Marlene loved being a mom and also loved being a grandmother to her three grandchildren, Johnathan, Felicity and Adelina who were her world.

Marlene showed her love through cooking. Hosting family gatherings, holidays or simply cooking her loved one’s favorite foods brought her joy. Marlene carried her love for cooking into her work. Marlene worked as a Food Service worker at Tolland High School for over ten years and a Kitchen Assistant at UConn for over five years.

Marlene was a talented sewer; a trait she inherited from her mother. She created beautiful quilts, burp cloths, Christmas ornaments and Halloween costumes. Though Marlene was often viewed as introverted, she had a sense of adventure. She loved taking day trips to the casino, visiting family in Florida, watching NASCAR, and yelling at the bad guys while watching Live PD.

Marlene comes from a large family. She is survived by her husband, Russell; her daughters and their husbands, Salena and Scott Doubleday and Pamela and Jeremy Bill and her three grandchildren, Adelina Doubleday, Johnathan Bill and Felicity Bill; her sisters and their husbands, Sheila and Brian Wheeler, Allison and William Munroe as well as her niece and nephews, their spouses, and children; Scott Wheeler, his wife LeighAnn and their children, Graham and Weston, Michael Wheeler, his wife, Luana, Eric Wheeler, his wife, Ginger, Keith McKenzie, his wife Jacquelyn their children, Gavin and Mason, Kimberly (McKenzie) Clifford her husband, John, their son, Alex. She was predeceased by her sister, Christine McKenzie and her husband, Stephen McKenzie.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026 from 5 PM to 7 PM at Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home, 400 Main Street, Manchester, CT. A chapel service will take place the following morning at Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home on Friday, April 24, 2026 at 10 AM. Burial will follow in South Cemetery in Tolland, CT. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Marlene’s memory to Accent Care: Hospice and Palliative Care.

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Jesse A. RichJesse Alexander Rich, 28, died at home on 4/12/2026 in the arms of his mother, a very special friend, and h...
04/14/2026

Jesse A. Rich

Jesse Alexander Rich, 28, died at home on 4/12/2026 in the arms of his mother, a very special friend, and his cousin. Jesse was born in Manchester, CT, on 12/17/1997. He attended Manchester schools and graduated in 2016. Jesse was born into domestic violence, struggled with cruelty from others, and mental illness. He developed a tough exterior to protect the soft loving man he had grown into. Jesse loved Billie Jean, his rescued pitbull, and all animals, the great outdoors and gardening. He had great artistic and mechanical abilities. He had an uncanny depth of knowledge of many subjects and loved to learn.

He was predeceased by his hero and brother, Stephen Belmore, a year ago. This affected his desire to live although he hung on trying to spare his mother the pain of losing two sons. He has returned to the loving arms of his brother. He is survived by his mother Kathleen Rich, his aunt Ellen Kanehl and family, a special cousin and friend Sandy Rich, and a very special friend and hospice nurse Rachel Stanley, whom he loved dearly.

A Calling Hour will be held Sunday, April 19th from 4pm till 5pm at Holmes Watkins Funeral Home, located at 400 Main Street, Manchester CT. A Celebration of Life will be held at Second Congregational Church, 385 North Main Street, Manchester CT 06042 on Monday, April 20th at 11am. Burial will be Private. Donations can be made to Save the Cabin – Case Mountain at Case Mountain Cabin, Inc. as a special Honor to his brother, Stephen.

I wish to thank the friends who held me up so I could be there for Jesse - I love you all. I will love you Jesse, Forever and Always.

To leave an online condolence please visit www.holmeswatkins.com

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Rachel Lorraine ConoverRachel Lorraine Conover, passed away on April 8, 2026, in Manchester, Connecticut, after a long a...
04/08/2026

Rachel Lorraine Conover

Rachel Lorraine Conover, passed away on April 8, 2026, in Manchester, Connecticut, after a long and courageous battle with re**al cancer. She was 50 years old. Born on March 15, 1976, in Tampa, Florida, she spent most of her adult life in Connecticut, where she built a life marked by resilience, warmth and creativity.

Rachel was the beloved mother of her 16-year-old son, Collin Wilcox of Bristol, Connecticut. She is also survived by her parents, Mary Conti Arterton and Mark Arterton of Bridgton, Maine; her brothers, Mark Arterton Jr. and Kurt Arterton, both of Bridgton, Maine; and her niece, Ava Arterton of Windham, Maine. She leaves behind her loving companion, Salvador Belcaro of Connecticut, who remained faithfully by her side and provided her with constant love and support throughout her illness. Rachel was also surrounded by a wide circle of caring family members and friends who stood with her during her long struggle and gave her strength when she needed it most. There have been many who were there for Rachel during her illness and without them she would have given up sooner. Her sons father Joshua Wilcox, Alicia, Jenn, Lisa, Karley, Liz just to name a few of the many. Rachel has been blessed with so many wonderful people in her short life.

A lover of music, Rachel attended many concerts and found joy in the energy and emotion that music brought her. She also had a deep appreciation for nature and was especially drawn to crystals, which reflected her thoughtful and spiritual side. She had a great fondness for cats and leaves behind three cherished feline companions. Rachel found beauty in the world around her and took comfort in the simple things that brought peace and meaning to her days.

Rachel graduated from Grasso Southeastern Technical High School in Groton, Connecticut, and later became a certified massage therapist. She also worked as a bartender in many clubs throughout Connecticut, where she became known for her signature cocktail. Her work reflected her outgoing personality and her ability to bring something special to every place she was part of. She was proud of her accomplishments and of the life she built through hard work and determination.

Rachel will be remembered with love by all who knew her. Her family and friends will forever hold close the memory of her strength, her laughter, her compassion, and her devotion to her son and loved ones. Though her time here was far too short, the impact she made will remain in the hearts of many. A private service will be held for immediate family and very close friends, and a celebration of life for Rachel will be held at a later date. To leave an online condolences please visit www.holmeswatkins.com.

“I search for threads of you

Everywhere I go,

I find you in the small crevices of life and in the bottomless canyons

I find you in the ordinarily beige moments and in conspicuous beauty

I long for morsels of your presence

In everything I do.

…Even when it means feeling blooded by the shards of grief,

And the breathtakingly painful

Presence of your absence

I will always look for you

And I will always find you

As long as I can love.”

Dr. Joanne Cacciatore

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04/02/2026

Higia Santana

Higia Santana, 86, of Manchester, CT, was called home by the Father this past Friday, March 27th. Born in Apia, Colombia, she was one of twelve siblings. She is survived by her husband, Hernando, married for a beautiful and blessed sixty nine years, as well as her five children, eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Devout in her faith, selfless and spirited, Higia stood steadfast for what she felt was true and right in her heart. She loved playing dominoes and parcheesi against any who dared challenge her. She was warmth and love personified, a grace to all who had the privilege to know her.

A Funeral Home Service will be held on Friday, April 3rd 2026 from 5pm till 5:30pm at Holmes Watkins Funeral Home located at 400 Main Street, Manchester CT. Calling Hours will follow the service from 5:30pm till 7pm. To leave an online condolence please visit www.holmeswatkins.com

04/02/2026

Linda Jean Corcoran

Linda Jean Mercer Corcoran, age 68, of Manchester CT, passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of March 26, 2026, after a brave battle with cancer. Linda was in the care of her loving family and friends. They worked hard to ensure that she was able to stay at home throughout her illness, caring for her until she passed.

Linda is predeceased by her parents Ronald Mercer and Judith (Wilson) Blanchard.

Linda was born on November 12, 1957, in Manchester CT. She grew up in Manchester; graduated from Manchester High School; lived, worked, and raised her family in Manchester.

Linda was a devoted mother to her children Shannon (Corcoran) Scriven and Sean Corcoran. Her children made her immensely proud, and they will miss her deeply.

Linda will be remembered for her enduring spirit and resilience. She was never one to give up, always pushing through life’s challenges with strength and determination. She held a deep appreciation for nature and art, spending countless hours creating beautiful illustrations that reflected her creative soul. She found joy in music, especially listening to the Grateful Dead—and treasured the simple pleasures of life, including time spent with her beloved dog, Zoe, and cat, Milo. More than anything else, Linda cherished her family and friends and the moments they shared together.

She leaves behind her loving children, Shannon Scriven and her husband, Mike, and Sean Corcoran and his loving partner, Megan; her brothers, Jeffrey Mercer, Michael Arcari, and Stephen Blanchard; her aunt, June Clark; and her eagerly anticipated first grandchild, Braelynn, and her devoted friend Sandra Montineri.

Also surviving Linda are her many nieces and nephews and their families, as well as dear friends. Linda loved them all.

In lieu of flowers, it would be appreciated if donations were made to the American Cancer Society

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 5 to 7 PM at the Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home, 400 Main Street, Manchester, CT 06040. Burial will be private.

Linda’s gentle nature, strength, creativity, and love for her family and friends will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Rene Luis TagleRene “Lucho” Luis Tagle, 94, of Manchester, passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, March 20, 20...
03/24/2026

Rene Luis Tagle

Rene “Lucho” Luis Tagle, 94, of Manchester, passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, March 20, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Born October 15, 1931, in La Rioja, Argentina, he was the son of the late Juan Leon Tagle and Catalina Ramona (Pisetta) Tagle.

In 1954, Rene married the love of his life, Lidia Tagle. Together they shared more than 71 devoted years of marriage before her passing in June of 2025. In 1965, with courage and hope for a brighter future, Rene and Lidia made the life-changing decision to move their family from Argentina to the United States. They first settled in Brooklyn, New York, later moved to West Hartford, and eventually made their permanent home in Manchester.

Rene worked for many years as a quality control engineer at Jacob’s Manufacturing, where he was respected for his dedication and strong work ethic. Outside of work, he found joy in life’s simple and meaningful pleasures. He was an avid soccer fan and cherished hosting traditional Argentine barbecues—“Asados”—for family and friends. Above all else, Rene treasured time spent with his family, who were the center of his world.

He is survived by his children and their spouses: Eduardo O. Tagle and his wife Deborah of Newington; Olga C. Tagle Coelho and her husband Paul of Manchester; grandchildren Jennifer M. Tagle Whitton and her husband David of Enfield; and Nicole E. Tagle McCandless and her husband Patrick of Newington. He also leaves behind his beloved great-grandchildren, Brayden McCandless, Cameran McCandless, and Emily Whitton, who brought him immense pride and joy.

Family and friends may call on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., followed by an 11:30 a.m. chapel service. Burial will be private.

Rene's legacy of devotion, resilience, and tradition will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

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Roger Whitney WilsonRoger Whitney Wilson, 77, of Bolton, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026 at St. Francis Hospital i...
03/20/2026

Roger Whitney Wilson

Roger Whitney Wilson, 77, of Bolton, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026 at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford with loving family by his side. Born May 13, 1948, in Hartford; he was the son of the late Russell and Eileen (Whitney) Wilson. Roger was a class of 1966 Manchester High School graduate and then went on to attend Thiel College in Greenville, PA where he obtained his degree in Political Science, and then went on to obtain his MBA from Western New England College in Long Meadow Massachusetts.

Roger spent most of his career in construction sales at Master Builders, where he earned many awards and was highly respected for his industry expertise.

In August of 1990 he married his beloved wife Judy, and soon after they made their home together in Bolton. They were fortunate to settle into a beautiful new community of wonderful neighbors with whom they have shared many good times over the years. Roger served on the Town of Bolton Planning and Zoning Board, as well as the Town Committee.

Roger was known for his outgoing personality and his enthusiastic approach to just about everything. He loved all animals, especially his dogs, who were his constant companions and essentially his “kids”.

In his younger years, he enjoyed many summers on his grandparents’ farm in Salisbury Vermont. Roger was a member of Scout Troop 25, where he learned many important life skills, and obtained the rank of Eagle Scout.

Roger was a lifelong sportsman and lover of nature, and he took special joy in being on the water. He started boating early in life, navigating the Connecticut river, Long Island Sound, Block Island and the Vinyard. He also enjoyed fishing, water-skiing and scuba diving.

Roger was an expert skier, on the slopes in Vermont where he served for a time on ski patrol, as well as in the Alps and out West. An avid golfer, he played in local leagues and organized tournaments for his company in Massachusetts. Among his many other talents were tennis, trap & s***t shooting, woodworking, acoustic guitar, bridge, and card games of all kinds.

He is survived by his loving wife Judy; his sister Janet Prior and her husband Jack, his nephew Daniel Prior and wife Nicole Vander Laan, grand-nephews Berend and Lochlann Prior, his niece Carrie Prior and partner Matt Mann, and numerous other extended family and friends.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 5 to 7 PM at the Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home 400 Main Street, Manchester CT. The funeral service will take place the following morning on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 11 AM at the Funeral Home, followed by burial in East Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Center Congregational Church or to Troop 25, 11 Center Street, Manchester CT 06040.

To leave an online condolence please visit www.holmeswatkins.com.

View Roger Whitney Wilson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Barbara E. AlleyBarbara (Ely) Alley passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026 at Evergreen Center for Health and Rehabili...
03/18/2026

Barbara E. Alley

Barbara (Ely) Alley passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026 at Evergreen Center for Health and Rehabilitation in Stafford Springs, CT. She was 99 years old.

She is predeceased by her beloved husband Richard K. Alley, her parents Helen and Clifford Ely, her brothers - Leonard and his wife Shirley, Clifford and his wife Trinette, as well as nephews Tom and Scott Ely.

She is survived by her sons, Gene and wife Joanne of Oakham, MA and Neil of Vernon, CT, granddaughter Laura and great-grandchildren Michael and Allasya, as well as several dear nieces and nephews.

Born and educated in Norwalk, CT. Barbara graduated from the Norwalk Hospital School of Nursing, Cadet Corp, in September 1947. In 1949 she married Dick, the love of her life. They enjoyed life together with family and friends until his death in 2006.

While in Norwalk, Barbara worked as Head Nurse on Pediatrics and then for two pediatricians before retiring to Harwich, MA. She was an active member of Grace Episcopal Church, serving on the Vestry and many other committees. She was a member of the Women's Golf Association of Oak Hills.

After retiring to Harwich, MA in 1987, she was an active member of Christ Church Episcopal in Harwich Port serving on the Vestry and many other ministries. She was a Lay Eucharist Minister which was very dear to her heart. She also was a member of Cranberry Valley Women's Golf Association and a volunteer for many years at the Harwich Council on Aging.

For the past 20 years she lived in Storrs, CT, and became an active member at St. Mark’s Chapel. She loved her St. Mark’s “family” and missed them dearly when she was no longer able to attend.

Barbara was especially proud of her Scottish heritage. She enjoyed attending Highland Games, working on her family genealogy, needlework, gardening and of course cheering on her NY Yankees.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11am on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at St. Mark’s Chapel in Storrs, CT. A private Burial in Pinehill Cemetery, Sherborn, MA will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Mark’s Chapel, 42 N Eagleville Rd, Storrs, CT 06268 or to a charity of one's choice. To leave an online condolence please visit www.holmeswatkins.com

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Deborah O. PalmerDeborah Oslund Palmer, 61, of Manchester CT, Beloved wife of Fred Palmer Sr since 2013, passed away on ...
03/16/2026

Deborah O. Palmer

Deborah Oslund Palmer, 61, of Manchester CT, Beloved wife of Fred Palmer Sr since 2013, passed away on February 11th, 2026 at home, surrounded by loving family after a long battle with heart failure. She was born on May 08th,1964 in Hartford, CT. She is predeceased by her parents Judith "Judie" Fontaine and Merritt Sanford "Sandy" Oslund. In addition to her husband Fred, she is also survived by her children Christopher Sapolis (wife Theresa) of Debary, FL and Samantha Christina (husband Steven) of Taftville, CT as well as her sister Barbara Marquis (husband Ben) of Cocoa Beach, FL. She also leaves behind many bonus children (lovingly referred to as “The Litter”), many bonus grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and beloved friends.

Deb was employed by Stop & Shop for many years, where working in the floral section ignited her love of gardening. She was also active in the American Legion, VFW, and Moose International organizations throughout central CT.

She was a loving mother devoted to her family. Anyone who was fortunate enough to know her, knew she was always available for anyone who needed a good cry, a good laugh, or just a hug. She loved spending time with family and friends, whether it was fishing or a bonfire in the summer or accompanying her husband to holiday parties as his beloved Mrs. Claus.

Deb will always be remembered for her whimsical and playful spirit, her sense of humor, and, most of all, her big heart. Her ability to love everyone around her was an inspiration to many. The hearts of those she touched will be forever changed.

A Celebration of Life will take place at 1pm on Saturday, March 21st at American Legion Post 180 at 567 Exeter Rd, Lebanon CT, 06249. To leave an online condolence please visit www.holmeswatkins.com

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Camilla A. LagosCamilla Lagos, born on December 23, 2010, in Manchester, CT, passed away on March 12, 2026, leaving behi...
03/15/2026

Camilla A. Lagos

Camilla Lagos, born on December 23, 2010, in Manchester, CT, passed away on March 12, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of joy, faith, determination, and extraordinary talent. Though her time with us was far too short, her life overflowed with purpose, beauty, and a radiant spirit that touched everyone she encountered.

Camilla was a sweet, smart, and remarkably gifted young woman, known for her gentle heart and her beautiful smile that could brighten any room. She was ambitious and determined, always striving to accomplish her goals and inspiring others with her drive and discipline. Academically, she excelled—she was a proud member of the Junior National Honor Society and consistently earned a place on the High Honor Roll.

A gifted musician, Camilla was an excellent pianist and also played guitar and flute, filling her home, school, and church with music that reflected her grace and creativity. She enjoyed crocheting, playing piano and going on adventures with friends, exploring the world with curiosity and joy.

As a freshman at Blue Mountain Academy, Camilla served as Class President, leading with humility, kindness, and a natural ability to bring people together. She was beautiful inside and out—her character, compassion, and warmth made others feel valued and loved.

Above all, Camilla loved the Lord. Her faith shaped her life, guided her choices, and shone through her kindness, her leadership, and the way she treated others. She lived with a quiet but steadfast trust in God, and her life reflected the beauty of a heart anchored in Him.

As we grieve at her passing, we hold tightly to the blessed hope of Scripture:

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout… and the dead in Christ shall rise first.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:16

We wait for the Lord’s second coming with longing and hope, trusting that we will see Camilla again.

Camilla was preceded in death by her father, Ferdinand Lagos. She is lovingly survived by her mother, Karina Flores; her sister, Isabella Lagos; her grandmother, Yolanda Flores; her grandparents, Alejandrina and Rogelio Arohuanca; and a large circle of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who cherished her deeply.

Her impact will continue to live on—in her music, in the memories she created, and in the hearts of all who loved her. May she rest in the Lord until we see her again on that blessed resurrection morning.

Camilla had a deep love for music. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to consider donating to the Camilla Lagos Memorial Fund, established to support other children in learning music and developing their musical talents.

Please click the link below, and from the list select “Camilla Lagos Memorial Fund”

https://adventistgiving.org/donate/AN4MDA

Calling Hours will be held on Tuesday, March 17th from 10am till 11am at Connecticut Valley Seventh Day Adventist Church, located at 354 Foster Road, South Windor CT. There will be a Funeral Service following Calling Hours from 11am till 1pm at Connecticut Valley Seventh Day Adventist Church. Burial will take place afterwards at Buckland Cemetery, located at 1210 Tolland Turnpike, Manchester CT.

To leave an online condolence please visit www.holmeswatkins.com

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Barbara E. AlleyObituary to be Posted.
03/12/2026

Barbara E. Alley

Obituary to be Posted.

View Barbara E. Alley's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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