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Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street, Willimantic, CT (2026)

04/28/2026

Maureen Joyce Kirouac

Obituary to follow upon completion.

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04/23/2026

John William Krukoff Jr.

John W. Krukoff Jr., 83, of Ashford, CT, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2026. He was born on November 6, 1942, to the late John Krukoff and Margaret Fugedi Krukoff. John was predeceased by his sister, Shirley Kaba, and his loving wife of over 50 years, Beverly L. Maulucci Krukoff.

John worked as a truck driver for many years and served briefly as a constable in Ashford. In his younger years, he owned and operated a business cutting and selling wood surveyor stakes. He took great pride in living and working on his farm, where he raised beef cattle, made hay, and worked with lumber. A skilled carpenter, John built his own home. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening.

John is survived by his brother, Carl Krukoff and his wife, Leora; his sister, Margie Coupe, and her late husband, John Coupe; and his three children, John Krukoff III, Glenn Krukoff, and Nicholas Krukoff and his wife, Michelle. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Danielle Kudlach and her late husband, John; Ashley Moss and her husband, Eric; Amanda Krukoff and her husband, Jeff Hanley; Glenn Krukoff Jr. and his wife, Jenna; Hunter Krukoff; Lillian Krukoff; and Max Krukoff. He is further survived by his great-grandchildren, John Paul, Adriana, Ethan, and Eli, as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Douglas Manor for their compassionate care of John. A private ceremony will be held in his honor.

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04/21/2026

Doris Marin Garcia

Dios les bendiga a todos.

Hoy dedicamos este espacio a una mujer admirable, Doris Marín García. Nació en Patillas, Puerto Rico el 2 de noviembre de 1953. Sus hijos Janet, Miguel y Cindy y sus 7 nietos y 7 bisnietos fueron sus orgullos y alegrías, al igual que sus hermanos y sobrinos y no olvidándonos de sus dos perritas que fueron sus dos compañeras chihuahuas, por 12 años. Ella le apasionaba las flores, orquídeas, rosas y todas las imposibles para ella era fácil germinarlas.

Tenía pasión por los perros, por ella convertía su casa en un lugar de refugios para perros. Siempre estaba feliz. Nunca se le vio triste ni en sus días difíciles. Hoy descansa en los brazos de nuestro Padre Celestial. Siempre la recordaremos con su hermosa sonrisa.

God bless you all.

Today we dedicate this space to an admirable woman, Doris Marín García. Born in Patillas, Puerto Rico on November 2, 1953. Her children Janet, Miguel and Cindy, and her 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren were her pride and joy, along with her brothers and nephews and not forgetting her two dogs who were her two Chihuahua companions, for 12 years. She was passionate about flowers, orchids, roses and all the impossible ones for her were easy to germinate.

She had a passion for dogs, if it were only up to her, she would have converted her home into a rescue place for dogs. She was always happy. No one ever saw her sad even in her most difficult days. Today she rests in the arms of our Heavenly Father. She will always be remembered by her beautiful smile.

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04/20/2026

John L. Horvath III

John L. Horvath III was born to Hazel Macomber Horvath and John L. Horvath Jr. on May 2, 1937. He grew up in Willimantic CT surrounded by many aunts and uncles, all of whom were first generation immigrants from what is now known as the Czech Republic and Hungary. Their Catholic faith and close family ties made a deep impact on John’s spiritual and emotional development. His love of family was his guiding light throughout his life.

After graduating from Windham High School at 17 years old he joined the Army and served in Germany for four years. When he returned to the United States, he attended Mitchell College and went on to get a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Connecticut.

He married Mary Soriero in 1960. He went on to get his MBA from Western New England University and then worked for the University of Connecticut in Human Resources until his retirement.

He and Mary had three daughters; Kimberly (Doug Rossi, Matthew, Madison), Christine (Kristen), and Karen (Scott Dupuis, Travis, Trevor) whom they raised in Somers Connecticut.

John was very involved in his community and church. He served on the Board of Education for several years. He was part of All Saints Catholic Church. He and Mary became involved with Marriage Encounter and Curcio which brought them both fulfillment and joy.

After retirement he and Mary moved to Columbia, CT for several years but their favorite place was their beach cottage in Westerly Rhode Island. John loved to swim, fish and go clamming and spend time with his children and grandchildren there. He and Mary eventually moved there full time to enjoy their view of the back bay and beach life.

John loved playing card games and reading. Over the last several years he found great joy in watching seagulls fly at “The Point”.

John is remembered for being a kind, gentle man who always put his family first. He deeply loved his daughters and grandchildren. He always made time for heart to heart conversations with anyone who sought his counsel and friendship. His silly sense of humor and great listening skills made him a joy to be around. He will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.

John’s family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday, April 26, 2026 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., Willimantic CT. In lieu of flower, donations to your local Humane Society would be greatly appreciated.

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04/20/2026

Susan Fontenelle Cutlip

Susan Cutlip, a beloved renaissance woman whose talents and passions touched the lives of all who knew her, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family both far and near. She had a joie de vivre and was deeply generous with her time, love, and laughter Susan was a gifted violinist, a skilled weaver, an awesome cook, and a devoted legal advocate. She found joy in hiking forest trails to pick berries, boating on Moosehead Lake with family, reading lakeside while her family swam and played on the dock, and making her delicious raspberry jam. She was also known to make a mean Manhattan, best enjoyed in the company of those she loved. Above all, Susan was deeply devoted to her family. She was a loving mother, wife, daughter, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, auntie, and friend. She never hesitated to drop everything and fly or drive across the country when someone she loved needed her. Her love has been both constant, unconditional, and a major source of strength for all. A loyal fan of the UConn women’s basketball team, Susan brought enthusiasm to cheering on her team and a sense of humour to any gathering. Susan was predeceased by her daughter Lauren, her husband Mike, her father Ed, and her mother Grace. She is lovingly remembered by her sister Joyce; her son Logan; her grandchildren Amanda and Jon; her niece Marna and nephew Alan; her three great-grandchildren Avery, Jack and Roman; and her six great-nieces and nephews. Her love and resilience will continue through us all. Susan will be remembered for her warmth, her compassion, her fierce love for her family, and her ability to make life both meaningful and joyful. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

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04/17/2026

Catherine E. Hamill

Catherine E. Hamill entered into eternal life on April 14, 2026. She was born in Norwich, CT, the daughter of the late Clifford and Mary E. (Mero) Hamill. Catherine was a lifelong resident of Windham, CT. Catherine loved all types of music, volunteering at the Immaculate Retreat House, reading her bible, and always cheering on her beloved Yankees.

She leaves her sister, Marilyn Bentley and her favorite brother-in-law, Arthur Bentley of Willington, CT and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister Betsy Duchesneau.

Catherine’s last home was at St. Joseph’s Living Center in Windham where she had many special friends and always surrounded by a very caring staff.

Family and friends are invited to attend Catherine’s Funeral Mass that will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 11:00am at St. Joseph Church, 99 Jackson St., Willimantic.

Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Research Organization.

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04/17/2026

Shirley J. Smith

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Shirley J. Smith, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who left this world peacefully due to natural causes on April 10, 2026. Born on August 5, 1928, in Avoca, Pennsylvania, Shirley lived a life full of love, devotion, and joy, leaving an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to know her. Shirley met her husband Arthur in her early years, and together they moved to Willimantic, CT, where they raised their family. A devoted homemaker, Shirley dedicated herself to her family, providing not just a warm meal but a warm heart for all who entered her home. Her small house was always filled with laughter, love, and the delicious aroma of home-cooked meals, especially during family gatherings that she cherished deeply. A woman of generous spirit, Shirley found joy in the simple things – from her cherished houseplants that she nurtured back to health, to the lively dances at the Polish Club where she and her husband could often be found reveling in the rhythms of Polka. She found happiness in swimming with friends and enjoyed bargain shopping, proving that her joy was often found in the company of others and the treasures of everyday life. Her love for chocolate and ice cream brought delight to her days, reminding us of all that sweetness can be found in life’s little pleasures. Shirley's love knew no boundaries, especially for her family; children, Arthur and Shelley; grandchildren, Jerimiah, Shaun, Jenna, Jesse and Cory, and a great- great grandchild, were the lights of her life. Shirley was predeceased by her husband Arthur, daughter Beverly and her son Jeffrey.

She will be profoundly missed but forever remembered in our hearts. Shirley’s family and friends are invited to her funeral services that will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 10:00am at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street, Willimantic, CT 06226 followed by a burial at New Willimantic Cemetery.

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04/17/2026

William Clifford Howlett

William Clifford Howlett passed away on April 15, 2026. He was born on June 15, 1953, the son of the late Clifford and Therese (Marrotte) Howlett.

Bill graduated with a BA in history from UConn and retired from UConn as an IT specialist. Bill was a devoted family man. He especially loved the holiday get togethers. Bill was known to everyone for his love of music and history. What most people don't know is that he was a self-taught musician. Bill loved teaching music and singing.

Bill is survived by his son Ryan (Kimberly), grandchildren, Mariah, Noah and Mason; great granddaughter, Delilah; sister Alene (Mac) Toedt, nephew John Toedt, niece Marnie Faupel, grandnephew Alex Toedt, and grandniece Brianna Toedt. In lieu of flowers, please keep Bill in your thoughts and prayers.

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04/10/2026

Christine K. Abikoff

Born Marilyn Christine Krieger to Richard and Edith Krieger of Staten Island, New York, Christine grew up in a close-knit, loving family. She was raised in close contact with nature and the outdoors, with a strong love of reading, a variety of musical interests, and a rich and witty sense of humor to round it out. At age ten, she had her first equestrian experience with a live seahorse she found washed into Long Island Sound after an intense tropical storm. She was a Brownie and a Girl Scout as a child and enjoyed modern music as a teen.

After graduating from Newtown High School in New York, she attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. She dropped out of school and began working in retail at the Home Goods division of B. Altman’s in New York City while living in Greenwich Village. In the mid-seventies, she joined Columbia University's Department of Oral History, where she met her first husband. Together they traveled the United States and Europe. During this time, Marilyn changed her name to Christine Krieger Abikoff, and her husband received a professorship at the University of Connecticut, which landed them in Ashford, CT, in 1981.

Christine joined the Ashford Volunteer Fire Department on April 11, 1989. She was an EMT and a firefighter. She was Correspondence Secretary from 1993 to 1997, President from 1997 to 2000, appointed to Medical Officer by the Chief from 1995 to 2000, Lieutenant of Fire Police in 2003, Captain of EMS in 2004, and served on several committees through the years, including the fisherman’s breakfast and the chicken barbecue, for over 10 years. She was an active member until 2009 and remained a social member. During her time in service, she responded to countless calls, treating each with professionalism and respect.

Christine met her second husband when she joined the Ashford Volunteer Fire Department. In doing so, she also gained a family that included 3 young stepchildren. Christine took an interest in them, sharing her worldly knowledge with these small-town kids. She offered many different experiences – most fondly remembered are shopping adventures, horseback riding, a love for animals both wild and domestic, and annual trips to “Thanksgiving in August” at her aunt and uncle’s home on Long Island. She deeply instilled in them her love for Tiffany’s and all things blue and sparkly.

Christine started her career as an assistant Town clerk for the Town of Ashford on January 1, 1991. Over the following 35 years, she moved into the Selectman’s Office, where she held several titles, none of them fully reflecting her value and dedication to the town. Her participation led to many small-town grants, including those for road improvements, bringing the Wagon Shed property back onto the tax rolls, and housing rehabilitation. Her guidance on legal matters, public manners, interactions, and so much more was borne from decades of experience in the public view. Fierce yet compassionate, she encountered everyone as equally worthy.

Honing in on her love of animals and nature, Christine received her Wildlife Rehabilitator's License in 1996. Over the years, she took in, cared for, rehabbed, and released hundreds of small mammals, with her favorites being opossums and bats.

In 2006, she became the Ashford Animal Control Officer, stepping down to the Assistant Animal Control Officer sometime in the 2020’s. During this time, Christine helped return lost pets to their homes and find homes for others, with many of them making their residence in her home.

Christine also had a deep connection with our Veterans, rooted in her own father‘s military service. She played a key role in creating the beautiful Ashford Veterans’ Memorial, personally ordering each engraved stone. Christine was the driving force behind the collection of labeled photos of Ashford Veterans now displayed on the walls of the third floor of the Ashford Municipal Office building. She also took her stepchildren to “plant flags” at the graves of veterans for Memorial Day each year.

Christine is survived by her brother Andrew Krieger, her nephew Nathaniel Krieger, a handful of cousins, and her (step) children Jillian Lewis, Colleen Sweetland, and Christopher Sweetland. She also leaves behind a local community that she was very dedicated to.

Christine departed us on Friday, March 13, 2026, which might be her last jab at all of us. She will be missed, but may she always be remembered for all the eccentric things she brought into the lives of everyone she encountered.

And she had the most beautiful handwriting.

A celebration of life will be held in the future. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her name to a charity of your choice. May her memory be a blessing.

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04/09/2026

Cheryl Ann DeCandia

Cheryl A. DeCandia (Cookie) 79, of Ellington passed away peacefully on April 7, 2026, in her home surrounded by loved ones after a sudden battle with cancer. Cheryl was born at Windham Hospital and grew up in Andover before moving to Coventry. She had a long career with the State of Connecticut, where she made many friends, before retiring. Cheryl is predeceased by her husband Tom DeCandia, her father Arnold John Tyree, her mother Shirley Elizabeth Heon, and her brother David Heon. Cheryl leaves behind her daughters, Laurie Cunningham of Willimantic and Caroline Johnson of Coventry, as well as her beloved son-in-laws John Cunningham and Todd Johnson. Cheryl’s memory lives on in her adored grandchildren, who she “loved all the same”, John Robert Cunningham, Sierra Lynn Cunningham, Joseph Thomas Johnson, and Alex Richard Johnson. Cheryl was the big sister to her siblings, Pam Heon, Paul Heon, and Robert Heon, who viewed her as the matriarch of the family. Cheryl leaves behind her sister-in-law, Debby Heon, as well as nieces and nephews Jared, Kenny, Tyler, Megan, Sarah, and Jason. Cheryl had a special relationship with her niece Ashley Stanley, whom Cheryl's daughters always joked she was “Moms favorite daughter”. Cheryl is lovingly remembered by Ashley's husband Jason, and their children Jack, Luke, and Aubrey, who fondly called her “Aunt Shoo”. Cheryl is fondly remembered by her cherished step-daughter Christina DeCandia, and her children Kelly, Thomas, Delaney, and Chloe. As well as her step-son Mark DeCandia and his wife Julie, and their children Ryan and Chase. Cheryl was known as “Cook” and “Aunt Cookie” by her Miclette family, who adored her and continue to hold her lovingly in their hearts. Her lifelong friends Robert Miclette, Billie, and Joanne remained special people in her life.

Cheryl touched the lives of everyone around her and made an impact on everyone she met. She was recently described as being like “a stone thrown to water in which the ripples spread far and wide and touched everyone in her path”. Cheryl was a huge part of her grandchildren’s lives and always made each of them feel as if they were her favorite. Her love spread to include many of their friends who also knew her as Grammy.

Cheryl lit up any room she entered and was blessed to have spent her later years enjoying every moment. She was always on the move, so much so her daughters were often asking “where did Mom go now?”. Whether it be shopping, mani-pedis, the beach, lunch with friends, or a weeklong getaway. When at a party, she would surely be seen on the dance floor as a real life ‘Dancing Queen’. Cheryl learned to sail through the changing chapters of her life with grace and dignity. As the years passed, she prided herself on remaining independent, dependable, and being a “go-to” person for those who she loved.

Cheryl leaves many fond memories of fun and adventure, but also with the reminder of the importance of family. She loved unconditionally, was the biggest supporter, and handled it all with class, the only way she knew how.

The family will have a private burial at Center Cemetery in Coventry, Connecticut. A Celebration of Life will be hosted in Cheryl's honor for all who knew and loved her on Saturday, June 13th, 2026. More information to follow.

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04/08/2026

Rosa Rice

Rosika "Rosa" Rice passed away on April 6, 2026. She was a longtime resident of Windham, Connecticut, before moving to her daughter's home in Coventry. Rosa was born on her family's vineyard in the former Yugoslavia, alongside her sister, Anna. During World War II, she and her family were taken by German soldiers and transported by train to Germany, where they were forced into labor for the duration of the war. Afterward, they immigrated to the United States, settling in Maryland.

It was in Maryland that Rosa met her husband, an Army soldier, at a roller-skating rink. There, she gave birth to her daughter. The family, along with her mother, later relocated to Connecticut, where her sister Anna was living. It was during this time that she became known as Rosa. Rosa worked for decades at the American Thread Company in Willimantic, where she rose from shop steward to Vice President of the local textile labor union. She later continued her career at UConn until her retirement and also worked part-time as event staff for the university. She was a lifelong parishioner of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Willimantic. Over the years, she dedicated her time as a volunteer at the Immaculata Retreat House and also volunteered at St. Joseph Living Center. Rosa is survived by her daughter, Beverly, and her goddaughter, Kathy Delude. She was predeceased by her mother, R. Sabo; her sister, Anna Dankiew; her brother-in-law, Peter Dankiew; and three of her dearest friends, Hedy, Lilli, and Rose. Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church in Willimantic, Connecticut. In lieu of flowers the family welcomes donations to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

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04/07/2026

Monica A. Elsemore

Monica Aline Elsemore (Greenwood) 86, of Tolland, CT passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026, at the Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

She was born on June 18, 1939, in Vermont to Gerald and Aline Greenwood. Monica was the oldest of five children. Her family moved to Connecticut from Vermont where she met and married Rodney Elsemore. Monica worked for many years for Anesthesia Associates as an office Manager before retiring in the 1990s. Monica was a long-time member of St. Mary’s Church in Willimantic and volunteered at the Willimantic Theatre Guild.

Monica was married to Rodney until his passing in 2007. Together they had built a good life in Mansfield where she lived until 2021. She then moved in with her son Mark and daughter-in-law Jodi until May of 2025 when she relocated to the Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Monica is survived by her son, Mark and daughter-in-law Jodi of Tolland, her four grandchildren Jessica Cieri of Cromwell, Matthew Elsemore of East Hartford, and Joel and Jocelyn Elsemore of Troy, NY, her four great grandchildren Oliver, Mackenzie, Naomi and Kahliya, her brothers, John and Robert Greenwood, and sister, Louise Pompeo and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents Gerald and Aline, husband, Rodney, son Randy and brother Mick Greenwood.

Services will be held at St. Mary Church, 46 Valley Street, Willimantic, CT on April 20, 2026, at 10:00am. Graveside burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

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