Joseph Kiss — Jan. 21, 1910 – Dec. 8, 2008

He served in World War II as a Staff Sergeant in the U. S. Army, seeing action in the Battle of the Bulge, where he received the Bronze Star.

Joseph Kiss, 98, of Mansfield Center, beloved husband of the late Selma (Smeland) Kiss, died early Monday morning, Dec. 8, 2008 at Windham Hospital. He was born Jan. 21, 1910 in New York City, the son of Steve and Julia (Varga) Kiss.

He served our country in World War II as a Staff Sergeant in the U. S. Army, seeing action in the Battle of the Bulge, where he received the Bronze Star Medal.

He was a retired carpenter and served for many years as the carpenter’s union business agent, when he was instrumental in expanding the union in the state of Connecticut.

He loved his community of Mansfield and was well known for his generosity and giving his time to others.

He was a member of the First Church of Christ, Congregational in Mansfield Center.

He loved to fish and hunt and was a life member of the Fin, Fur and Feather Club in Chaplin.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by a daughter, Lois Marie Walston. He is survived by three children and their spouses Ted and Barbara Kiss of Kentucky; Gary and Joanne Kiss of Mansfield Center; and Sandra and Jim Hodrinsky, also of Mansfield Center.

Also eight grandchildren Diana and Eric, Wendy and Suzanne, Todd and Heather, Joe and Sally, and fifteen great grandchildren, Karis and Micah, Jenny and Julie, Heather, Adam, Justin, Jenise, Robyn, Christine, Abby, Tyler and Lucas, Kevin and Katherine.

His family would like to extend a special thanks to Kathy Killarney RN and Lynn Jaworowski of VNA East for their loving and gentle care and their support and comfort to the family.

His funeral service will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the First Church of Christ Congregational, located at the intersection of Routes 195 and 89 in Mansfield. Burial will follow in the Mansfield Center Cemetery.

There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to VNA East, 34 Ledgebrook Drive, Mansfield Center, CT 06250 or the ALS Assoc., CT Chapter, 40 Oxford Road, Milford, CT 06460 Arrangements are through the Potter Funeral Home, Willimantic.

Posted Dec. 9, 2008

For more information see: http://mansfield.htnp.com/obituaries/jopseh_kiss_obituary.html

Thomas G. Boucher — Nov. 9, 1954 – Nov. 28, 2008

He attended the culinary program at Crowder College in Neosha, MO and held various chef positions.
Thomas G. Boucher Jr. 54, of Colchester, passed away Nov. 28, 2008 at St. Francis Hospital, Hartford. Born in Willimantic on Nov. 9, 1954, he was the son of Rose “Anna” C. Boucher of Willimantic and the late Thomas G. Boucher, Sr.
He attended the culinary program at Crowder College in Neosha, MO and held various chef positions.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his daughter Jessica L. Boucher of Willimantic, his brother William of Canterbury, two sisters, Linda Kelly of Mansfield and Janet Beaudoin of Plainfield and several nephews.
A graveside service was held on Dec. 4 in St. Joseph Cemetery in Windham.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to National Kidney Foundation of CT, 2139 Silas Deane Highway, Suite 208, Rocky Hill, CT 06067-2339. The Potter Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Posted Dec. 9, 2008

For more information see: http://mansfield.htnp.com/obituaries/thomas_g_boucher_obituary.html

Dorothy (Hosmer) Dancosse — Nov. 6, 1938 – Nov. 28, 2008

She was employed for many years at Smith-Keon Jewelers, and later retired from UConn Dining Services.

Dorothy (Hosmer) Dancosse, 70, of Mansfield, wife of Gerard “Tootsie” Dancosse died Friday Nov. 28, 2008 at St. Joseph Living Center in Windham, with her husband at her side.

She was born Nov. 6, 1938 in Westford, MA. the daughter of Edward and Ruby (Williams) Hosmer.

She was employed for many years at Smith-Keon Jewelers, and later retired from UConn Dining Services.

Dorothy loved flowers, gardening and most of all, loved her pets Sammy, Ollie, Ernie, Bowser and Zoey.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by three sons, John Shipton of Hampton, Daniel Shipton of Willimantic and Ethan Shipton of N. Windham. She was predeceased by a son Steven Shipton.

Survivors also include three sisters Jean Lamy and her husband Bob of Shirley, MA, Evelyn Greenwood and her husband Donny of Westford, MA, and Virginia Burnham of Westford, MA.; six grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and three close friends Yukie Goodwin, David Vargas and Kathy Vargas.

A graveside service was held at Litchfield Cemetery in Hampton. Memorial donations may be made in care of her husband, to provide care for her five beloved pets.

Posted Dec. 9, 2008

For more information see : http://mansfield.htnp.com/obituaries/dorothy_hosmer_dancosse_obituary.html

William "Billy" Brian Kegler — Jan. 14, 1964 – Dec. 1, 2008

A man of humor and love, a father and teacher to his family, he had strength and will not found in common man.

William “Billy” Brian Kegler , 44, of Windham, passed peacefully on Dec. 1, 2008 after a short illness. He was born Jan. 14, 1964 in Windham to Therese (Laramie) Kegler-Gervais and the late William J. Kegler.

A man of humor and love, a father and teacher to his family, Billy had strength and will not found in common man, overcame obstacles in his life and didn’t allow them to take away from his happiness.

Billy spent many afternoons with his son Danny watching their beloved Dolphins, sharing in a bond between father and son. Sharing quality time that will never be forgotten.

In later years, Billy’s loyalty to his family, still as rich as it had always been, was seen in his love for his son, mother and siblings.

In addition to his mother, Billy is survived by his son, Daniel of Windham, his brothers and their wives, Stephen and Carol of Mansfield, David and Linda of Windham, John and Cathy of North Windham and Andrew and Laura of Ripon, Wisconsin; two sisters, Mary Beth of DeLand, Florida and Paula of North Windham.

All his nieces and nephews will keep him forever in their hearts: Jason, Jamie, Hailie, Jason, Katie, Danny, Aidan Jackie, Caitlin, Jenna, Aaron, Noah Kristen, Jay, Scott, Sean, Shane Ryan, Sarah, Brennan and Laramie.

He is also survived by special friends, Stan and Nicholas Russ of North Windham.

His Funeral Mass was held on Dec. 5 at St. Joseph Church in Willimantic, with interment following in St. Joseph Cemetery, Windham. Memorial contributions are suggested to VNA East, 34 Ledgebrook Drive, Mansfield, CT 06250.

Posted Dec. 9, 2008

For more information see:  http://mansfield.htnp.com/obituaries/william_brian_kegler_obituary.html

Tina (Duchesneau) Popeleski – Dec. 1, 1955 – Nov. 21, 2008

She was a lover of animals and always cared for stray and wild animals in need. She organized many of the Blessings of the Pets ceremonies in her parish.

Tina (Duchesneau) Popeleski, age 52, passed on Nov. 21, 2008 in her home in Mansfield Center, CT after a six-year struggle with Stage 4 ovarian cancer. She was a lifelong resident of Willimantic and Mansfield Center.

She was born Dec. 1, 1955, the daughter of Gerard and Violet (Tatro) Duchesneau. She was predeceased by her husband of 29 years, Stanley Popeleski, II.

She leaves three children: Stanley Popeleski, III of Hartford, Timothy Popeleski of Middletown, and Christina Popeleski of Mansfield Center. She also leaves her brother, Jerome Duchesneau and his wife, Earleen of Andover, CT and several nieces and nephews residing in Connecticut and Florida.

She was a lover of animals and always cared for stray and wild animals in need. Often wild fox, deer, geese or other species could be seen at her door waiting to be fed. She organized many of the Blessings of the Pets ceremonies in her parish.

She was a graduate of Edwin O. Smith High School and attended E.astern Connecticut State University and the University of Connecticut, taking specialized courses in childcare and development.

She was a lifelong member of St. Mary Parish in Willimantic, a member of St. Mary’s Folk Group and the Parish Council and was very active in her parish and community.

She graduated from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT after successfully completing specialized courses in Religious Education. She subsequently was appointed Director of Religious Education for St. Mary Roman Catholic Parish in Willimantic on March 14, 1994.

She remained the DRE at St. Mary Parish for the past 15 years. She personally conducted and taught a very successful young adult course for preparation for Confirmation in St. Mary Parish the entire duration of her employment as DRE.

Her activities in DRE involved her in many local projects of great value to our community:

In 2003, she organized a very successful parish group (St. Mary’s Footprints) which has effectively participated in the yearly Relay for Life cancer fund-raising program.

She furnished student help to the Windham Area Interfaith Ministries (WAIM)  ”Walk for Warmth” every year.

Her students help serve meals at the local Soup Kitchen and have volunteered service hours at the local WAIM main office.

Her Funeral Mass was celebrated on Nov. 26, 2008 in St. Mary Church on Valley Street in Willimantic. Burial followed in St. Joseph Cemetery in Windham. Arrangements were handled by the Bacon Funeral Home in Willimantic. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary Church Repair Fund, 80 Maple Ave., Willimantic, CT 06226.

Posted Dec. 9, 2008

For more information see: http://mansfield.htnp.com/obituaries/tina_duchesneau_popelski_obituary.html

UConn's Thibault selected to Canada's national team for 2009 MLP Cup

Preliminary competition for Dominique Thibault and Team Canada begins on Jan. 2 against Finland.

Junior forward Dominique Thibault has been selected to be one of 22 women’s ice hockey players on Team Canada’s “Under-22 Team” to compete at the 2009 MLP Cup in Ravensburg, Germany Jan. 2-6, 2009.

Team Canada will play two games against Switzerland on Dec. 29 and 31 before competition begins in Ravensburg.

Canada has won the MLP Cup, formerly known as the Air Canada Cup, every year since the tournament began in 2003, and will play in Group A this year with Finland and Russia.

Preliminary competition for Thibault and Team Canada begins on Jan. 2 against Finland.

Hockey Canada announced the final roster on Dec. 8 and Thibault (L’Orignal, Ont./Montreal Axion NWHL) is one of three Hockey East student-athletes to be selected.

The UConn captain currently leads the team with 25 points, scoring a Hockey East best 16 goals this season.

Thibault competed with the U-22 Selection Camp in August and was invited to participate at the Canadian National Women’s Team Camp from Sept. 17-21 as one of the top 41 Canadian women hockey players. Thibault is also one of 11 forwards on the final 2009 MLP Roster.

Posted Dec. 9, 2008

For more information see: http://mansfield.htnp.com/sports/
uconn_womens_hockey_thibault_chosen_for_canada_team_2009.html