All Obituaries

May 26, 2023, Grace (Joyce) Eileen Hutchings, 106, of Fairfield, CT, passed away peacefully in her sleep with family at her side, and her favorite bird, the cardinal, singing outside her window. Born Grace Eileen Barlow in London, England on April 14, 1917, Joyce was a strong-willed and rambunctious child. Her mischievous antics became the stuff of family legend, including her renaming herself “Joyce” at age five, announcing to all that she didn’t particularly care for the...

A complete obituary will be posted shortly.

Jose Antonio Gomes, age 90, of Fairfield, beloved husband of Fernanda Barreira Gomes, passed away peacefully with his family by his side Sunday, June 4, 2023. Born in Tresmundes, Chaves, Portugal, the son of the late Francisco Nobre and Conceicao Gomes, he had been a Fairfield resident for over 48 years. Jose proudly served as a Sergeant in the Portuguese Army.  After coming to the United States, he worked at Bridgeport Machines, Textron-Lycoming and at the Mercedes...

Sharon Marie Brown, of Stratford, wife of the late James R. Brown, passed away peacefully with her loved ones by her side Thursday, June 1, 2023 at Yale-New Haven Hospital.  Born in Bridgeport the daughter of the late Carolyn and Evald W. Olson, she had been a lifelong area resident Sharon was an art major at the Silvermine Art School and with a life-long love of all things arts, theater and entertainment.  She was famously known by friends and family for her love of "I Love...

Donna Ward Gurling, age 66, of New London, passed away in the comfort of her own home on Sunday, March 12, 2023. Born June 1, 1956, Donna was raised in Brooklyn, New York. She spent many of her younger years going back and forth between New York and Connecticut.   Those who knew Donna would all agree that she was one-of-a-kind. With her quick witted humor, her unique mannerisms, and thick Brooklyn accent, Donna was always sure to induce side-splitting laughter. She was never afraid to...

Arthur Thomas was born in Jamestown, N.Y. in 1923 and graduated from Jamestown High School in 1941.  He was a World War II veteran serving with the 96th Infantry Combat Division, from 1943 to 1946, in the Asiatic Pacific Theater.  He earned two battle stars, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Presidential Unit Citation. After the war Mr. Thomas attended Washington University and graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical...

Eileen Conway, 62, passed away last Tuesday May 23rd, 2023. She is survived by her husband, Thomas (62) and her three sons, William (32), Christopher (28), and Corrigan (15). Eileen was a selfless, compassionate educator and nurturer. She attended SUNY Cortland and University of North Carolina before pursuing a lifelong career as a speech pathologist. Eileen and Thomas were married in the summer of 1987, and they enjoyed 35 happy years together. Born and raised with deep-seated Irish...

Evelyn E. Kohnke, beloved wife of the late Sanford E. Kohnke, of Fairfield, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, May 13, 2023 after nearly a century of life at the age of 99. Evelyn was most easily defined by her loving and caring personality. These qualities made her into an exceptional home health aide, as she naturally created a nurturing environment anywhere she was. She extended an open invitation to many to join her and her family during holidays if they did not...

Kay Diana Peelen DeWitt, 87, of Fairfield, passed away peacefully on May16, 2023.  She was the devoted wife of the late Earl M. DeWitt.  Kay was born July 28, 1935 in Chicago, IL to the late Dr. John and Daisy Peelen.  She grew up in and around Kalamazoo, MI after traveling the country with her family while her father was a Captain in the Army during WWII.  Kay graduated from Hope College in Holland, MI where she met and married Earl.  They settled in Fairfield in...

Karen Dumas Ackley, 67, of Milford, beloved wife of the late Capt. Harry R. Ackley, Sr. (Ret.), passed away suddenly on Tuesday, May 23, 2023.  Born in Bridgeport on February 16, 1956, she was the daughter of Eugene R. and Patricia Bleck Dumas. Karen was a graduate of Jonathan Law High School and maintained many life-long friendships from her time there. She was also a member of the planning committee for their upcoming 50th reunion. Throughout her career, Karen had a profound impact...