All Obituaries

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...

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...

Jack Kollar, 30, of Fairfield, passed away suddenly on May 21, 2023. Jack was born on August 10, 1992 to William and Edel Dempsey Kollar . Jack was employed as an installer for Sport Court, installing athletic courts in private facilities. He loved music and traveling. Jack will be remembered for his quick wit, his compassion and his love of family. Family was everything to Jack In addition to his parents, Jack is survived by his brothers: Sean (Ariana), and Kevin (Kelsey). He was the...

Lorraine Ann Jaccarino Gfeller passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 16, 2023. Born 12/1/1935 to Kathryn A. (Jordan) and Richard W. Jaccarino in Bronx, NY, Lorraine grew up in Greenwich, graduating from Our Lady of Good Council in White Plains, NY. From there she went on to study English Literature at Catholic University in Washington DC. After college, and before starting her family, Lorraine taught English at St. Mary’s High School in Greenwich. She married John C. Gfeller in 1960...

Jane Martin died peacefully at her home in Orange CT on Friday, May 12, 2023 with family.  Jane was born in 1938 to Thomas and Irene Ellsworth of Gilman Street Bridgeport.  Jane was a graduate of St Ann’s School, Bridgeport, and Lauralton Hall of Milford, 1956.  Jane attended Southern Connecticut State University and graduated with a B.S. in Education in 1961.  She taught kindergarten at Barnum School, Bridgeport from 1961-1963.  Jane married George P. Martin...

Mary (Durnin) Turrini, wife of the late Ernest Turrini of Fairfield CT passed away May 17, 2023 at home.  Born June 11, 1934 in Bridgeport CT to Michael & Edith Durnin Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Daughter, Sister and Aunt Lovingly known as Mom, Gram, Mimi and BooBoo After graduating from Bassick High School, Mary was a telephone operator.  She met Ernie on his return from the Marines, when he saw her walking to work and offered her a ride.  She was pleasantly...

Helyne Buckens Day Merwin, 98, of Southport passed away peacefully on Saturday May 13, 2023. She was the beloved wife the late Horace Merwin. She was born in Bridgeport on February 12, 1925 to the late Ann Victoria Marshall and Lawrence Buckens. In addition to her husband she was predeceased by her son Robert Alan Day as well as both of her brothers John and William Buckens. Helyne is survived by nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, May 20th...

Patricia Abraham Tyler, age 85, of Fairfield, Connecticut, beloved wife of George B. Tyler, whose love and support was invaluable to her, entered into eternal rest on May 7, 2023.  She was born on March 21, 1938, in New York to Henry and Florence (Brady) Zeltner.  She spent the first twenty years of her life in New Jersey, thus her claim to being a “Jersey Girl”.  She attended Boston College and Sacred Heart University, and received her Master’s Degree from...