Essi Seppa

Ester “Essi” Seppa died on April 29, 2024, at age 85, after a November diagnosis of cancer.

Born on August 5, 1938in Finland to Maria “Maija” Happo,Ester married electrical engineer Tapani Seppä in 1961. Tapani passed away in May 2022.

Essi is survived by her son, Timo Eero Tapani Seppa, his son’s wife, Judith Lynn (Mann), and granddaughters Kati Lucille, Aili Maija, and Phebe Sara. Ester is also survived by half-sister Kristiina Krook, brother-in-law Heikki Seppä, and sister-in-law Pirkko Seppä, in Finland.

Living in Karelia, in eastern Finland, young Ester was twice a refugee from invasions of Soviet Russia during World War II. She shared an early recollection of being wrapped up in a blanket by her grandmother and slung over her shoulder to be carried away during an evacuation. Her homeland, including her favorite doll, was never returned by the Russians, which Ester did not forget or forgive.

Ester came from a poor, rural, single-parent family. A transformative experience was when she, like tens of thousands of Finnish children, was sent to neutral Sweden from 1944 to 1945. The care of the Svensson (Lantorp) family opened her eyes to a broader world and life in a stable, educated, professional household.Ester remained in touch with her Swedish “siblings” throughout her life.

At only age 14, Ester moved to faraway Helsinki, to work as an au pair for the Brummer family, where both parents were physicians. In a time where it would have been completely normal for a domestic servant to stop at a junior high level of education, Ester distinguished herself in school, continuing through high school with the Brummers’ encouragement. Essi went on to receive a master’s degree in microbiology from Helsinki University.

With Tapani and one-year-old Timo, Essi moved to Richmond, Virginia in 1969. Initially intending to return to Finland, the family relocated to New Canaan, Connecticut through Tap’s growing career as a researcher. Afterward, the family lived in LeRoy, New York for five years before settling in Ridgefield, Connecticut. There, Ester served as a licensed practical nurse at Congregation of Notre Dame for two decades, taking care of elderly nuns. Essi, Tap, and Timo became naturalized US citizens in 1987.

51-year-old Ester met her father Einar Krook for the first time in 1989, shortly before his passing. With an understandable mix of emotions, Essi was fortunate to gain three half-siblings and a host of relatives.

Ester and Tapani loved to travel, particularly to Italy, often with Heikki and Pirkko. They were fans of classical music, art, and history. Essi frequently attended plays with Timo, particularly of Shakespeare, O’Neill, and Miller. Essi was a gifted quilt maker, leaving her family with many beautiful, colorful heirlooms.

In 2016, Essi and Tap moved to New Milford, Connecticut, to be near Timo and his family. In her final years, Essi surprised Timo by watching team sports with him, including hockey, soccer, and rugby, cheering for teams like the Clarkson Golden Knights, South African Springboks, and Arizona Coyotes.

Having survived colon cancer in the 1990s, Ester was not interested in aggressive treatment of her inoperable cancer, preferring to “fade away”. Consequently, she was able to spend her last six months at home, being cared for by Judy (a registered nurse), Timo, Kati (a nursing student and nursing aide), and RVNA aide Roni Bynum, who became an extended part of the family. Essi passed away with Timo by her side after having said goodbye to her loved ones over the preceding days and weeks.

Though quiet by nature and sometimes hard to read, people who got to know Essi developed a deep fondness for her. Essi was bright, sweet, caring, and inquisitive, a unique woman who embodied values such as hard work, family,and Finnish sisu, a stoic toughness.

Ester’s memorial service will be held at Lillis Funeral Home, 58 Bridge Street in New Milford on Saturday, June 1, 2024,from 10:00-11:30 am with a reception to follow. Contact the family for details. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to charities assisting in Ukrainian relief.

Beatrice Murgio

MURGIO, Beatrice (née Metzig). “Bea” age 92, born in Hannover, Germany died quietly at her home on April 29, 2024 in hospice care tended by family and friends. Known for her keen intelligence and wit, she graduated Hunter College Phi Beta Kappa with a B.A. in Philosophy, later attaining a Master’s in Criminal Justice from John Jay College, CUNY. Bea began her career as a probation officer and together with a colleague, Bob Girard, set up the first group counseling sessions for probationers in the late 1960s. With her first husband, Klaus Burg (1922-2001), she also conceived and helped run a Training Arts Program financed for talented probationers helping them attain skills and jobs in art and design. Subsequently she was the Assistant Director of Big Brothers of NY and also of Court Employment Project, following with leadership positions for various non-profits involved with alternatives to incarceration during the era of mass incarceration. After a second marriage to Matthew “Matt” Murgio (1928-2005), and their move to Connecticut in 1990, she and Matt volunteered with the new local hospice helping patients at the end of life and fund-raising. As a member and officer of her church, New Preston Congregational, she was also involved with organizing both tag sales and a “Paint the Town” in New Preston to support that institution. She leaves behind her daughter, Evelyn Burg of New York City, her son, Richard Burg of Revere, MA, her stepdaughter, Jessica Kurtis of Centreville, VA, as well as two grandchildren, Katherine Kurtis and Paige Kurtis and two great grandchildren, Oliver and Colton Pugh. Services will be held at New Preston Congregational Church on Sunday, May 5, at 1 pm, burial will follow at the New Preston Village Cemetery.

Marsha Marden

Marsha Ellen Marden of Gaylordsville, Connecticut passed away in her sleep on April 29, 2024, at the age of 77 after a long battle with dementia.

Marsha is survived by her always faithful husband of 55 years, James J. Marden, a son James T. Marden and his wife Stephanie, a daughter Heather Marden and five absolutely amazing grandchildren, Stephanie, Riley, Kasey, Tyler and Vanessa. She also leaves behind her two cats whom she adored.

The young nurse who waited for her Marine to come home from the war in 1968, made sure everyday was filled with love, understanding, compassion, laughter and adventure. Through thick and thin, she always managed to look on the bright side and hold her family close to her heart.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the New Milford Animal Welfare Society, 8 Dodd Road, New Milford, Connecticut.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours to be held on Sunday May 5th, from 4-7pm at the Lillis Funeral Home. A service will be held at a time to be announced during the visitation.

Joan E. Jejer

Joan E. Jejer was the widow of Thomas L. Jejer. She passed away peacefully April 26,2024 at her home. Joan was born in New Milford on November 3, 1931 daughter of the late Frank E. and Louise (Strafstrom) Edwards.

She was a graduate of New Milford High School, (Class of 1949) and of Stamford School of Nursing. She worked at McCook Memorial Hospital in Hartford and then at New Milford Hospital.

Joan was a lifelong member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in New Milford, Joan also was a volunteer at Loaves and fishes and the New Milford Thrift Shop. Her hobbies were crafts, knitting and sewing. She enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family. She is survived by her sister Marion (Pinky) Nordland and her husband Alfred of Warren, CT, several nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers Douglas and Phillip Edwards. The family would like to thank Rebecca Reid, her caregiver for several years of support and loving care.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday May 17, at 11am at St. John’s Episcopal Church in New Milford. Burial will follow in New Milford Center Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, she wished donations be made to: St. John’s Book of Remembrance, 7 Whittlesey Ave. New Milford, CT 06776

Arleen “Gigi” Carpenter

Adam Korpalski

Adam Korpalski, formerly of Washington, CT, passed away on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, of natural causes at the age of 92.  Born in Ansonia, CT, on October 22, 1931, he was the youngest of eight children born to Joseph and Anna (Malski) Korpalski.  He served honorably in the U.S. Navy, and then attended college at UConn, Syracuse and Wesleyan, earning a Master of Arts and Literary Studies.

For over 30 years, Adam taught English and American Literature at Nonnewaug High School in Woodbury, serving as department chair.  He also authored books documenting historical aspects of education at Washington’s Gunnery School and UConn-Waterbury.  After his teaching career, he directed a head-start program serving the disadvantaged.  His inspiring and caring manner, and timeless messages of optimism and moderation, are remembered by hundreds of people he has touched over the years.

Adam enjoyed the community of Washington immensely, particularly his work in the local Lions Club, his help to the Devereux Foundation, and his service as a Justice of the Peace.  He was a restorer of old homes, enjoyed outdoor activities, and always maintained an impressive garden.Later in life, he and his wife loved traveling all over the world.  Since 2013, he has enjoyed a leisurely retirement in Viera, Florida, close to family. Adam would welcome memorial donations to the Washington Lions Club or Lions Clubs International.

Adam is survived by his wife Joyce (Velms) Korpalski, to whom he was a devoted husband for 65 years.  He is also survived by his daughter Faith Korpalski of Viera, FL, his son Stefan Korpalski of Indialantic, FL, and his brother Alex Korpalski of Shelton, CT.

There will be a funeral Mass on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 directly at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Washington, CT at 11am. Burial will follow in the Washington Green Cemetery. Lillis Funeral Home of New Milford has care of the arrangements.

David B. deFriesse

David B. deFriesse, sadly passed away, at the age of 61, on March 29th 2024, with his wife by his side.

The youngest of 9 children, David was born in Norwalk CT, on February 7th, 1963.  His parents, Florence (Weiss) and John William (Bill) deFriesse moved the family to Knollcrest drive in Brookfield when David was two, where he formed several lifelong friendships.  

David graduated in 1982 from Brookfield High School. He had been employed with Charter Spectrum in Newtown for almost 40 years at the time of his passing. 

Dave’s passions were, fishing trips with his brothers, bowling and golf tournaments with friends, hanging out and talking about cars with his son, and strolling along warm, sunny beaches with his wife. He was a man of many skills, and he enjoyed having a project to work on. Dave was always one of the first to show up when he saw the need for help. For that reason, David’s body was donated in hopes of helping as many people as possible. 

David leaves behind his wife of 32 years, MaryBeth (Wiegert) deFriesse, and their son Jonathan David deFriesse, of  New Milford CT, Three Sisters and Four Brothers, Edward (Donna) deFriesse of New Milford CT, Diane (Robb) LeBlanc of Elkton FL, Richard (Suzanne) deFriesse of Myrtle Beach SC, Suzanne (Stan) Lazarowski of Mountain Home ID,  Steven (Karen) deFriesse of Brookfield CT, Lynn (Scott) Story of Rockport MA and Neil (Karen) deFriesse of Naugatuck CT, along with his Sister in law, Karen (Kenneth) deFriesse, of Redding CT,  numerous Aunts, Uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.  

David is predeceased by his Parents, Florence and Bill,  his Brother Kenneth, and Nephew Philip. 

A celebration of David’s life will be announced by his family at a later date. 

Gilbert Pierre Chevalier

Gilbert Pierre Chevalier, 93, passed away in the comfort of his home under hospice care and surrounded by his loving children Sue and Gil on April 12, 2024.  

Gilbert was born on September 27, 1930 in Knutange, France to Rose (Stenger) and Pierre Chevalier and lived there for the first eight years of his life, after which time he moved to New York City and lived there with his parents and beloved grandmother Marie. He learned English, was an altar boy, and enjoyed playing stickball with his life long friend Joe.  As a young man he helped to support his family by delivering flowers.  He attended St. Monica’s, earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from City College of New York, and a Masters of Science in Civil Engineering from Columbia.

As a young man, Gilbert had many interests.  He was a skilled soccer and squash player. He was a center forward for the CCNY soccer team and played semi-professional soccer for the Austrian American league. He played squash both in college and with friends after college at the New York Athletic Club, and was an avid and skilled tennis player, skier and fisherman.  He loved dancing and spent many evenings ballroom dancing at Roseland Ballroom. Gilbert served in the US Army during the Korean war.

Gil met his future wife Jane through dear mutual friends, Bob and Lucy.  Gil and Jane married and began raising their children, Suzanne and Gilbert, in New York City. When Jane tragically died in her 30s, Gil and his children moved in with his in-laws in Westchester. He was a dedicated single parent his whole life, coaching community soccer and basketball teams, taking his children to New York Giants games and skiing throughout the United States and Europe, and on family fishing trips throughout New England and Canada with dear friends.  He and his children visited his parents in New Milford every weekend.  Gilbert eventually became the part time caretaker for his father in law and when his in-laws passed, he graciously and regularly opened his home to his friends and the friends of his children.  

Gilbert had a wonderful sense of humor, was extremely outgoing and social in his younger years, loved his family, friends and work associates, and deeply enjoyed French food and wine and the German dishes that his grandmother had made for him as a child.  He spoke German and French and loved mysteries, classic movies, musicals and French accordion music.  He enjoyed visits to his children in Maine, San Diego and Las Vegas, and in his later years, Gilbert enjoyed playing bridge each week with his caring friends at the New Milford Senior Center and visiting with his ever loving and supportive neighbors, Jerry and Vera, and dear friend Gail.  Gil loved all dogs, especially golden retrievers, and was also an avid NY Rangers fan, regularly watching the Rangers play right up until his death.  He regularly completed the NY Times crossword puzzle and played a mean game of bananagrams.  He enjoyed nature and especially watching the birds, deer and occasional bear from his windows.

Gilbert was a very hard worker and dedicated provider.  As a Civil Engineer he created his own company, Charles Gilbert and Co., and worked for Con Edison and others, including selling custom stairs for Precision Ladders, which he did well into his 90s, earning the top sales award in 2016 at the age of 86.

Per his wishes, Gilbert will be cremated and buried at St. Francis cemetery in New Milford.  A celebration of life will be held at a future date. His children would like to thank his friends, neighbors, New Milford Medical Group, all of the RVNA therapists, nurses, and hospice workers and BrightStar Care staff who cared for him, appreciated him and helped him to have a wonderful life right until the end.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Gil’s name at any of the following organizations

New Milford Senior Center: Checks payable to New Milford Seniors 40 Main St. New Milford, CT 06776

RVNA Health Hospice at www.rvnahealth.org

Big Brother Big Sister of CT ctbigs.org/donate

Ct Humane Society at https://www.humane.org

A Mass will be held on Monday April 29th at 8:30am at St Francis Xavier Church with a mention of Gilbert, holding him in memory.

Gaetano “Guy” Tudisco

Gaetano “Guy” Tudisco of New Milford, CT passed on Friday, April 5, 2024 in New Milford at the age of 96.  He was born March, 20, 1928 in Albany New York, son of the late Gaetano Tudisco and Maria Assunta (Notaro) Tudisco.

At the age of 3, Guy moved back to his parents’ native Piazza Armerina, Sicily where he spent his formidable years until returning to the United States at the age of 21.  He had a successful career in Construction Planning with HRH Construction in New York and Tishman Construction in Los Angeles.  His passions were baking, cooking, painting and teaching Italian to seniors and community enrichment classes.

Guy was preceded in death by his wife, Concetta “Connie” Velella Tudisco.  He is survived by his two daughters Susan Tudisco, of New Milford, CT; Camille (Tudisco) Gangi and her husband, Paul Gangi, of New Milford, CT; Robert Tudisco, and his wife, Astra (Zibrin) Tudisco, of Eastchester, NY; his grandchildren, Nicole (Gangi) O’Connell and Philip O’Connell of Milton, MA; Ashley-Gangi Petit and her husband, Zachery Petit of Danbury, CT; Robert Tudisco and Emily (Glickman) Tudisco of Traverse City, MI; Paul Gangi VI of Brighton, MA as well as great grandchild, Philip Aloysius O’Connell of Milton, MA.

A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated April 11, 2024 at 10am at The Chapel of Our Lady (Canterbury School) in New Milford, CT. Internment will be private.  Calling hours will be Wednesday, April 10th from 3pm to 7pm at the Lillis Funeral Home, 58 Bridge Street, New Milford, CT.

Edwin Clark Whitehead

Edwin passed away unexpectedly at 82, leaving behind a lifetime of memories and a legacy as rich as the soil he farmed.

Edwin was the real deal—a farmer through and through, tending to his family’s land as the fifth generation on their 1877 Century Farm. His life was a testament to hard work, dedication, and a love for family and friends and the land and animals for which he cared. Beyond the fields, Edwin’s kindness and willingness to lend a hand knew no bounds. Whether on the Agway Corporate board, leading the Ayrshire Breeders Association (Past President), or being an active member of his local community groups such as the Odd Fellows in New Milford, the Washington Cemetery Association, the Farm Bureau, and the New Milford 4-H Dairy club, Edwin was always there, ready to help.

A proud UConn grad with further studies at Cornell, Edwin never stopped learning or sharing his knowledge. He was the heart of many gatherings, known for his love of a good laugh, a good story, and his love of square dancing with his wife and partner, Marjie, to Larry Ayce’s band tunes.

Edwin was a familiar and beloved figure, consistently dressed in his signature green pants and shirt, often complemented by his straw hat when driving his tractor. Edwin’s joy was contagious, whether chatting with folks stopping by the farm or enjoying a “soda pop” at the Route 202 Tavern or White Horse with his buddy, Dan.

Edwin leaves behind a loving family—his wife Marjorie, his children Joe (and wife, Liza), Rachel (and husband,  Doug), and Jason (and wife, Liz), and his eight grandchildren, Katie, Zach, Beth, Spencer, Rob, Lorelei, Hank, and Ted, his two great-grandchildren, Meredith and Karly, and several nieces and nephews, who will miss him dearly. He was a son to the late Robert and Frances Whitehead and a brother to Susan Rood, with his sisters Nancy and Debbie passing before him.

Calling hours are Friday, April 12, 3-7 pm at Lillis Funeral Home in New Milford, CT. A memorial service for Edwin will be held on Saturday, April 13, at Salem Covenant Church in Washington, CT, at 12 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Washington Ambulance Association and the Salem Covenant Church.

We’ll always keep Edwin in our hearts, remembering the smiles, stories, kindness, and love he shared with us all.