Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home

06/02/2026

Craig R. Reichenbach

Craig R. Reichenbach, passed away on May 21, 2026, in Manchester, Connecticut, at the age of 62.

Born on March 16, 1964, in Manchester, Connecticut, Craig was the son of the late Jack Reichenbach and the late Shirley (Carlson) Reichenbach, and he grew up with the values of hard work, perseverance, and loyalty that would guide him throughout his life. He is survived by his brother, Kurt Reichenbach, who shared many of the memories and milestones that shaped Craig’s journey.

Craig attended high school and carried the lessons of those years with him into adulthood. He was a man who understood the importance of responsibility and consistency, and he approached life with a soft spirit.

Much of Craig’s working life was spent in hospitality in a hotel, where he contributed to the care and comfort of others. He understood the value of service and the importance of making people feel welcome. His professional life reflected the same qualities that defined him personally, including patience, courtesy, and a sincere respect for others.

Outside of work, Craig found meaning and enjoyment in writing and poetry. These interests offered him a way to reflect on the world and express the thoughts and feelings that mattered most to him. Through words, he explored ideas, memories, and emotions with a quiet creativity that revealed another side of his character. Writing and poetry were not only hobbies for Craig, but also meaningful companions throughout his life, giving him comfort, perspective, and inspiration.

Craig will be remembered for his gentle spirit and the simple but profound ways he touched the lives of others. He was not a man who sought attention, but he was someone whose presence was felt and appreciated. His life was shaped by family, work, and the personal passions that brought him fulfillment. He carried himself with humility and grace, and he leaves behind memories that will be cherished by those who knew him best.

He passed away of natural causes, and while his absence will be deeply felt, his memory remains a source of comfort and reflection for his family and friends. The life he lived was one marked by sincerity, dedication, and a quiet appreciation for the world around him. In the hearts of those who loved him, Craig’s memory will endure as a reminder of a life lived with honesty and care.

Craig R. Reichenbach will be remembered with love and respect by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he be remembered for the kindness he showed, the work he did, and the words he left behind in the hearts of others.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 20th at 1:30pm at the Manchester Elks Lodge located at 30 Bissel Street, Manchester CT 06040.

To leave an online condolence please visit www.holmeswatkins.com

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05/29/2026

James Paul Michaud

James Paul Michaud, 67, of Ellington, Connecticut, passed away on Monday, May 25, 2026, at Hartford Hospital. Born January 28, 1959, in Manchester, New Hampshire, he was the son of the late Robert Albert Michaud and Alice (McCue) Michaud.

He is survived by his brothers Robert Michaud and his wife, Norma, of Kissimmee, Florida, David Michaud and wife, Kathy, of Austin, Texas, and Jeffrey Michaud of Atlanta, Georgia.

James was a 1977 graduate of Glastonbury High School where he began his passion for photography. He went on to build a respected career in journalism and media.

He began his career with the Journal Inquirer Oct 1986 in circulation and became a district supervisor. Six years later he began working as a freelancer while keeping his circulation position. When Hearst Media bought the JI he was retained in his current position; he was immediately welcomed to the Hearst Media Family. Jim also worked as a freelancer for the Boston Herald for more than 20 years.

Passionate about news and connecting others in the field, James founded the “Breaking News Association,” which grew to include more than 156,000 members.

A talented photographer with a sharp eye for capturing life’s moments, James also had a deep appreciation for travel, especially trips to London, England, a place he loved visiting whenever he had the chance. He was a devoted lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox and an avid theater enthusiast who attended more than 600 Broadway performances throughout his life.

James will be remembered for his passion, creativity, quick wit, and the enthusiasm he brought to the things he loved most. He touched many lives through his work, friendships, and shared interests, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home, 400 Main Street, Manchester, CT 06040. Burial will take place the following afternoon at 1:00 PM at New St. Joseph Cemetery in Bedford, New Hampshire.

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05/27/2026

John B. "Johnny" Kennedy

John B. “Johnny” Kennedy passed away unexpectedly but peacefully early Sunday morning on May 24th, 2026, two days prior to his 42nd wedding anniversary. Born on June 21st, 1957 to James and Jacqueline (Benedict) Kennedy while his father was stationed in Anchorage, AK. They returned to Vermont, then moved to Connecticut five years later. Shortly after graduating from Hartford High School John joined the Navy in October 1975 becoming an AME-8351 working on A-4 jets and was honorably discharged in October 1979. He returned to Connecticut the following year where he worked as a printer for 35 years, then maintenance for various companies ending with MasoniCare in Rocky Hill. He was looking forward to retiring next year to enjoy his family and travel the US visiting extended family, National Parks and other sites.

He leaves behind his mother, Jacqueline Buckley, his wife Cindy Lachmund Kennedy, three sons, Michael P. Kennedy and his girlfriend, Cassandra Jacobs, Keith J. Kennedy, Brian A. Kennedy and his intended Rebekah (Becky) Sanchez. He was pre-deceased by his father, James Kennedy, his brother Michael “Mouse” Kennedy, and stepfather Lawrence “Larry” “Dad” Buckley. Other siblings include Dawn Marie, Stephen Kennedy and wife Dari, Raymond P Buckley and wife Vicky, Raymond Kennedy and partner Holly Taylor, David Kennedy and wife Lauren, Maggie Tacopino and husband Daniel and Kathleen Buckley as well as numerous nephews and nieces.

Over the years he achieved his deepest desire of having a family. He also enjoyed model railroading, coaching and umpiring Little League, grilling and hiking the local Rails to Trails paths with Cindy.

Calling Hours will be held at Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home, located at 400 Main Street, Manchester CT, on Friday May 29th, 2026, from 3:30pm till 4:30pm. A Funeral Home Service with Military Honors will take place between 4:30pm and 5pm. A Celebration of Life with refreshments will follow at his place of residence, Connect 55+, 20 North Road, East Windsor CT in their Community Room. In lieu of flowers donations to National Kidney Foundation, American Cancer Society or the MS Society would be appreciated. To leave an online condolence please visit www.holmeswatkins.com

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05/25/2026

05/19/2026

Beatrix A. Hopkins

Beatrix A. Hopkins, 82, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, compassion, and devotion to her family and all who knew her. Born on December 22, 1943, Beatrix lived a life defined by kindness, strength, and an unwavering commitment to those she cherished most.

Beatrix was the beloved mother of Michele (Troy), Michael (Celina) and Daniel (Mary) each of whom carries forward her warmth and spirit. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Devin (Lauren), Kahlil, Flannery, Mosley, and Faolán, and a loving great-grandmother to Kaiden and Cameron, who brought her immense joy. She also leaves to mourn her three sisters Janet, Alice and Barbara (Tom), her niece Nicole (Bertie).

She was predeceased by her husband, Robert, and her former husband, Edward, both of whom held meaningful places in her life story.

Her true calling was the love she gave so freely. She was, without question, one of the most loving and caring people anyone could ever meet—always ready with a kind word, a comforting presence, and a generous heart.

Her family and friends will forever remember her for her gentle spirit, her strength through life’s challenges, and the deep, enduring love she shared with all. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Calling Hours will be held on Friday, May 22nd from 12:30pm until 1:30pm with an Hour of Remembrance from 1:30pm till 2:30pm at Holmes Watkins Funeral Home, located at 400 Main Street, Manchester CT 06040. To leave an online condolence please visit www.holmeswatkins.com

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05/10/2026

Today we celebrate mothers - their love, strength, and lasting impact. We also hold close those who are missing their mom today, remembering that love continues beyond a lifetime. Wishing comfort and peace to all on this Mother’s Day.

05/07/2026

Sheila Meyer

Sheila L. Meyer, 70, of Dearborn, Michigan passed away peacefully at home on June 24, 2025. Born February 18, 1955, in Hartford, Connecticut raised in Manchester. She graduated from Manchester High School the class of 1973 and proudly served her country with the United States Marine Corps. After her service, Sheila worked for the IRS in Washington, DC and resided in Springfield, Virginia. She retired in 2010.

She was predeceased by her parents Clifford and Betty Meyer and brother-in-law Randy Hill. She leaves her partner Mary Margaret McKinney and family of Dearborn, sister Denise Hill of Chico Valley, Arizona, and a cousin Barbara Slawski and family of Higganum Connecticut and Illinois.

Sheila will be buried in Manchester, Connecticut on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 11 AM at East Cemetery.

Donations in Sheila's memory may be sent to the Chino Valley Animal Shelter, 1904 Voss Drive, Chino Valley, AZ 86323.

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05/01/2026

Holmes Watkins Funeral Home is proud to have partnered with the Manchester Area Conference of Churches (MACC Charities) to help support local individuals and families in need within our community.

As part of this partnership, we are inviting families and visitors who wish to do so to consider making a donation. Contributions may be brought to the funeral home during calling hours, memorial services, or at any time during regular business hours (8am till 5pm).

All donations will go directly toward assisting local families who may be experiencing hardship. Your generosity, at any level, can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others in our community. We ask for only items to be donated. Financial contributions can be made to MACC Charities directly through their website.

We are grateful for your compassion and support as this program helps to provide families with much needed support.

04/27/2026

Nadene Cole Stoltenberg

Nadene Cole Stoltenberg, 87, of Manchester, beloved wife of the late Mel L. Stoltenberg, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. She leaves her loving family, her sons Doug and his wife Kathy and their children Zachary and Molly; Gary and his wife Carol and their son, Cole. Arrangements are private.

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04/20/2026

Marlene Couch

Marlene (Misovich) Couch, 70 of Tolland, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother passed away peacefully on Friday, April 17, 2026. She was born in Manchester, CT to the late Michael Misovich Jr. and Ella (Tomasaitis) Misovich on May 23, 1955.

Marlene graduated from Manchester High School in 1973 and from Morse School of Business in 1975. While attending Morse School of Business, she met her beloved husband, Russell at East Beach in Rhode Island. They married in 1980 and raised two beautiful daughters, Salena and Pamela. Marlene was a devoted mother who would do anything for her two girls. Marlene loved being a mom and also loved being a grandmother to her three grandchildren, Johnathan, Felicity and Adelina who were her world.

Marlene showed her love through cooking. Hosting family gatherings, holidays or simply cooking her loved one’s favorite foods brought her joy. Marlene carried her love for cooking into her work. Marlene worked as a Food Service worker at Tolland High School for over ten years and a Kitchen Assistant at UConn for over five years.

Marlene was a talented sewer; a trait she inherited from her mother. She created beautiful quilts, burp cloths, Christmas ornaments and Halloween costumes. Though Marlene was often viewed as introverted, she had a sense of adventure. She loved taking day trips to the casino, visiting family in Florida, watching NASCAR, and yelling at the bad guys while watching Live PD.

Marlene comes from a large family. She is survived by her husband, Russell; her daughters and their husbands, Salena and Scott Doubleday and Pamela and Jeremy Bill and her three grandchildren, Adelina Doubleday, Johnathan Bill and Felicity Bill; her sisters and their husbands, Sheila and Brian Wheeler, Allison and William Munroe as well as her niece and nephews, their spouses, and children; Scott Wheeler, his wife LeighAnn and their children, Graham and Weston, Michael Wheeler, his wife, Luana, Eric Wheeler, his wife, Ginger, Keith McKenzie, his wife Jacquelyn their children, Gavin and Mason, Kimberly (McKenzie) Clifford her husband, John, their son, Alex. She was predeceased by her sister, Christine McKenzie and her husband, Stephen McKenzie.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026 from 5 PM to 7 PM at Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home, 400 Main Street, Manchester, CT. A chapel service will take place the following morning at Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home on Friday, April 24, 2026 at 10 AM. Burial will follow in South Cemetery in Tolland, CT. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Marlene’s memory to Accent Care: Hospice and Palliative Care.

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