Adams Cremation

07/09/2026

Catherine J. Hill, 70, of Willimantic passed away Sunday July 5, 2026 at Windham Hospital.

Born on July 16, 1955 in Niagara Falls, NY she was the daughter of the late Harry and Charlene (Searles) Hill.

She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Hill.

Services are private. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.adamscremationct.com

07/08/2026

Richard E. Collum, 71, of Putnam passed away Monday July 6, 2026 from cancer that finally took him down. He was the husband of Maureen (Rondeau) Collum.

Born on January 11, 1955 in Putnam, CT he was the son of the late Alvin and Lena (Deotte) Collum. He worked as a builder his whole life and loved motorcycles.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his children, Dustin Merchant and Stacci Collum both of Myrtle Beach, SC; his sisters, Jackie Gould of Killingly, Pattie Morrison of New Mexico and Linda Robillard of Killingly, several nieces and nephews and his longtime friends, Dave, Tom and Peter.

07/08/2026

Martin “Paul” Kordonowy, 76, of Columbia, beloved husband of Kimberley (Cummings) Kordonowy, passed away on Friday, July 3, 2026. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, and community member, Paul will be remembered for his great sense of humor, generosity, curiosity, and unwavering commitment to the people he loved.

Paul was born on August 8, 1949, in St. Louis, Missouri, to the late Mytro Kordonowy and Mary Lorene (Presson) Kordonowy. The youngest of four children, he grew up in St. Louis alongside his sisters, Laura and Marilyn, and his brother, Mitchell. Family remained one of the central joys of his life, and he maintained close relationships with his siblings throughout the years. He was predeceased by Mitchell and Laura.

An excellent student from an early age, Paul earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Missouri at Columbia (Mizzou), where he met the love of his life, Kim. The two shared 52 years of marriage built on partnership, adventure, and family.

Paul enjoyed a long career in aerospace engineering. His work took him and his family on a remarkable journey, living in San Diego, California; Littleton, Colorado; Stuttgart, Germany; and eventually returning to the St. Louis area. Throughout his career and many moves, he remained deeply devoted to his family and took great pride in supporting the education and success of his three children.

In retirement, Paul and Kim settled in Columbia, Connecticut in 2019, where he enthusiastically embraced community life. He became actively involved with the Friends of Mono Pond and was elected to the local School Board. He was a familiar face at church breakfasts, where he volunteered as a chef, and he looked forward each year to the annual Meatfest. At the Beckish Senior Center, he enjoyed attending events with Kim and proudly helped display her artwork. His willingness to lend a hand, meet new people, and contribute wherever needed made him a valued member of the community.

Paul found happiness in time spent with family and friends, fishing, golfing, gourmet cooking, community involvement, and taking in the beauty of Mono Pond. His industriousness continued after retirement through his planning and building a greenhouse, chicken coop, and an addition at his home on Mono Pond in the countryside of Columbia. Paul absolutely loved exploring new places, meeting people from all walks of life, and making meaningful connections wherever he went.

In addition to his wife, Kim, Paul is survived by his children, David, Lauren, and Dani; his son-in-law, Jonathan; his daughter-in-law, Gwen; his sister, Marilyn Poston; and his cherished grandchildren, Lydia and Rhys. He is also survived by a large extended family, including many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Following a courageous battle with glioblastoma, Paul leaves behind a legacy of kindness, service, and dedication to family. He will be deeply missed by those who knew him, but his example of generosity, community spirit, and love for others will continue to inspire all whose lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Friends of Mono Pond State Park. Information about supporting the organization is available at https://friendsctstateparks.org/friends-of-mono-pond-state-park/.

There will be a Celebration of Life for family and friends to gather on Paul's birthday , August 8th.

07/07/2026

Simple Direct Cremation - $690
( Cash Advances Additional)
Preplan online at www.adamscremationct.com or call us at 860 465 7402.

Adams Cremation in Willimantic, CT provides funeral, memorial, aftercare, pre-planning, and cremation services in Willimantic and the surrounding areas.

07/06/2026

Nilda Rivera Bernard, 87, of Woodstock, Connecticut, passed away peacefully at home on July 3, 2026. She was born on August 17, 1938, in Manatí, Puerto Rico. In 1960, Nilda graduated as a registered nurse and proudly received her nursing pin. She met her husband, Jude A. Bernard, in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, and they were soon married, eventually making their home in northeastern Connecticut. Nilda served as a registered nurse in Puerto Rico and then at Day Kimball Hospital. In the 1980’s, Nilda became the Democratic Registrar of Voters for the town of Pomfret, and when the family moved to Woodstock, she became the Democratic Registrar of Voters for the town of Woodstock. For over 30 years, summers were spent making and selling Doughboys with her family by her side at numerous fairs throughout New England.

Nilda was a truly remarkable person. She had a generous and compassionate heart and left an unforgettable mark on everyone she met. Nilda was a bright businesswoman, a gifted seamstress, an avid crafter, and possessed a remarkable ability to make, build, or fix absolutely anything. Nilda’s sharp mind, determination, and work ethic were an inspiration to us all. She cherished her family deeply and always found great joy in returning to Puerto Rico to reconnect with family and friends and to embrace the island's vibrant warmth. Nilda will be remembered for her exceptional intellect, talents, and compassion.

Nilda is survived by her husband, Jude Bernard; and children, Jude Bernard Jr. of Savannah, Georgia, Virginia Sharpless of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Stephen Bernard (Agnes) of North Windham, Connecticut, and Lisa Hart (Martin) of Pomfret, Connecticut; and her grandchildren, William, Mae, Antonine, Emily, Ethan, Kale, Maxtin, and Ellen. She is preceded in death by her son, David Bernard, her brother Luis Collazo, and her sister Irma Aulet.

The family would like to thank Day Kimball HomeCare for the loving care and support they provided Nilda over the years, especially the Hospice team over the last eight months.

Friends and family are invited to attend a funeral Mass on Saturday, July 18, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Stephen Church, 130 Old Turnpike Road, Quinebaug, CT. A reception and burial will immediately follow, and all are welcome to attend.

07/06/2026

Antone Vaz Depina Jr.

Antone Vaz Depina Jr., 63, of Norwich, passed away on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at Backus Hospital.

Born in Norwich, Connecticut, on October 7, 1962, he was the son of the late Antone Vaz Depina Sr. and Tsurmina Ribeiro.

Antone was a free-spirited individual who enjoyed traveling and riding his scooter around town. He worked various odd jobs throughout his life and especially enjoyed working at the Salvation Army in New Haven. In his spare time, he found joy in planting and gardening.

He is survived by his loving fiancée and partner of seven years, Michelle Connelly, who also became his devoted caregiver during the final stages of his life; his only daughter, Wakiia Depina; his four sons, Joshua Glover, Anderson Vaz Depina, Anthony Rocket, and Anthony Wigfall; his four brothers, Mariano Barbosa, Agusto Depina, Domingos Vaz Depina, and Miguel Vaz Depina; his six sisters, Rufina Mendes, Dinora DeAndrade, Audilia Rodrigues, Maria DePina, Ramona O'Neil, and Renee Vaz Depina; ten grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.

In addition to his parents, Antone was predeceased by four siblings, Alzira Garcia, Joimo Barbosa, Julio DeAndrade, and Alberto Barros, all of whom resided in the Cape Verde Islands.

Services will be private. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.adamscremationct.com.

07/06/2026

Jimalea Haines (Jimi), 72, of Scotland, passed away Thursday, July 2, 2026 at Backus Hospital surrounded by her family.

She was born in Washington, PA on August 16, 1953 to Carol Jean (Polen) Swart, and lived there for much of her childhood before moving to Connecticut. Jimi graduated from New Britain General Hospital School of Nursing and worked as a Registered Nurse in many capacities and settings over the years until her retirement.

Jimi dedicated her life to helping others not only as a nurse, but as a mom, grandma, troop/group leader, educator, dancer, and so many other titles. She enjoyed some of the more simple things in life, such as Special Dark chocolate, the perfect cup of coffee or iced tea, reading, dancing, and of course, dragons. She loved being able to watch her grand kids grow, getting to live with all of them at various times in their lives. Though not a jetsetter, she was able to travel to Germany, Kansas, and New Mexico, and lived in multiple states.

She is survived by her former husband, Gary Bessette, and their daughters, Diana Saucier ,Melissa Schauerte and bonus daughter Brandi Lavigne. She is also survived by he grandchildren, Adam Saucier, Kenzie Saucier (Vince Charbonneau), Tegan Saucier, and Aurora Schauerte; her brothers Keith (Sherri) Swart, Tom (Debbie) Haines, and sister-in-law Wendy Swart; and her nieces and nephews Nichole (Josh) Renner, Megan (Chris) George, Stan (Lynnsay) Dashnaw, Ashley Swart, Colin Haines, Cody (Raven) Haines, Brandy (Kaelan Gossett) Carpenter, Dave (Becky) Porter, Stefanie (John Paul) Dufault, Jaime (Eric)Trumbull, Neal Bissonnette, and Brandon Morin. She was predeceased by her mother Carol Jean (Polen) Swart, her brother Scott Swart, and her grandson Matthew Saucier.

Mom didn't want any kind of funeral or service, but we will be having a Celebration of Life at a later date. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.adamscremationct.com

07/05/2026

In Loving Memory of Janis “Jan” Kimmel.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Janis “Jan” Kimmel. A devoted mother, Mimi, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend whose kindness and unwavering love touched countless lives.

Janis was born in Paterson, New Jersey, at Saint Joseph’s Hospital. She attended Indian Hills High School before continuing her education at the University of Miami, where she studied transportation. Throughout her life, she held many different positions, but she will be remembered most fondly as the welcoming face of the nurses’ office while serving as the health aide for Griswold Public Schools. Her warm smile, caring nature, and willingness to help made a lasting impact on generations of students, families, and staff.

Janis found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved taking long walks, capturing the beauty of flowers and colorful skies through her photography, baking her favorite batch of banana bread, and finding the best bargains as an avid couponer. If you were looking for the best deal, or wanting to go scan receipts she was always the first person to call.

Above all else, Janis cherished her family. She was the kind of mimi who never missed an opportunity to cheer from the sidelines with a bag full of snacks, celebrate milestones, or simply spend quality time making arts and crafts, watching movies, and creating memories that her grandchildren will treasure forever. Whether you knew her as “Mom,” “Mimi,” or “Big Jan,” you knew you could always count on her love, support, and comforting presence.

She is predeceased in death by her mother Jacquelyn Marx Kimmel. She is survived by her father, Edwin Kimmel; her brothers, David and his wife Donna Kimmel and Jeffrey Kimmel. Her sister Stacey and her husband Jeffery Louisot, her beloved children, Kevin and his wife Shay and Ashley and her husband Tim and her cherished grandchildren, Mason, Lilly, Cian, Andrianna, and Isabela. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins, dear friends, and all whose lives were made brighter by knowing her.

Though our hearts are heavy with her loss, we find comfort in the countless memories she leaves behind and the love she shared so freely with everyone fortunate enough to know her. Known to so many as Mimi or Jan, may her memory live on in the hearts of those who loved her, and may she rest in everlasting peace.

A private family service will be held on Thursday July 9th at the George Washington Cemetery in Paramus NJ, followed by a celebration of life open to all friends and family wishing to pay respects, offer condolences and share in the memory of Janis at 12:00pm at the Oakland Fire Department located at 25 Yawpo Ave in Oakland, New Jersey 07436. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.adamscremationct.com

07/03/2026

Shirley M. Holmes, 71, of Danielson passed away Thursday July 2, 2026 at Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam.

She was born on March 31, 1955 in Ware, MA.

She is survived by her loving family.

Services are private. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.adamscremationct.com

07/02/2026

Don Paul Whitehead, 66, of Norwich passed away Monday June 29, 2026.

He was born on June 10, 1960 in Norwich, CT and was employed for the Department of Transportation in Occum for many years. Donnie had great love and respect for all animals and wildlife and gave refuge to every stray or hurt animal no matter the size. On one particular occasion , he rescued a pelican in the water that had swallowed a fishing hook on his family vacation. Donnie was larger than life, a gentle giant and his way with people will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his sister, Jessica Goodrich of Norwich.

Services are private. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.adamscremationct.com