Potter Funeral Home

06/01/2026

Marjorie Bachand

Marjorie Jean (Kuryan) Bachand of Willimantic, passed away on May 28, 2026. Marjorie was born on March 12, 1948, to Peter and Margaret (Sedlak) Kuryan and grew up in Eagleville. She was a 1966 graduate of E.O. Smith High School and 1972 graduate of Eastern CT State University. Marge started a long and much-loved career with the former Department of Mental Retardation in the 70’s holding many positions throughout more than 30 years. She retired in 2003 to spend more time with her beloved husband Paul, who pre-deceased her in 2007. In addition to her parents and husband, Marge was predeceased by her nephew Michael Kuryan and her brother, Bill Kuryan.

Marge is survived by her brother Joseph (Louise) Kuryan, and sister Barbara Churilla, sister-in-law Shirley Swan and stepsons Paul (Jane) Bachand, Jr., and Michael Bachand, her step grandchildren, Jace Paul and his daughter River, Jeremy (Brook) and their son, Oliver, and Jacob (Fiancée Rachell). She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and one great great niece, Scottie Jo. She also leaves many cousins.

Marge cherished her many friends from childhood, T-Bird Club, Mahjong, Church Ladies card making and Book Club. She was always ready to offer a hug and signed all correspondence, HUGS!

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, 270 Peachtree Street NW, Suite 1300, Atlanta, GA 30303

Marjorie’s family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, June 8, 2026 from 8:30am to 9:30am at Potter Funeral Home, 456n Jackson St., Willimantic. Her Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00am at St. Mary Church, 46 Valley St. Willimantic, with burial to follow at St. Mary Cemetery, Coventry, CT.

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06/01/2026

Linda L. Smith

Linda L. Smith transitioned from this life on Friday, May 29, 2026, surrounded by her beloved daughter, son, sister, and family friend.

Born on September 15, 1950 in Melbourne, Florida, Linda Holloway was the 1st child of Hosea Holloway and Ruby Butler Holloway. Linda, along with her parents, relocated from Melbourne, Florida to New York, and eventually settled in Bridgeport Connecticut. As the eldest of her siblings, Linda doted upon her younger siblings, and was known for her vivacious, extroverted personality. She graduated from Central High School in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and subsequently attended The Computer Programming Institute in Willimantic, Connecticut.

Linda was a working mother, having worked as an employee of Connecticut Department of Developmental Services, supporting adults with physical and intellectual disabilities who lived in various facility settings. She concluded her working career as a Secretary for the Connecticut Department of Corrections, and lastly a secretary for the University of Connecticut to support her family.

Linda loved life, her family, laughter, and most of all, she loved the Lord. She is preceded in death by her parents, Hosea Holloway and Ruby Butler Holloway, her brother, Hosea Holloway Jr., nephew Travis Holloway, and brother in-law Mark Gildea.

She is survived by her children, son James Bates, of Bridgeport, CT; sons Stephen Smith and Brian Smith, both of Willimantic, CT; and daughter Niki Smith Goguen of Storrs, CT. Also grieving the loss of Linda Smith are her siblings Laronya Lee of Boston, MA; Brenda Smith of Harrisburg, PA, Denise Holloway of Bridgeport, CT; Dawn Holloway, Anthony Holloway, and Todd Lee all of Willimantic, CT. Linda was also matriarch and loving grandmother to 7 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.

Linda’s family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, June 4, 2026 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. Willimantic. There will be a non-denominational service and reflections of family and friends at 10:00 AM on Friday, June 5, 2026, at the funeral home, burial to follow at New Willimantic Cemetery.

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05/29/2026

Vincine "Vincent" Mastrangelo

Vincine “Vincent” Frank Mastrangelo, lovingly known as Vinnie, passed away peacefully at his home in Mansfield, Connecticut, on May 24, 2026, at the age of 81, after a life devoted to his family, friends, and community.

Born on June 30, 1944, in Willimantic, Connecticut, Vincent spent most of his life in the Mansfield area. He worked for many years as a concrete worker with Pelletier Builders until his retirement. Throughout his career, he contributed to projects across Connecticut and took great pride in the communities he helped build. No matter where he traveled, Vinnie could point out a road, building, or neighborhood where he had worked. After years spent traveling the state for work, he became an expert navigator who never needed a GPS.

Vinnie was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. Family was always at the center of his life, and nothing brought him more joy than spending time with those he loved.

He is survived by his children, Mark Mastrangelo and Annette Mastrangelo; his grandchildren whom he helped raise, Lena (Mastrangelo) Dwelley and Crystal (Mastrangelo) Mills; and his other beloved grandchildren, Rory Ely, Adam Emmons, Amber Emmons, Justin Emmons, Joel Kennedy, James Milam III, and Samuel Keene Jr. He also leaves behind his cherished great-grandchildren, Tyler Emmons, Aidan Emmons, and Sophia Dwelley, as well as his sisters, Donna (Mastrangelo) Barr and Deborah (Mastrangelo) Robinson.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 59 years, Diana (Easton) Mastrangelo, just one month shy of their 60th wedding anniversary; his parents, Frank and Helen (Golas) Mastrangelo; and his brothers, David and Douglas Mastrangelo.

Vinnie had a gift for making people laugh and rarely took life too seriously. He could strike up a conversation with anyone, whether standing in line at the grocery store or chatting at the car dealership, and he never missed an opportunity to tell a joke or share one of his many stories. Family and friends will always remember the story of how he and Diane got lost on their honeymoon trip to Niagara Falls and spent the week exploring small towns before finally finding their way home, as well as the unforgettable story of the time he narrowly survived being buried alive in a work accident.

He loved fishing, classic cars, and old western movies. In his younger years, he enjoyed traveling, going to the beach, hunting, and spending time with family and friends in Maine. Vinnie was incredibly handy and was always outside building, repairing, or improving something around the house.

Vinnie and Diane built a beautiful life together filled with love, laughter, and generosity. He did everything he could for Diane, from building the porch at their home on Route 32 so she could sit outside and relax, to creating custom birdhouses for the cardinals and blue jays she loved watching, as well as handmade picture frames to display treasured family memories.

Together, they showed their love through acts of kindness and hospitality. Their home was always open to anyone in need, and many people found comfort, meals, and support under their roof. Whether it was canned stuffed peppers, spaghetti, or meatball grinders, Vinnie and Diane loved feeding the people around them.

Vinnie also had a well-known sweet tooth, a trait he happily passed down to his children and grandchildren. He loved introducing them to different snack combinations, candies, and desserts, and sharing treats together became one of the many small but meaningful traditions his family will always remember.

In his passing, Vincent leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, humor, and selflessness. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Though his absence leaves an immeasurable void, his spirit will live on through the laughter, traditions, and memories he shared with those he loved.

Rest in peace, Vinnie. Your light will continue to shine in the hearts of everyone who knew you, and your memory will forever remind us of a life truly well lived. Vincent is now reunited with Diana once again.

A graveside service for Vincent will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 1:00 PM at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 386 Main Street, Coventry, Connecticut. A celebration of life will be held nearby following the graveside service at American Legion in Windham at 339 Brick Top Road.

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05/27/2026

Frederick "Fred" L. Snow

Frederick Lawrence Snow passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026 at the age of 92 surrounded by loving family.

Born in Canso, Nova Scotia on January 29, 1934, he was the third youngest of 12 children born to Angeline and Harry Snow. Fred married the love of his life Marion in 1957 and they were happily married for 68 years. Fred moved his family to Massachusetts in 1964 and eventually settled in Mansfield, CT. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend.

Fred worked in the wiring and cable industry for over 30 years. He was the goalie for his town’s hockey team in his early 20’s, and he enjoyed square dancing with the Windham Whirlers in his 40’s. His hobbies included wood making, carpentry and bowling. He loved watching his kids and grandkids participate in sports, especially baseball. He was known for his soft-spoken nature, kind heart, playful nature and how often he smiled.

Fred was an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Willimantic. In their retirement years, Fred and Marion enjoyed many years vacationing in their summer home in their hometown of Canso.

Fred is predeceased by his son Daniel, his brothers Henry, Michael, Ellsworth, Leonard and Doug and his sisters Ida, Jenny, Esther, June and Rita and his daughter-in-law Mary.

He is survived by his wife Marion, sister Millie (Jim).

Children: Vincent (Chris), Valerie (Mike), Gerard (Cindy), Wade, and Gordon, daughter-in-law Susan (Todd),

Grandchildren: Tiffany, Christopher (Amy), Justin, Aaron (Nicole), Daylen, Jennifer (Aaron), Jillian, Devin, Matthew, Stephanie (Kurt), Daniel, Danielle, Thomas

Great-grandchildren: Larhamie, Lukas, Layah, Braeden, Lily, Olivia, Logan, Caleb, Nova, Arthur

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Hartford Healthcare Hospice Care.

Fred's family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers a donation to St. Joseph’s Church be considered.

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05/26/2026

Shirlee H. Sheathelm

A loving mother, grandmother, artist, teacher and friend, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. She was born in Battle Creek, Michigan on August 22, 1931, the only child of Gudrun and Donald Hainline. She graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in Painting and Art History. She was a teacher at the Mansfield Middle School for 36 years. She lived in Windham Center for many years, a town that she loved and participated actively in. Shirlee was president of the Windham Regional Arts Council, and the Mansfield Education Association. She won numerous awards, including Mansfield Teacher of the Year in 1985-86, a Connecticut Commission of the Arts Educator Award in 1990 and a State Art teacher selection for the National Gallery of Arts 100th anniversary celebration. Shirlee was always learning and always teaching, constantly taking courses, running workshops, organizing support groups and helping people. Her students loved her and Shirlee’s children have heard many times from many former students across the years about how much Shirlee’s teaching impacted their lives. Shirlee was an amazing artist. She had a studio in her home and was constantly painting and creating works of art across many mediums. She was a member of the Artists Open Studio in the eastern part of the state and her art was exhibited and sold throughout the area. But most of all, Shirlee loved her family and friends. Always there for support, always there for advice and always there for love. Her home was a place of warmth and love, of food and laughter, of many cherished good times. She is pre-deceased by her beloved daughter, Kristine Gerson. She is survived by her son Kurt Sheathelm (Marjie), her son-in law William Gerson, her grandchildren; Russell Sheathelm (Brianna), Tia Sheathelm, Zachary Gerson (Kristin), Jacob Gerson (Gabriela), Elijah Gerson (Sara) and Abraham Gerson (Alicia). She was blessed with seven beautiful great-grandchildren. She had many wonderful years of friendship and companionship with her former in-laws, Edwina and Russell Sheathelm and her brother and sister-in law, Bill and Norma Sheathelm. As her true and cherished friend, Kathy Stebbins said; “for sure, she leaves a legacy to be treasured by all whose lives she touched…”

Her family would like to thank Masonicare at Middlewoods of Newington and Masonicare at Greenridge in Rocky Hill for their amazing care and compassion over the past years.

Shirlee’s life will be celebrated privately by family. Contributions can be made in her memory to a charity of your choice.

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05/25/2026

05/22/2026

Janice Harbec

Janice (Durkin) Harbec, of Willimantic, CT, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026, at the age of 77. Born on October 26, 1948, in Cleveland, Ohio, later relocating to Detroit, Michigan and eventually moving to Willimantic, Connecticut, Janice lived a life centered around family, love, and lasting friendships. Janice graduated from Windham High School, Class of 1966, where she met the love of her life, Roger Harbec, as well as many lifelong friends she cherished throughout the years, especially Joan Marrotte. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 55 years, Roger Harbec; her brother Danny; and her parents, Annabelle (Nopwasky) and William Durkin. In their early years together, Roger and Janice loved spending weekends at the beach, creating memories with family and friends. In later years, they traded sandy weekends for time spent at home grilling by their pool, where they enjoyed relaxing and gathering with loved ones. Janice loved hosting parties and holiday gatherings and was happiest when surrounded by family, good food, and laughter. She also enjoyed cooking, reading, macramé, gardening, and caring for her many houseplants. Among the many pets Janice loved over the years, her dogs Scooby and Shadow held a special place in her heart. She rarely missed her favorite soap operas or cooking shows and created a warm and welcoming home for everyone around her. Janice was a proud parishioner of St. Mary’s Church in Willimantic.

Janice was a devoted stay-at-home mother for many years before later working at Ace Printery in Willimantic, Franco’s Bakery in Willimantic and OTY Law Firm in Hartford, where she built many lasting friendships. She is lovingly survived by her children: daughter Lisa Vivenzio and her husband Vincent of Chester, New Jersey; son Douglas Harbec and his wife Laura of East Hampton, Connecticut; and daughter Summer Harbec and her fiancé Ray Fournier of Windham, Connecticut. Janice also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Leo Harbec, Lance Harbec, Annabella Vivenzio, and Savannah Shea, who brought tremendous joy to her life. She is survived by her sisters, Patricia Durkin, Cynthia Placido, and Melissa Cusanelli, and by her brother, Kenneth Durkin. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles in Pennsylvania, and brothers- and sisters-in-law in Connecticut, including Albert and Linda Harbec, Francis Harbec and Sean Peebles, Alan and Linda Harbec, and Kenneth Harbec. Janice will be remembered for her warmth, devotion to her family, strength, and kind heart. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Janice’s family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, June 8, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street, Windham CT. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St Joseph Cemetery, Windham.

In lieu of flowers donations to Tri-County Greenhouse (290 Middle Turnpike Mansfield Depot, CT 06251) would be appreciated in honor of her Lil’ Patty, a 30-year retiree of the Greenhouse. Tri-County Greenhouse provides work experiences to the intellectually disabled.

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05/22/2026

Althea L. Lewis

Althea Louise (Butler) Lewis, 93, of Windham, CT, passed away on May 22nd, 2026.

She was born on October 5th, 1932, in Windham to Harry and Ella Butler. Althea grew up in Windham, CT and attended Windham High School. She was employed at Windham School Systems as a cafeteria worker and went on to working at Douglas Manor (formally Abby Manor) for a multitude of years. After retirement she continued to perform volunteer services there.

Althea was known for her love of dogs, especially Lucy. She enjoyed reading novels, building puzzles, crocheting and watching the UConn Women's Basketball and Boston Red Sox. She also loved watching her great grandchildren.

She is survived by her son Richard Lewis and his wife Ida Lewis, her son Donald Lewis, her only granddaughter Brittney Lewis and her great-grandchildren Ayden and Nora. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Maurice Butler.

A private service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Windham Center Fire Department.

She will be deeply missed and always remembered

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05/12/2026

Mark Prentice Browning

Mark Prentice Browning passed away on Monday May 11, 2026 at Saint Joesph Living Center in Windham, CT at the age of 64. He died of internal organ failure after several years of deteriorating health.

He is predeceased by his parents, Arthur Prentice (2013) and Gabriel Rita Browning (2015).

He is survived by his brother Jason David (wife Kathy), his sister Cindy Lou St. Martin and his brother David Arthur.

Mark was born with a mental disability. He lived with his parents until their deaths, and was then cared for by Cindy, while still living in their home in North Windham, CT, with the help of daily healthcare workers which Cindy managed.

He traveled extensively with his parents by car through much of the United States. He enjoyed watching TV shows such as The Price is Right and Let’s Make a Deal. He liked going to the movies and eating out at Wendy’s.

He was cremated and his ashes are joining those of his parents on the top of Meeting House Rocks in Norwich, CT, next to the First Congregational Church.

We look forward to seeing Mark in Heaven one day, where his mind and body will be restored to what they would have been without his disability. We will get to know Mark better during eternity, and he will get to experience what living with complete mental clarity means. It will be a glorious time of reunion!

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05/11/2026

Jose H. Colon

Jose Hector Colon, 89, of Willimantic, passed away peacefully at home on May 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on November 7, 1936, in Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico, Jose moved to Willimantic at the age of 18, where he built a life rooted in hard work, friendship, and family. He spent almost 30 years working as a janitor at the University of Connecticut Student Union. To Jose, his coworkers were more than colleagues — they were family.

Jose had a passion for sports and community. In his younger years, he loved playing baseball and was a proud member of a bowling league at Lucky Strike. He also cherished gathering with friends to play dominoes, sharing laughter and stories that created lifelong memories.

Above all, Jose loved his family deeply. He will be remembered for his kindness, dedication, sense of humor, and the love he gave so freely to those around him.

Jose leaves behind his beloved children: April; Niza and her husband, Ricardo; Jamie and her husband, Eric; Melissa; Stacy and her husband, Albert; and Dawn. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Ashley, Nathan, Tyler, Albert, Colby, Jesse, Brooklynn, Juliano, Janessa, David, Kevin, Elijah, Cameron, and Gracelynn; as well as his adored great-grandchildren: Elise, Mason, Avery, Eira, and Yameia.

Jose’s love and legacy will continue to live on through all who knew and loved him.

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