GARTHWAITE, KATHLEEN

Born in New Haven, CT in 1948, Kathleen ‘Kathy’ Garthwaite, died at the age of 72, where she chose to retire, in Jensen Beach FL.

Kathy was predeceased by her parents Jerry and Mary McMahon and her brother Bobby. Kathy has survived by her three sons David Serfass, Pete and Bud Garthwaite, and her three grandchildren Breanna, Bodhi, and Silas.

Kathy worked for the Connecticut Rail Road and then as a court reporter in Middletown, CT. After retiring to Florida, she was able to enjoy her love for the beach and use her unique, inventive, and artistic mind to open her own store of handmade creations. Kathy’s greatest attribute was her ability to make everyone laugh with her outrageous, creative, and sharp wit. Spending time with Kathy would surely lead to an adventure, be it great or small.

A private ceremony will be held by the family

It is with our deepest regret that we announce that Hans Merten has entered into eternal rest on Tuesday February 23, 2021. Born on April 9, 1968 son of the late Hans G. Merten and Joan Green Merten, Hans spent all of his life in the Branford area and worked for Cherry Hill Construction for almost all of that time. During his 52 years he was able to influence everyone that was fortunate enough to get past his rough exterior. He was a unique individual with a strong sense of loyalty to those people that he considered friends. He would do anything, without question, for his friends. He had a unique energy that enveloped everyone and everything around him. We believe that he has found the peace that he has spent most of his life searching for and was never able to obtain. We will hold his memory close to our hearts and know that he is in a better place. Hans leaves behind a very large group of friends that always considered him part of our family. We will be honoring Hans with a graveside service on Saturday March 6, at 11:00 AM in Northford Cemetery, Northford, CT. For directions and online memorial see www.wsclancy.com.

Patricia (Pat) Szczesiul peacefully died in the arms of her spouse Cathy, with their rescue dog Sammy by their side on Thursday, February 25th, 2021. She battled lung cancer for 5 ½ years never giving up. Her strength throughout this journey was an inspiration to many. Pat was put here by her Creator on June 30th, 1947, who chose who she was. Knowing her orientation early on, it was not an easy task growing up knowing there wasn’t acceptance to be part of everyday life. Her parents, John and Helen (Witek) raised her in Derby, CT with an example of kindness, helping others, persistence and strength, traits she always lived by. Pat had a loving and giving spirit always willing to help those less fortunate. She touched so many lives in so many ways. Pat attended St. Michael’s Catholic school In Derby and was a graduate of Mount Sacred Heart Academy in Hamden, Connecticut. Her entire career was in the insurance industry as a claims manager. Her interests were numerous including gardening, reading, (she loved books on bridges and earthquakes), home projects, handwriting notes and letters and watching her woodpeckers and hummingbirds. Pat and Cathy were married in Brattleboro, Vermont on July 5, 2013 and spent more than 21 years together. During their life together they lived in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine and enjoyed frequent trips throughout New England. Their favorite spots included Ogunquit, Maine; Northampton, Massachusetts and Burlington, Vermont, especially for the jazz festival. Pat is survived by her spouse Catherine (Cathy) Vollkommer; brother Paul, nieces Jessica, Nicole, and Leah; grandniece Gwen; in-laws; many cousins and close friends. Pat is predeceased by her mother and father; brother John; and nieces Julie and Emily. Special thank you to Kennebunk New England Cancer Specialists who lovingly cared for Pat. Lucia Osiecki who spent the final days caring for Pat and Cathy and Hospice of Southern Maine. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Small Dog Rescue of New England in Cranston, Rhode Island; American Lung Association or UU Church of Sacco-Biddeford. Visiting Hours will Monday, March 1st, 2021 from 11:00AM-1:00PM. Due to COVID-19 the family will have a private service at 1:00PM following the visiting hours. Arrangements are by Hope Memorial Chapel. To share condolences online, please visit www.HopeMemorial.com.