Montano-Shea Funeral Home and Cremations, 922 Main Street, Winsted, CT (2026)

02/22/2026

Torrington - Ildiko Hargitay, passed away Sunday, February 22, 2026 at her home. Per her request, there will be no obituary. Burial will be held at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Torrington. Visit an online guestbook at montano-shea.com.

02/17/2026

Eloise Farmer, 93, of New Hartford, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2026. She was predeceased by her husband of 69 years, Richard Farmer in 2023. Eloise was born in Nyack, New York and grew up as a child in Spring Valley, NY.

She graduated from SUNY Cortland with a degree in Science and obtained her teacher certification in NY where she taught during the years 1960-1968 in between raising her children. She and Richard moved to New Hartford, CT in 1968, and began substitute teaching in Torrington, Eloise was hired as a full-time teacher in the Torrington School system, spending most of her tenure teaching Biology at Torrington High School.

She attended Saint Joseph University where she obtained her Masters Degree and 6th year degrees. Eloise loved education, and demonstrated that every day in the classroom. She was heavily invested in the AP biology program, where many of her students graduated and pursued careers in medicine and the sciences.

In addition to teaching, she was a member of the CSSA, where she served as President for 2 terms. She was a proud member of the CEA, CSTA and the NSTA as well. Eloise and Richard spent many vacations participating in EarthWatch, traveling to places such as Fiji, to study coral reefs, Hawaii to study Dolphin Language, the Virgin Islands to study baby sea turtles and more. She was a certified Scuba Diver and loved spending her time underwater observing marine wildlife and coral reefs. Her pursuit of lifelong learning was insatiable. She also received many awards throughout her career, not the least of which was being voted twice as Teacher of the Year. After she retired from teaching, she continued working in the field of education, serving as a consultant traveling to Many school districts, offering training in several initiatives supporting new teachers.

Up until the day she passed, former students and fellow teachers came to visit her regularly to encourage her and share memories of their time together. She inspired many, and will be greatly missed.

Eloise leaves behind her children, Lynne Patnode and husband John; William Farmer, Robert Farmer and wife Young Oak; Dane Worley and husband Chris, and Mike Farmer; along with several Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. She also leaves behind her brother David Jessup, sisters in law, Sharon Pagliuca, Dottie DeLolio, Connie Brennan and several nieces and nephews.

There will be a memorial service for Eloise on Saturday, March 21, 2026; meet and greet from 1 - 2 PM and memorial at 2 PM, taking place at Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 922 Main Street, Winsted. Visit an online guestbook at montano-shea.com.

02/16/2026

Please share… https://twoheartscenter.com/job-opportunities/

02/16/2026

Elizabeth “Betty” F. Foglia, 80, of Colebrook, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on Sunday, February 15, 2026. She was born in Winsted on March 17, 1945, to the late Raymond and Margaret (Noxon) Lawson. She was the loving wife of Charles "Chuck" Foglia for 43 years. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, cherished daughter, and dear sister, always there for her family and sharing in all of their special moments over the years.

Betty graduated from The Gilbert School in 1963. She went on to work at the Winsted Evening Citizen for many years and also spent a few years working at the Foothills Trader. Betty and her husband, Chuckie, ran Nutmeg Pantry/XtraMart in New Hartford as a family for many years. She spent the remainder of her career managing All Star Storage until her retirement in 2012.

Betty always enjoyed traveling to her family’s “Yellow House” in New York, where she spent many enjoyable hours surrounded by family and friends. She also thoroughly enjoyed traveling over the years with her husband, sister, and brother-in-law, with a special love for St. Maarten and the beach. In her retirement, she spent many hours volunteering at the Colebrook Community and Senior Center, where she made many close friends who were dear to her. She also enjoyed playing BINGO there and camping at Hammonasset Beach State Park, where she spent many happy and relaxing days by the shore.

In addition to her loving husband, Betty is survived by her children, Christopher Marquis of Winsted; Laurie Marquis of Winsted; and Karen (Paul) Odell of Colebrook; her grandchildren, Marie Dwyer of Seymour; Jakob Honig of New Haven; Michael (Alyssa) Odell of Harwinton; and Maggie Odell of Colebrook; special granddog, Cooper; her loving sister and best friend, Shirley (Brian) Goodfellow of West Fulton, NY; and a special niece, Susan (Mike) Wilkens of Middleburgh, NY. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Marjorie Marie Lawson, and her special nephew, David John Goodfellow.

The family wishes to thank Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Litchfield County for their loving care, as well as the many neighbors, friends, and family members who have offered their support.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Colebrook Community and Senior Center (P.O. Box 5, Colebrook, CT 06021) or Norfolk Ambulance (P.O. Box 399, Norfolk, CT 06058). A celebration of life will take place on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the Colebrook Community and Senior Center, 2 School House Rd, Colebrook, CT from 1 to 4 p.m.

02/12/2026

🚨 Scam Alert – Please Read and Share 🚨

We have received reports of phone calls from individuals claiming to be a police officer and stating that a loved one has been involved in an accident. These calls are NOT from our police department.

Please be aware:

Our police officers will never call and ask for money, gift cards, wire transfers, or payment of any kind.

We will never demand immediate payment over the phone.

Calls that pressure you to act quickly or keep the call secret are a strong warning sign of a scam.

If you receive a call like this:

Hang up immediately.

Do not provide any personal or financial information.

If you are concerned about a loved one, contact them directly or call our police department using a phone number you trust.

If you believe you were targeted or have questions, please contact us directly.

Please help keep our community safe by sharing this message with friends, family, and neighbors especially seniors. 💙👮‍♂️

02/11/2026

WINSTED – Diane Elsie (Williams) Vickers, 85, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026. She was the loving wife of the late Frederick R. Vickers. Born November 5, 1940 in Bristol; the daughter of the late Abraham and Elsie (McCurdy) Williams.

Diane worked for many years as a CNA. She loved going to the casino and enjoyed attending car shows with Fred, playing dominos and using her phone for facebook and sending messages to her family. She also enjoyed knitting.

She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren and had a special bond with her grandson, Jared.

She is survived by her children, Joan Lundvquist and husband Bertil of MN, Lisa Mongitore and partner Drew of Winsted, Anthony "Tony" Mongitore and wife Tanya of Winsted and Joseph Mongitore of Winsted; step children, Vicki Franculli and husband Frank of Bakersville and Fred Vickers and wife Diane of Torrington; 6 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by 4 brothers, George Williams, Eugene Williams, John Williams and Richard Williams; stepson, Richard Vickers and step granddaughter, Audrey Vickers.

A Celebration of Diane's life will held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 922 Main Street, Winsted from 4 – 6 PM. Burial will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery in Bristol in the spring. Visit an online guestbook at montano-shea.com.

02/11/2026

BARKHAMSTED – Robert J. Stadler, III, 87, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 9, 2026. He was the loving husband of the late Carole L. Stadler for 64 years. Born January 27, 1939 in New Britain; the son of the late Robert and Eunice (Mann) Stadler.

Robert lived in Barkhamsted with his family since 1965. He was a Charter Member and President of the Blizzard Lizards Snowmobile Club for 10 years. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing in Alaska.
He enjoyed golfing at Saker Farms Country Club for 23 years.

He is survived by three sons, Robert Stadler, III, Randy Stadler and Barry Stadler; grandchildren, Cole, Kyle, Tabatha and Lauren; brothers, Richard Stadler and wife Loretta and Paul Stadler and wife Beverly; and many nieces and nephews and extended family.

Burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 5 Steele Road, New Hartford has care of the arrangements. Visit an online guestbook at montano-shea.com.

02/11/2026

Judith Mae (Rategan) Blass, age 81, of Torrington, CT, passed away peacefully in the early hours of February 7, 2026, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loving family and her beloved cat, Mittens.

Born on March 23, 1944, in Winsted, CT, Judith was the second daughter of the late Robert J. Rategan and Alice H. (Donne) Rategan.

Judith was a devoted and hardworking single mother of four who dedicated more than 20 years of service to the State of Connecticut. In addition to her state employment, she worked multiple housekeeping jobs to provide for her family and ensure they had everything they needed. Her strength, determination, and selflessness defined her life.

She had a special place in her heart for animals, especially the many cats and dogs she lovingly took in and spoiled, affectionately calling them “her babies.”

Judith found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved playing bingo, visiting tag sales, penny auctions, and thrift stores. In her later years, she enjoyed relaxing with word searches while watching the Game Show Network, Little House on the Prairie, and the Hallmark Channel.

Judith is survived by her children: Sandra B. Keyes and her partner, Cyrus Shores, of Bennington, VT; Robert J. Blass and his wife, Jennifer, of Winsted, CT; Ronald T. Blass and his wife, Judy, of Waterbury, CT; and James A. Blass and his wife, Paula, of Torrington, CT.

She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Joshua A. Blass and his wife, Samantha, and their children, Aria and Liam, of Torrington, CT; Heather M. Keyes of Torrington, CT; Aubrey P. Blass, Stephanie S. Blass, and Evan J. Blass of Winsted, CT; Christoper Carbone of Torrington, CT; and Jeffrey T. Alfano of Shelton, CT.

She is further survived by her beloved niece, Diane Kirsch; her husband, Scott; and their children, Rebeccah and Zachary, all of Winsted, CT.

Judith was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Alice; her sister, Barbara Blaney; her infant grandson, James D. Blass; and her lifelong partner, Ralph D. “Rocky” Shores III.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, February 18, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will take place on Thursday, February 19, at 11:00 a.m. at Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 922 Main Street, Winsted, CT. A graveside service for close family and friends will be held in the spring.

A celebration of life reception will be held at The Little Red Barn Brewers, 32 Lake Street, Winsted, immediately following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a local animal shelter in Judith’s memory. Visit an online guestbook at montano-shea.com.

02/07/2026

Christine Emily Woodworth, 79, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at her home. She was the loving wife of Albert Edward Woodworth for 50 wonderful years in May, and mother of 5. Born September 8, 1946 in Brooklyn, NY; the daughter of the late Robert and Christine (Rathje) Hedin.

Christine owned and operated a daycare in her home for 45 years. She enjoyed cooking family dinners and baking. She baked and hand decorated everyone's birthday cake every year. Nothing compared to Grandma's World Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies, only the Lord knows how she put so much love into them. She was a talented seamstress, altering many wedding gowns, sewing, mending, applying military and scout patches, and quilting. She also loved watching the colors blossom in her overflowing flower gardens.

Christine was a member and belonged to the Senior Choir for over 20 years at the Second Congregational Church of Winsted. She was very involved with the Church Scholarship, just another way to help those in need continue to learn and grow.

Christine was tech savvy and enjoyed sharing photos on facebook and organizing her high school reunions online.

She was a pillar for her family and loved spending time with them. Christine was an unofficial nurse and teacher, always caring, encouraging and putting everyone else's needs before her own.

She and her husband loved to dance and could give anyone a run for their money on the dance floor, especially the Polka.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her beloved children, Dawn Christine Sykes of Winsted, Richard Pilch of Canaan, Eric Pilch of NY, Michael Woodworth and wife Sheila of Torrington and David Stephen Woodworth of Winsted; cherished grandchildren, Keith Sykes of Portland, CT, Heather Sykes of Winsted and Tyler Pilch and wife Taylor of Canaan, CT; great grandchildren, DJ Madrange and Delcie Belle Pilch; siblings, Marilyn Couse of NY and Robert Hedin of SC. Beloved nieces and nephews; Melissa Couse and her daughter, Emily, Cynthia Couse and her daughter Arianna all of Elizaville, NY. Dan and wife Jen Couse of Kingston, NY. Keegan and Zoe Couse of Durham, NC, Celia Couse of Kingston, NY and Makenna Couse of Charlotte, NC. Finally, we wish to mention all of her many friends that will miss her cookies and chats.

Friends may call on Friday, February 13, 2026 at Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 922 Main Street, Winsted from 4 – 7 PM. Funeral services and burial will be held in the spring at Second Congregational Church of Winsted and Forest View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Second Congregational Church/ and or Scholarship Fund that was so important to her at 800 Main Street, Winsted, CT 06098.

02/06/2026

A Celebration of Life will be held on February 21, 2026 at Norbrook in Colebrook from 12 - 8 PM for Edward “Mike” Case, Jr., who passed away on January 31, 2026. The family will honor Mike’s wishes and have a large celebration at his house in the spring/summer.

02/05/2026

Judith Gail (Wright) Nelson Gunzinger, 85, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 2, 2026. She was the wife of the late Carl Gunzinger. Born July 18, 1940 in Minot, North Dakota; the daughter of the late Monroe and Phyllis (Schrepel) Wright.

She lived an incredible life. As a little girl during WWII, Judy lived in Germany with her Father, an American glider pilot who flew into Germany to spy on N***s and gather information. After the war, the family moved back to Mansfield, CT. Judy, a classically trained pianist, attended and graduated from Windham High School in Willimantic, CT in the class of 1958. She was the homecoming queen and a talented beauty queen, earning many awards and trophies. Judy’s idyllic high school days mimicked that of the movie Grease, where she truly was that Rock ‘n Roll Homecoming Queen. She then attended and graduated from UCONN with an Elementary Education degree.

She married her husband Brian Nelson and moved to California and lived in Northridge, a suburb of Los Angeles. They spent the 1960s living a dream life in sunny Southern California, where she was a beloved elementary school teacher. Their son Glen was born on her 31st birthday, in 1971. Judy soon returned to Canton, CT to raise her family. She was re-married to Neil X. Hendsey, and they moved into to their home in New Hartford, CT in 1978 where Judy would live out the next 47 years of her life. Judy became an anti-war activist in the 1980s and fought for social change and the environment, founding the annual Peace Fair concert in Winsted, CT. She would go on to own and operate a children’s daycare in Canaan, CT. In 1989 she was married to Carl Gunzinger. Judy worked for the Census Bureau for over 15 years, retiring at 60 years old.

Once she retired, she enjoyed a quiet life at home. She was also a lifelong animal lover. She rode horses, had dogs and cats, and one of her favorite things in her later years was watching all the wildlife on her land. She was a naturist, in harmony with nature.

She is survived by her son, Glen Nelson and wife Susan Birk of Burlington; grandchildren, Fox Nelson, Vayle Nelson, and Aidan Nelson; step daughters, Gretchen Gunzinger, husband Scott Hutchinson and their daughter Savanna of Norwich and Alyson Gunzinger and her children, Eric, Olyvia, and Sofia Calafiore of Winsted; former husband Neil X. Hendsey of NH; and former daughter-in-law, Beth McDonald of Newington.

Friends may call on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 5 Steele Road, New Hartford from 11 AM - 12 PM with a service at noon. Visit an online guestbook at montano-shea.com

02/05/2026

TORRINGTON - Mildred L. Neri, 95, passed peacefully in her sleep at Wolcott Hall in Torrington on Monday, February 2, 2026. Born December 4, 1930, at her family home in Nepaug; the daughter of the late Vincent and Florence (Smith) Follert.

Mildred worked at Hitchcock Chair Company in Riverton and New Hartford for over 30 years. Taking pride for her contribution to the furniture manufacturing industry providing beautiful heirlooms for loving homes. Once retired, she dedicated as much time as she could caring for her great-grandchild Asia.

Mildred always enjoyed spending time on the phone chatting with family, friends and coworkers. Deborah Etchengary (her niece) would have lengthy conversations, allowing a connection to family and current events. When she wasn’t chatting on the phone, she devoured many biographies and historical books. But her real thirst was for trash magazines, celebrity gossip, and reality television shows like the Kardashians.

Always up for a drive to visit the ocean, lighthouses or a Yankees game, conversation always came easy no matter how long the drive was. A memorable trip with her daughter Karen and her husband Bob to see - The Grand Ole Opry, Dolly Wood, and visit with Cynthia King in Tennessee was part of her highlight reel to share with others. Taking drives to the countryside with her daughter Karen reminiscing about Mildred’s childhood was also a favorite. Being Tracy’s Friday night dinner date was something she looked forward to every other week. The trip to Block Island with Tracy, learning the islands history, was something they both remember fondly.

Every year she looked forward to spending Christmas Eve and the Fourth of July at her daughter Kathleen’s and Michael's home in Torrington. She also always expressed how honored she was to be invited over to her daughter Joanne’s and Jamie’s home, enjoying intimate concerts by one of their dear friends.

Another trip she would talk about, going to Niagara Falls with her daughter Christine. She especially loved a day out with the girls Asia, Angie and Christine going on adventures, trying new sweets and shopping.

Sadly, she leaves behind four daughters, Karen Neri of Torrington; Kathleen Longhi (Michael) of Dewey, AZ; Joanne Gregg (Jamie) of Canton and Christine Aloma of Canton; her most beloved granddaughter, caretaker, and advocate, Tracy Armstrong (Ralph Reed) and Tinkerbell her Chihuahua, of New Hartford; as well as two grandsons, Justin Aloma of Collinsville and Matthew Aloma of Michigan; one great-granddaughter, Asia Aloma; brother, Vincent Follert (Regina) of Nepaug; several nieces, nephews and cousins throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island.

She was predeceased by a brother, Paul Follert; sister-in-law, Betty Follert; sister, Eileen Roy; brother-in-law, Ronald Roy, and her nephew, Billy Follert.

The seclusion from Covid took a toll, as it did with many. No longer embracing the activities that once sparked her heart, she relied on Linda Veselic, friend and coworker at Hitchcock Chair, to keep her updated with ongoings in the world while they shared space at Wolcott Hall. The staff honestly adored her. Everyone called her "Grams." The staff took the time to engage with her. Listening to the wild things she would share in the halls day or night. The family is wholeheartedly grateful for the kindness, time and attention staff and volunteers provided. There were some very special individuals that Grams always loved to see. Thank you for your unwavering kindness, love, and compassion. Thank you to the staff at The Charlotte Hungerford Hospital emergency room department. Always making certain she was as comfortable as she could be during her illness. We are grateful for all your efforts and compassion.

A springtime graveside ceremony will be held for family and friends at the Nepaug Cemetery. Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 5 Steele Road, New Hartford has care of the arrangements. Visit an online guestbook at montano-shea.com.

Montano-Shea Funeral Home and Cremations

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