Recent Obituaries

GOSHEN-Barbara Pierce O’Leary, 81, of Goshen, Connecticut, passed away at home on September 18, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was born in Portland, Maine, to Ruth and Dr. John Buckley. In 1945 Barbara’s family moved to Goshen where she graduated from Wamogo High School before continuing her education at Wheelock College and later earning a master’s degree in education from the University of Connecticut. Until 1972 Barbara taught elementary school in Hartford, Middletown, and in North Canaan. On Labor Day in 1960, she met Jim O’Leary. They married in 1968 and Barbara joined Jim in South Korea, where he was a Commander in the Army Corps of Engineers. While there, she volunteered to teach English at a Korean school for girls near the DMZ. After returning to Goshen, Barbara and Jim raised their daughters, and she became a devoted community leader. Her deep sense of empathy was evident in her work with a variety of organizations, including the Girl Scouts, Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, the American Cancer Society, FISH, and Lark. She was a founding member of the Children’s Place Nursery School. Barbara was often the lead to events at the Goshen Congregational Church. She was founder of Goshen Hospice and Community Care where she served as Coordinator for more than 20 years. They loved visiting their daughters in South Africa and Chile, sailing with friends throughout the Caribbean, and enjoying a 50th wedding anniversary family trip to St. Lucia. Barbara’s strength and determination were evident throughout her battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Throughout the past 10 years, Jim was by her side providing loving care, with the unwavering support of her family and amazing friends. Barbara was a joyful and energetic spirit, always full of laughter, kindness, and a willingness to give to others. She was a devoted daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother, neighbor, and friend. Barbara is survived by her husband Jim; daughters, Elizabeth O’Leary; Catherine O’Leary Benni, her husband Victor, grandchildren Cory and Alex; and Monica O’Leary Singh, her husband Bobby, grandchildren Jagger and Lila. Her family is eternally grateful to the many friends who have been a special part of her life, especially over the past few years, providing support, love, and companionship. A celebration of Barbara’s life was held on Saturday, November 16th from 1pm-4pm at the Woodridge Lake Club House in Goshen. In her honor, donations may be made to Goshen Community Care or Goshen Volunteer Fire Company.

GOSHEN-Patricia Ellen Hageman, affectionately known as Patti, passed away on October 7, 2024, surrounded by family and friends after a brief illness. Born on September 24, 1948, Patti was a beloved member of the Canaan and Goshen communities. Patti was a graduate of Wamogo Regional Highschool, retired from BD in Canaan after 35 years of dedicated service, but she remained a fixture in the community, managing the Paramount Laundromat. Patti was involved in countless ways in the community. She was a member of the Goshen Historical Society, Goshen Grange, Goshen Agricultural Society, a dedicated volunteer with the Goshen Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, and a past member of the Goshen Board of Finance.

Patti is survived by her loving sister, Linda J. Woodman of Goshen, and her cherished nephews and nieces: Mark Woodman of Goshen and his daughter Bryana Woodman of Torrington, John Hageman of Waterbury and his daughter Julia Hageman of Tennessee, Richard Hageman and his wife Debbie Hageman, along with their daughters Hannah and Harley and grand-daughters Paisley and Serena of Maine. She will also be deeply missed by her nieces Lisa Hageman of Torrington and Cindy Donaldson and partner David Coons of Florida, and their children Chelsea Donaldson and husband Adam Cruz of Goshen, and Max Donaldson and his fiancée Kristine Bronson of Goshen.

She is pre-deceased by her brother William J. Hageman and his wife Beverly J. Hageman and her parents Henry Hageman and Edna McCallum Hageman all of Goshen. Patti will be remembered not only for her tireless community service but for the love, kindness, and laughter she brought to every room. Her presence was a gift, and her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Burial was at St. Thomas Cemetery, Goshen.