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 Kathleen (Bentz) Fay, 71, of Tolland passed away peacefully at home on March 16, after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. The spirit and dignity with which she faced her journey inspired her husband, her children, the friends who visited, and the Hospice workers whose diligent care eased her passage. She raised her children with a depth of love, humor, and creativity that shaped who they have become. Many of her children’s friends came to consider her a second mother. She cherished her special bond with her niece Lori Bosco. After completing her Masters at ECSU, she taught at two schools before landing her dream job teaching language arts at Tolland Middle School. As a teacher, she brought excitement and a sense of fun to the classroom. She expressed her style in every room and small detail of her home. The vibrant colors of her gardens so symbolized who she was. Beyond family, she was devoted to friends, many from childhood, especially from Point-O-Woods beach, and from the Manchester High School Class of ’61. Whether it was a holiday gathering, a picnic she planned, a kayak trip or a new adventure, her loving touch and lively spirit shaped indelible memories for those who shared her life. To her husband Hank, she was a soulmate who brought new dimensions to his life. Kathleen’s beloved sister, Sheila Marzi of Kensington, pre-deceased her by only five days. Both shared the passing of their parents, Catherine Hyland Bentz and William Bentz. She is survived by her husband, Hank Fay of Tolland; her son Matthew C. DeCormier and his wife Letitia DeCormier of Coventry; her daughter Michelle K. Sonski and her husband Albin J. Sonski Jr. of Kensington; her son Marc C. DeCormier of Coventry; her brother-in-law, James E. Marzi of Kensington; her brother-in-law Donald T. Fay and sister-in-law Lyn Fay. Relatives and friends may join the family on Saturday, March 28, 2015 from 10 am - 12 pm at the Tolland Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Merrow Road (Rt. 195), Tolland, CT, 06084. A Memorial Service will follow at 12 pm. Burial will be private. For online condolences, please visit www.pietrasfuneralhome.com
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Ronald Cowles
People,
Remembering Kathy Bentz today. I knew her through High School, not well but we did have a few laughs together. Ice skating at Center Springs along with all her girlfriends. She was a nice girl, a great sense of humor.
A sad day to think about it...she was nice to be around.
Mary Jane McLaughlin (Angelone)
Thanks, Ron, for reminding me of skating at Center Springs. There were also the bike excursions to Globe Hollow from the north end and Saturday afternoon matinees on Main Street. My mother loved it when I went with Kathy as she knew Mrs. Bentz would be checking the Legion of Decency Guide. When Kathy and I were still at Hollister School, we went one day to to the kids' afternoon movie and stayed as long as we dared to watch a part of the adult movie. We then ran as fast as our legs could carry us and stopped a block short to catch our breath so we could casually walk into Kathy's house on Summit Street. Mrs. B. took one look at us and said: "So how much of "Picnic" did you two watch?" We probably had to miss a couple of matinees after that but we got to see Kim Novak and William Holden up on that screen.
Though Kathy was already in hospice at home, we shared some good memories and lots of laughs on a visit in December. Rest in peace, my friend. Mary Jane McLaughlin Angelone
Ronald Cowles
Mary Jane,
Oh the memories.
Manchester was a really great town to grow up in. There were inumerable possibilities. Dances, roller skating, the "Y" and all that offered. The little village of the North End, there were so many directions we could go in. Salter Pond and lets not forget Globe Hollow. Fireworks at the Golf lots, soon to be the sight of M.H.S. Walking, hitch-hiking to get anywhere. Robertson School, Josies soda shop, the Blue Moon and the library.
Softball at Robertson Park and the stink of the paper mill run off. The O'Neills, Brainards, Baskervilles, Gulbinas's and everyone the "hung-out" at Chef's diner. A lot of thlngs to do. Don Willis garage and how he wouldn't charge any kid to fix a flat on his bicycle tire. I pulled over a hundred papers from behind Keiths, in a little barn, to deliver down through Hilliard St. Made some money and learned to work. Went on to tobacco and got some more experience.
We used to come home through Center Springs, the bunch of us, to get down through all that water and mud, wondering how no one ended up drowned. Skating down the sliding hill in the Winter to see who could go the farthest, fastest. A wonder no got killed.
The Dances at the tennis courts, in the Summer, when the Florida girls were living in the Y. How could you miss? Elvis just arriving on the scene. 1957 I was 15, full of juice, couple of bucks in my pocket, slick. What could be wrong?
You were a part of that Mary Jane. You Sharon Delaney, that other girl that lived on Sharon's street. Dorothy and others to make us boys "look around". Amazing and so simple. Now...I don't know
You take care of yourself, nice of you to be there.