Fall and winter usher in new seasons of beauty and tranquility throughout the 510-acre Topsmead State Forest in Litchfield, Conn., whose crown jewel is an elegant yet understated circa 1925 English Tudor-style cottage.
Edith Morton Chase built her home at Topsmead as a summer escape, but after the scent of spring and summer flowers is gone, the estate unfolds in a different way.
Trees that have shed their leaves reveal the bones of a landscape that captivates the senses. The main house, designed by noted architect Richard Henry Dana Jr., is the focal point, with its cypress exterior woodwork, lead downspouts, walls of brick and stucco, and slate roof.
Upon her death in 1972, Chase bequeathed her beloved country estate to the people of Connecticut and requested in her will that Topsmead remain undisturbed and in “a state of natural beauty,” according to a history of the forest on the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) website.
Over the years, an endowment left by Chase — a savvy businesswoman, who built up her wealth and real estate holdings over the decades —has been used to preserve the buildings and grounds as they were at the time of her death.
The former landowner adored the outdoors, as is evident from the landscaping around the cottage. Twisted old apple trees and ornamental cherry trees line the drive, complementing the home’s striking architecture. Their leaves long gone, beauty is revealed in the few remaining apples high atop the trees, or the clusters of ruby-red cherries suspended from barren limbs, making for a breath-taking silhouette against an azure sky.
Plantings of holly and juniper come into focus, now that the forsythia, peonies, lilacs and fragrant perennials are enjoying their seasonal slumber. As the nights grow longer, the curled, fallen leaves and once-soft flower petals allow the sculptural evergreens and mature trees to make an elegant statement.
According to a history of the property on the DEEP website, in 1917 Chase received 16 acres of land on Jefferson Hill in Litchfield from her father, Henry Chase, the first president of Chase Brass & Copper Company in Waterbury, Conn.
She originally built a rustic cabin on the property, which was later replaced by the current residence. In 1927, according to the historical account, Chase purchased the former Buell Farm and renamed the property Topsmead Farm to reflect its “top of the meadow” location. At one time the farm produced food used on the estate.
On a recent late-morning visit, a handful of visitors strolled the lawns and paths and rested at picnic tables scattered throughout the site. The Edith M. Chase Ecology Trail offers a 7/10ths mile walk with interpretive signs. A weathered sign directs visitors to the forest’s butterfly garden and wildlife viewing blind.
The park, on Buell Road, is open for year-round passive recreation, including walking, bird-watching, picnicking and cross-country skiing. Gates open at 8 a.m. and close at sunset. Visitors are invited to picnic on the grounds; open fires or grills are not allowed. Pets on a leash are permitted in the picnic areas and on hiking trails.
The park and exterior of the building can be visited daily all year long; the gates close at sunset.
For more information, go to https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Forests/Topsmead-State-Forest, or follow the Facebook link for the Friends of Topsmead State Forest.
FALLS VILLAGE — Robin Lee Roy, 62, of Zephyrhills, Florida, passed away Jan. 14, 2026.
She was a longtime CNA, serving others with compassion for more than 20 years before retiring from Heartland in Florida.
Robin loved the beach, sunshine, and gardening, and was known for her strength, humor, and unwavering support of those she loved.
She is survived by her daughter, Sierra R. Zinke, and brothers, Darren Roy and Todd Roy.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sharon Thomkins Roy and Robert Roy, and her brother Nevin Roy.
No services will be held at this time.
SALISBURY — Marjorie A. Vreeland, 98, passed away peacefully at Noble Horizons, on Jan. 10, 2026.She was surrounded by her two loving children, Richard and Nancy.She was born in Bronxville, New York,on Aug. 9, 1927, to Alice (Meyer) and Joseph Casey, both of whom were deceased by the time she was 14. She attended public schools in the area and graduated from Eastchester High School in Tuckahoe and, in 1946 she graduated from The Wood School of Business in New York City.
At 19 years old, she married Everett W. Vreeland of White Plains, New York and for a few years they lived in Ithaca, New York, where Everett was studying to become a veterinarian at Cornell. After a short stint in Coos Bay, Oregon (Mike couldn’t stand the cloudy, rainy weather!) they moved back east to Middletown, Connecticut for three years where Dr. Vreeland worked for Dr. Pieper’s veterinary practice.In Aug. of 1955, Dr. and Mrs. Vreeland moved to North Kent, Connecticut with their children and started Dr. Vreeland’s Veterinary practice. In Sept. of 1968 Marjorie, or “Mike” as she wished to be called, took a “part-time job” at the South Kent School.She retired from South Kent 23 years later on Sept. 1, 1991.Aside from office help and bookkeeping she was secretary to the Headmaster and also taught Public Speaking and Typing.In other times she worked as an assistant to the Town Clerk in Kent, an office worker and receptionist at Ewald Instruments Corp. and as a volunteer at the Kent Library.
“Mike” loved the sun, sand and water and spent many summers at Westport Point, Massachusetts with the kids and their best friends, the Bauers.She was the consummate hostess, and a wonderful cook.She also appeared in several plays with The Sherman Players and also a show or two on special occasions at The Kent Community House.She took enjoyment from working outdoors doing chores around her home in North Kent.She lived in that house until she sold it and bought a condominium on North Main Street in Kent in May of 2003.She lived in the condo until 2018 after which her light began to fade and her last 8 years were spent comfortably at Noble Horizons.
“Mike” leaves behind her children, Richard (Susan) of Lakeville, her daughter Nancy Rutledge (Jim) of Salisbury; two grandchildren, Chandra Gerrard (Sean) of Litchfield, Matthew (Larissa) of Lakeville; three great grandchildren, Addison, Emilia and Everett, all of Lakeville.
She was predeceased by her beloved granddaughter Caroline in 2020.
All services are private.The Ryan Funeral Home, 255 Main St., Lakeville, is in charge of arrangements.
To offer an online condolence, please visit ryanfhct.com
SALISBURY -— Rafael A. Porro, 88, of 4 Undermountain Road, passed away Jan. 6, 2026, at Sharon Hospital. Rafael was born on April 19, 1937 in Camaguey, Cuba the son of Jose Rafael Porro and Clemencia Molina de Porro. He graduated from the Englewood School for Boys in Englewood, New Jersey and attended Columbia University School of General Studies. Rafael retired as a law library clerk from the law firm of Curtis, Mallet Prevost in 2002 and came to live in Salisbury to be nearer to his sister, Chany Wells.
Rafael is survived by his sister, Chany Wells, his nephew Conrad Wells (Gillian), and by numerous cousins in North Carolina, Florida, Wyoming, Arizona, Cuba and Canada. He was the eldest of the cousins and acknowledged family historian. He will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church in June. Memorial contributions may be made to Salisbury Volunteer Ambulance Service, St. John’s Episcopal Church in Salisbury and Scoville Memorial Library.
The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.
TORRINGTON — Roger D. Ovitt, 91, of 35 Berry St. Torrington, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family.He was the husband of Barbara (Webb) Ovitt of Torrington.Roger was born June 28, 1934 in Amenia, New York, son of the late Ronald and Edna Lucy (King) Ovitt.
Roger had worked for 36 years as a crusher operator for the former Pfizer Corporation in Canaan. After retiring from Pfizer in 1992, Roger joined his brother, Brian, and began a new career as a house painter. Roger enjoyed this venture with his brother.He was an avid fisherman.Roger also loved to garden.He took great pride in the flowers and vegetables that he raised.
In addition to his wife, Roger is survived by his children;Donald Ovitt and his wife Alissa of Clarksville, Tennessee, Jennifer Godburn and her husband Stephen of Sarasota, Florida, Valerie Bachman and her husband Paul of Torrington, Connecticut, Stephanie Follett of Ashley Falls, Massachusetts, and Nelson Roddy and his wife Mary of Lakeville, Connecticut.Roger is also survived by his sister, Eleanor Hineman of Connecticut, and his three brothers; Robert Ovitt of Southfield, Massachusetts, Brian Ovitt and his wife Alice of Sheffield, Massachusetts, and Gary Ovitt and his wife Cheryl of Sheffield, Massachusetts; his brother-in-law Charlton Webb of Winsted, Connecticut;12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Roger was predeceased by his daughter, Penny Fallon, sister Joy Eichstedt, brothers Ronald, Carlton, Jerry, Wayne, and Raymond Ovitt, his grandson Shawn Bachman, his great-grandsonEli Green, and his step-father Edwin Mansir.
A Celebration of Roger’s Life will be held on Saturday Jan. 24, 2026, at 11 a.m. in the Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home 118 Main St. North Canaan, CT 06018.
Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the service begins at 11 a.m.
Memorial donations in Roger’s memory may be made to Connecticut Chapter of theAlzheimer’s Association 10 Executive Drive Suite 202 Farmington, CT 06032.
