Margaret LeMere Kessler

Margaret LeMere Kessler

NORTH CANAAN — Margaret LeMere Kessler, 77, died peacefully at Geer Nursing & Rehabilitation on Thursday, June 20, 2024, following at long illness.

Margaret was born on July 29, 1946, in New Marlborough, Massachusetts. She was the daughter of the late Jules and Anna Bellar LeMere. Margaret worked for many years at Geer. She is survived by her children, Tammy Cooper and her husband Rob of Millerton, Brian Barney of Torrington, David Barney also of Torrington, Carrie Olsen and her husband Chad of Falls Village, and Joseph Barney and his wife Mary of Morris.

She was predeceased by a son, Michael Barney.

Margaret is also survived by two brothers, Lee White and his wife Mary of Arcadia, Florida, and Robert LeMere and his wife Christine of Fort Myers, Florida. She was predeceased by her brothers, Earl, Pat, Pete, Joe, John, Otis, Phil and Gene as well as her sisters, Anne, Berniece and Shirley.

Margaret is also survived by nineteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will take place on Friday, June 28, 2024 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Scott D. Conklin Funeral Home, 37 Park Avenue, Millerton, NY 12546.

A private burial will take place at Irondale Cemetery in Millerton on Saturday. Pastor William Mayhew will officiate. To send an online condolence to the family, flowers to the service or to plant a tree in Margaret’s memory, please visit www.conklinfuneralhome.com

Latest News

Ski jump camp for kids returns Dec. 27, 28
Ski jump camp for kids returns Dec. 27, 28
Photo provided

The Salisbury Winter Sports Association (SWSA) will host its annual Junior Jump Camp, a two-day introduction to ski jumping, on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 27 and 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Satre Hill in Salisbury.

The camp is open to children ages 7 and up and focuses on teaching the basics of ski jumping, with an emphasis on safety, balance and control, using SWSA’s smallest hill. No prior experience is required.

Keep ReadingShow less
Six newly elected leaders join Northwest Hills Council of Governments

Jesse Bunce, first selectman of North Canaan.

Photo provided

LITCHFIELD — The Northwest Hills Council of Governments welcomed six newly elected municipal leaders Thursday, Dec. 11, at its first meeting following the 2025 municipal elections.

The council — a regional planning body representing 21 towns in northwest Connecticut — coordinates transportation, emergency planning, housing, economic development and other shared municipal services.

Keep ReadingShow less
Mountaineers fly high in preseason basketball

Ryan Segalla takes a fadeaway shot over a defender.

By Riley Klein

FALLS VILLAGE — Housatonic Valley Regional High School’s boys basketball team defeated Pine Plains High School 60-22 in a scrimmage Tuesday, Dec. 9. The non-league preseason game gave both sides an opportunity to run the court ahead of the 2025-26 varsity season.

HVRHS’s senior-heavy roster played with power and poise. The boys pulled ahead early and kept their foot on the gas through to the end.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kent toy drive brightens holiday season

Katie Moore delivers toys to the Stuff a Truck campaign held by the Kent Volunteer Fire Department last weekend. Donated toys are collected so that parents, who need some assistance, may provide their children with gifts this Christmas. Accepting the donation are elves Fran Goodsell and Karen Iannucci

Photo by Ruth Epstein

KENT — Santa’s elves were toasty warm as they collected toys for the children of Kent.

Keeping with annual tradition, Fran Goodsell and Karen Iannucci manned the Stuff a Truck campaign sponsored by the Kent Volunteer Fire Department on Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7. Sitting in front of a fire pit in the firehouse parking lot between donations from residents, they spoke of the incredible generosity displayed every season. That spirit of giving was clear from the piles of toys heaped on a table.

Keep ReadingShow less