State commends Hedden for 47 years of service
Steve Hedden, left, was presented a state commendation by State Rep. Maria Horn (D-64) at Cornwall Town Hall Dec. 3.
Riley Klein
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Marilyn Josephine Kay
Lakeville Journal
Jun 23, 2026
MILLERTON — Marilyn Josephine Kay (Masterson), 93, whose life was characterized by a quiet strength, graceful and cheerful presence, enduring athleticism and an abiding community spirit, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A long-time resident of Millerton, New York with her late husband and local veterinarian Kent Kay, DVM, Marilyn spent her final years surrounded by the love and care of her Minnesota family.
Born Feb.19, 1933, in New York City, Marilyn was the youngest of four daughters. Raised by a single mother, Marilyn learned early on the values of independence and determination—traits that would define her entire life. She excelled academically and athletically, attending Hunter College and channeling her passion for movement into work as a physical education teacher.
Marilyn’s life took a beautiful turn when she married her husband, Kent Kay, DVM, a young man she had grown up with in New York City. Together, they made the bold choice to leave the city for a quieter life in upstate New York. Settling in the small town of Millerton, they built a vibrant, full life together, including a successful small town veterinary practice serving the surrounding dairy farms. Kent attended to the animals while Marilyn served as office manager and ran the business, all while balancing raising four sons. The boys worked in the clinic at an early age, growing up in a lively household surrounded by animals, both large (Sweetheart, a St. Bernard) and small (Charlie, a stray chihuahua), that became fast friends.
Marilyn also believed in showing up for her community. She and Kent were pillars of their historic local church, St. John in the Wilderness in Copake Falls, New York. Whether she was lending her voice to the choir, serving on the vestry, or helping with church operations, Marilyn’s faith was always paired with action.
A PE teacher at heart until the very end, Marilyn was happiest when she was moving. She shared her love of the water by teaching swimming and lifesaving. She was an accomplished skier, an avid walker in her later years, and a fierce, competitive tennis player who could still command a court in her 80s. Additionally, according to family lore, she was a champion napper and could catch a few winks when needed, anytime and anywhere, including the New York subway where she never missed her stop.
Marilyn was predeceased by her husband of 68 years, Kent, and her son Timothy. She is survived by sons Christopher Kay of New York, New York, Eugene (Jane) Kay of Plymouth, Minnesota, and Clinton Kay of Boulder, Colorado; daughter-in-law Melanie Kay of Millerton, wife of her late son Timothy. Grandchildren include Emily, Jessie, Alexander, Alycia, Gabrielle and Genevieve Kay, and a great-grandson, Atlas.
Arrangements are being made by Peck & Peck, Copake, N.Y. A memorial service is planned for the fall in Copake Falls, N.Y. Memorials may be given to Church of St. John in the Wilderness, P.O. Box 180, Copake Falls, N.Y. 12517, or to the Animal Humane Society.
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Natacha (Nathalie) Kondratiev
Lakeville Journal
Jun 23, 2026
MILLBROOK — Natacha (Nathalie) Kondratiev was born on August 4 1960 in New York City. She grew up, with her five siblings, in Flushing, NY. Natacha went to school at the Lycée Français in New York City. She spent many summers in France with her family where she was able to indulge her love of horses daily, almost to the exclusion of all else. She loved horses from early childhood, and that love dominated her life until the very end.
Natacha went to NYU with the intention of studying for a degree in veterinary medicine but switched majors and received a BA in French. She continued her love for horses in her late teens by taking riding lessons from professionals at Waterfall Farm in Danbury, Connecticut. When Paul Okolowicz moved Waterfall Farm to North Mabbettsville Road in the Millbrook Hunt Country, Natacha followed him there, eventually becoming employed as groom and riding instructor.
When Waterfall Farm ceased operations after many years, Natacha’s reputation as a reliable and caring horsewoman was such that she had many offers to work in other Millbrook barns. She worked for Dr. David Hammond’s veterinary practice as a foal watcher as a supplement to her barn duties at the various stables in the area.
Natacha also gave her love to the beagles and bassets of the Sandanona Harehounds. She lived for many of her last years at the Thorndale kennels, feeding and looking after the fifty hounds that lived there two. She was quick to adopt old beagles from the pack, giving them a homeplace for the remainder of their days.
When not caring for horses and hounds, Natacha could be found immersed in the stories of fiction and fact that tantalized her curious mind. She was an avid reader and friends knew that a gift card at the local Merritt Book Shop was always welcome.
For the last decade of her life, Natacha was plagued with severe heart ailments and other health problems. She persevered with good humor and courage until her body could no longer keep her soul and spirit within. Natacha died in Vassar Hospital, with her siblings beside her, on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
A private burial service for the family was held at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Lithgow, Millbrook, NY, on June 24th, 2026.
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Jeremiah Joseph Larsen
Lakeville Journal
Jun 23, 2026
HARWINTON — Jeremiah Joseph Larsen, 44, of 274 Litchfield Rd. died Sunday June 14, 2026 at the Yale New Haven Health Center in New Haven. Jeremiah was born May 9, 1982 in Bristol, CT. He was the son of Jeffrey L. and Ruth M. (Wilkinson) Larsen of Harwinton, CT
Jeremiah graduated from Lewis Mills High School in Burlington. He worked for several local landscapers in the Northwest Corner including Leno’s Lawn Service, Green Acres Landscaping and most recently Paul Kaminski Landscape Management in Harwinton. Jeremiah was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved spending time with his two sons, Hayden and Finn Larsen, of East Canaan, CT and extended family. He and his ex-wife Jessica Strattman continued to work closely to provide the best for Hayden and Finn. Jeremiah also was known for his love of cutting grass.
In addition to his parents and sons Jeremiah is survived by his brother Zachariah W. Larsen and his fiancée, Marcie Perswald both of Bristol, CT and Zachariah’s daughter Skyla Larsen of Norfolk, CT along with numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday June 25, 2026 from 11:00 am until 12:30 pm in the Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home 118 Main St. North Canaan, CT 06018. We will then process to Hillside Cemetery in East Canaan, CT for a graveside service 1:00 PM. Memorial donation may be sent to Hayden and Finn Fund 274 Litchfield Rd. Harwinton, CT 06791.
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Donald Harry Duncan
Lakeville Journal
Jun 23, 2026
Donald Harry Duncan
Donald Harry Duncan
MILLERTON — Donald Harry Duncan, 78, of Millerton, New York, passed away peacefully at home on June 16, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on November 30, 1947, in Millerton, Don was the son of the late Kenneth T. Duncan and Georgeanna (Jaynes) Duncan. A lifelong resident of Millerton, he was deeply rooted in the community he loved and in the land that had been part of his family for generations.
Don earned an Associate Degree in Animal Husbandry from Cornell University and spent much of his life doing what he loved most—farming. As a proud farmer at Duncandale Farm, he carried on a family tradition while working tirelessly to preserve the farmland from future development, ensuring that it would remain open and productive for generations to come. He took special pride in sharing that work with his grandchildren, Gabriel, Braeden, and Ariana, who worked alongside him on the farm. He also worked for twelve years as a machine operator at Kimberly-Clark and later spent several years working alongside his son, Alex, as a carpenter.
A devoted member of the Millerton community, Don was active in numerous organizations, including the Millerton Presbyterian Church, the Millerton Grange, and the Millerton Lions Club. He was especially proud to be one of the Rounders of Riga, a tradition shared by his father and many of his lifelong friends. Each fall, he eagerly anticipated deer camp, where he enjoyed hunting, walking the woods, and spending time with friends who became like family.
Don was a loyal friend and mentor to many, generously sharing his time and support as a sponsor to fellow friends of Bill W. His quiet wisdom, steady presence, and willingness to help others left a lasting impact on countless lives, always offering encouragement, understanding, and hope whenever it was needed.
Nothing brought Don greater joy than his family. In April of 1967, he was set up with Sharon (Drake) on a blind date for his spring formal with Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. Six months later they were married, beginning a partnership that would span 58 years and become the foundation of a life filled with love, laughter, faith, and family. Together they raised three sons, Bruce (Wendy), Alex (Betsy), and Steven (Kim), and were blessed with seven grandchildren: Sydney, Chelsea, Bailey, Braeden, Tony, Gabriel, and Ariana.
When he wasn’t working, Don enjoyed fishing, hunting, solving Sudoku puzzles, spoiling his cats, and the many ski trips he shared with family and friends over the years. He appreciated life’s simple pleasures and found happiness in everyday moments.
In addition to his wife, children, and grandchildren, Don is survived by his sister, Patricia Flood of Millerton, and his brother, James Duncan (Annette) of Ballston Spa, New York, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother-in-law, Thomas Flood, his in-laws, Herbert and Helen Drake, and his brother-in-law, David Drake.
Those who knew Don will remember his kindness, humility, strong work ethic, and unwavering dedication to family, friends, faith, and community. His legacy lives on in the land he cherished, the family he loved, and the many lives he touched. And while we mourn his absence, we take comfort in imagining him reunited with his dear friend Bob—casting a line, swapping stories, and sharing a laugh once again.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the many physicians, nurses, aides, and caregivers who supported Don throughout his journey. They are especially grateful to Dr. Ashita Talsania of Smilow Cancer Hospital in Torrington, whose extraordinary skill, compassion, dedication, and unwavering care over many years meant more to Don and his family than words can express.
All services will be held on Wednesday, July 1st at South Amenia Presbyterian Church, 229 South Amenia Road, Wassaic, NY. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 12:00 noon. A reception will follow in the church social hall.
Don was happiest in casual clothes and always greeted others with a smile. To celebrate the way he lived, the family encourages guests to wear colorful, casual clothing and to bring a smile of their own.
Memorial contributions may be made in Don’s memory to Yale New Haven Hospital, Fund for Smilow Cancer Hospital, Office of Development, P.O. Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508 to help advance research, treatment, and hope for individuals and families facing blood cancers, or to the Hudson Valley Hospice Foundation, 80 Washington Street, Suite 204, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. The family is deeply grateful for the exceptional care, comfort, and dignity provided by hospice during Don's final days. Please note "Donald Duncan" in the memo line of any check donation. Online gifts may also be made through either organization.
The family also encourages those who can to donate blood. Don's life was extended and enriched by the generosity of blood donors, and their gifts made a meaningful difference.
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Fallen tree downs power lines, blocks Route 112
Nathan Miller
Jun 22, 2026
Eversource crews work to repair damaged power lines after a tree fell near onto Route 112 just north of the Interlaken Inn on Monday, June 22.
Photo by Nathan Miller
LAKEVILLE — A tree fell on Route 112 Monday, June 22, downing power lines and blocking traffic north of Route 41 near the Hotchkiss Four Corners.
Eversource crews on scene at 4:45 p.m. said power lines were being repaired and utility service had been restored to customers in the area.
The tree, which fell on Route 112 north near Foggy Bottom Road in Lakeville, blocked the roadway, forcing a road closure north of the intersection with Route 41.
Crews on scene said they are awaiting Connecticut Department of Transportation to remove the fallen trunk and reopen the road to traffic. As of 5 p.m. Monday evening, it was unclear when the road would reopen.
Drivers should avoid the area until the tree is removed from the roadway. There are no detours posted.
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Francis Lynehan
Lakeville Journal
Jun 17, 2026
DOVER PLAINS — Francis “Butch” Lynehan, 75, a twenty-year resident of Dover Plains, New York, formerly of Sharon, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Vassar Bros. Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, New York.
Born Aug. 29, 1950, in Sharon, he was the son of the late William W. and Nellie (Kluun) Lynehan.
Butch grew up in Sharon and attended Sharon Center School and Housatonic Valley Regional High School. At the age of seventeen, he enlisted in the United States Army and is a Vietnam War Veteran.
After his military service of three years, he was employed at the Kimberly-Clark Corporation and later worked many years for the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation.
Butch was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a member of the Chestnut Ridge Rod & Gun Club in Dover Plains, Millerton Gun Club and the Sharon Fish & Game. He was a longtime member of the V.F.W. Post 5444 in Dover Plains and the Sharon American Legion Post 126. He was a former member of the Sharon Fire Department.
Butch is survived by his devoted wife, Nancy (Stark), his former wife, Rosemarie (Marchi) Larosa and their two sons, Michael and Stephen. He was the proud grandfather of three grandsons, Mason, Noah and Tucker. He is also survived by his loving sisters, Pat of Sharon, and Yvonne of Chapel Hill, Tennessee, and several cousins and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother William “Billy” Lynehan and his niece Lisa Hoglen.
There will be no calling hours. A private burial will take place on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Hillside Cemetery in Sharon, with Standard Military Honors, followed by a Celebration of Life at the Sharon Fire Department, 36 West Main Street, Sharon. All are invited to attend. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sharon American Legion Post 126, 15 New Street, Sharon, CT 06069 or Sharon Little League/NWCTSBLL, P.O. Box 569, N. Canaan, CT 06018. To send an online condolence to the family, flowers to the service or to plant a tree in Butch’s honor, please visit www.conklinfuneralhome.com
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