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Elizabeth “Libby” Ann Butterworth

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June 2, 1945 – October 18, 2026

Elizabeth Ann Butterworth, known to everyone as Libby, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2026, at Bristol Hospital in Bristol, CT, surrounded by her family. She was 81 and had been living with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Libby was born on June 2, 1945, in Mineola, NY, to Joseph and Dorothy Burrows, and grew up in Manhasset, NY. She worked as a fashion model and later as fashion director for a major department store into the early 1970s, but always said her greatest accomplishment was being a mother to her five children and a grandmother to her nine grandchildren.  

She raised her family in her beloved New Canaan with her husband Tom, the love of her life. She was an active member of the New Canaan Beautification League and made her home in the oldest house in New Canaan, 453 Carter Street (New Canaan Now & Then: Mansion House | NewCanaanite.com).

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Alexander John Szymanowski, 72

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Alexander John Szymanowski was born on April 19th, 1954 and passed away unexpectedly at home on October 14th, 2026. Alex was raised in Stamford, CT and attended Stamford Catholic High School, graduating in 1972. While attending Stamford Catholic, Alex attained the rank of Eagle Scout by organizing a clean-up of the Rippowam River. He graduated Bryant College in 1976 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Law Enforcement and earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from The University of New Haven in 2001. Before attending Bryant College, Alex planned to major in accounting before finding his passion for law enforcement.

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Margaret Socci, 85

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Margaret Socci passed away peacefully at home on October 5, 2026. 

Born in Stamford, CT at St. Joseph’s Hospital on August 14th, 1941. Margaret was lovingly known as “Chi Chi” by her family. Margaret was a beloved wife to late Mario Socci Sr. and grandmother to four grandchildren. 

Margaret was a resident of New Canaan for over 50 years. She loved spending her time with family, cooking amazing food, and creating memories. 

Margaret is survived by her three sons Mario Socci Jr and wife Dawn Socci of Redding CT, Joseph Socci of New Canaan, and Anthony of Seymour CT.  Two brothers William Perillo and Joseph Starson and wife Toni Starson.

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Gretchen Schafer Scott, 86

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Gretchen Schafer Scott—dear wife, loving mother, devoted grandmother, and caring friend to many—passed away in Savannah, Georgia, on September 12, 2026. She was 86. Gretchen loved her family and friends wholeheartedly and spent her life nurturing these relationships with tender kindness. Those fortunate enough to call her a friend knew her loyalty, generosity, warmth, and gift for making others feel special. The daughter of Agnes Ball Schafer and Erwin August Schafer, Gretchen was born on July 19, 1940, in Indianapolis, Indiana, grew up on the city’s Northside, and was in the first graduating class of North Central High School.

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Julia Paige Martocchio, 31

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Julia Paige Martocchio, age 31, passed away peacefully at her New Canaan, CT home on September 22, 2026, embraced by her loving family and caregivers. During special moments over her final days, Julia was able to sit on her back porch, taking in the quiet beauty of her backyard and the lilac tree planted in her honor more than twenty years ago. Born with a brain injury, Julia faced unique challenges, including a seizure disorder. Yet, despite these obstacles, Julia lived a brave, vibrant, and extraordinarily full life. Although technically an adult, Julia lived with the pure, uninhibited heart of a child.