Remembering Essence Sharie Preyer, 33

On September 13, 2025, the world lost a beautiful soul when Essence Sharie Preyer passed away in New Canaan at the age of 33. Essence was born on September 30, 1991, in Stamford, the daughter of Gregory Keith Preyer and Lucy Denise McCoggle. From the very beginning, she shined with warmth, laughter, and a light that drew people in. She was bubbly, approachable, and passionate—a woman who lived with energy, spontaneity, and love. She had a way of making everyone feel seen and cared for, and she never hesitated to give, even if it meant literally offering the shirt off her back.

Mike Joyce, 90

John Michael Joyce III, a resident of New Canaan, CT, and known to all as “Mike,” passed away peacefully on September 4, 2025, surrounded by his family. He had recently celebrated his 90th birthday on August 18th. Mike was the beloved husband of Geraldine Dwyer Joyce, “Ger,” sharing a loving marriage of 62 years before her passing in 2018. Mike was a devoted father to his five children: Catherine Joyce Wooters (Laurence S. Wooters) of New Canaan, CT; John Michael Joyce IV (Clare Reynolds Joyce, deceased) of Northfield, IL; Kevin P. Joyce (Susan Smith Joyce) of Ridgefield, CT; Dennis P. Joyce (Pamela Banks Joyce) of San Rafael, CA; and Timothy M. Joyce (Margaret Concannon Joyce) of Wilton, CT. Mike’s legacy also lives on through his 18 cherished grandchildren — Ryan, Mark, Meaghan, Catherine, J.P., Suzanne, Julie, Jack, Bridget, Kate, Conor, Sandra, Maggie, Tommy, Colin, Dennis, Chris, and Mary — and 18 great-grandchildren — Brendan, Aedan, Anna, Lucy, Claire, Caitlin, Charlotte, Molly, Rowan, Naomi, Brooks, Hank, Meredith, Jack, Maeve, Penny, Cora, and John.

Lila Phillips Zwart, 99

Lila Phillips Zwart, of New Canaan, Connecticut, passed away on September 5, 2025, in New Braunfels, Texas. She was called home to be with the Lord and was reunited with her beloved husband, Ben. Born on February 14, 1926, in Somerville, Massachusetts, Lila was the first daughter of Evelyn Louise Robley Phillips and Benjamin Joseph Phillips. She graduated from Stamford High School in 1942. During World War II, her family relocated to Groton, Connecticut, where she worked as a Civil Servant at the Naval Submarine Base.

Hương Bửu Brewster, 84

Hương Bửu Brewster passed away peacefully on August 12, 2025 in New Canaan, Connecticut, at age 84. Bửu was admired for her strength and her fiery spirit, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her. Born on September 6, 1940, in Vietnam, Bửu  was the youngest of seven children and the daughter of a civil magistrate. She lived through a tumultuous era in her homeland, working for the U.S. Embassy in Saigon, where she met her husband of 43 years, Donald Charles Brewster, the last U.S. Cultural Attaché. In the waning days of the U.S. Mission in 1975, Bửu fled Vietnam with her two children and Donald departed on the final helicopter with the U.S. ambassador, aiding Vietnamese family and allies in their escape from communism.

William Taggart, 88

William “Bill” Taggart, 88, of New Canaan, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 15th, in his home surrounded by his loving family. Born in New York City in 1936 to Rush and Carolyn Taggart, Bill was the youngest of four children, cherished brother to Rush Jr., Robert, and Eliza. He grew up in Rye, New York, where his lifelong love of family, learning, and the outdoors began to take root. Bill’s academic journey reflected his dedication and drive. He graduated from Deerfield Academy before continuing on to Harvard University, M.I.T., and Harvard Business School.