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Sandra Conner Lefler died peacefully at home in New Canaan on Sept. 24, 2024. She was 79. Born Oct. 31, 1944 in Norwalk, she was the daughter of Selia and Creighton Conner, Sr.
Energetic, single-minded, driven, resilient and proud, Sandra attended Center School, then Saxe Middle School and New Canaan High School, where she graduated in 1962.
Jean Atherton, 96, a former resident of New Canaan, Connecticut and Naples, Florida passed away peacefully on September 18, 2024 in Trumbull, CT with her family by her side. Jean, a beloved mother of three, grandmother of nine and great grandmother of four, was born on October 7, 1927, to the late Marjorie Tribit and Eugene Johnston of California and was preceded in death by her loving husband of 58 years, Stanley Howard Atherton. Jean grew up in Beverly Hills and Hermosa Beach, California, studied theater at UCLA and was a member of Alpha Phi Sorority. Jean was a natural leader, serving as president of her high school Girls’ League, president of CT alumni chapter of Alpha Phi, VP of the American Women’s League in Sydney, Australia, VP of the Newcomers Club in New Canaan and a founding member of the Kiwi Club in Naples, FL.
After graduation in 1949, she joined the pioneering young women in the early days of commercial aviation as an American Airlines stewardess based out of Chicago. She left behind her beloved airline career once married and began her happiest years raising three children, beginning in southern California, then predominately in New Canaan, CT where they moved in 1959 and lived until Stan’s retirement from IBM in 1987.
Gloria Bianco Vitti, 96, of New Canaan, wife of the late Vincent Vitti, died on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at her home. Mrs. Vitti was born in New Canaan, on January 3, 1928, daughter of the late Carlo and Teresa (DeCotis) Bianco. She attended New Canaan schools and graduated from New Canaan High School. A lifelong resident of New Canaan, Mrs. Vitti was a member of St. Aloysius Church. She was a longtime member of the Catholic daughters and sought many helpful activities within the group.
Dr. Sigurd Ackerman, a distinguished figure in the practice of psychiatry and the former President and Medical Director of Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan, CT, died last Thursday by the side of his wife of 42 years, Cece. He was 84. Born on February 25, 1940 in Millville, NJ, he was the son of Ethel and William Ackerman. He attended Harvard College and was an honors graduate in 1962. Shortly after receiving his medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine in 1966, he served as a captain in the Air Force at Fort Dix.
Michael (Mike) John Grisé Sr., 58, of New Canaan, CT, passed away peacefully at home on September 10, 2024, surrounded by family and loved ones after a courageous nearly three-year battle with cancer. Born in Greenfield, Massachusetts, Mike was the dedicated son of Theresa F. Grisé and John P. Grisé, both of whom survive him. He is also survived by his cherished children, Michael Jr., Griffin, and Riley; his devoted partner, Meghan Hessel; his three loving sisters and their husbands, Patricia Lloyd (Alex), Collette Grisé Devaney (Jeff), and Jennifer Ferentzy (Steve); his sister and brother-in-law, Joanna and Bob Williams; his nieces and nephews, Meredith Infurchia, Bronwyn and Michael Lloyd, and Robert Williams; and his yellow lab BB, all of whom he held dear. Mike’s love also extended to his incredible circle of friends. Mike grew up in Fairfield, CT, where he excelled in sports and thrived as a member of the lacrosse team at Fairfield College Preparatory High School, graduating in 1984.