Marie Louise Wells Van Achte

25, 2023. She was born in New Milford, CT on February 8, 1929 to George and Ethel

(Mallory) Wells. Marie was the eldest of their five children. Marie attended grammar

school, junior high, and high school in New Milford, CT. Marie graduated from the

University of Connecticut in 1951 and received a Bachelor of Science in Child

Development. While studying at UConn Marie was a member of the Outing Club,

Appalachian Mountain Club and Alpha Xi Delta, Beta Phi chapter sorority. She also

attended Danbury Teachers’ College so she could teach in public schools. Marie

then taught at Hawley School in Newtown, CT. Marie accredited her love for young

children developed from watching her mother care for her siblings.

Marie was introduced to Charley Van Achte at dog obedience class. Their

love for dogs, boxers in particular, continued throughout their lives. Marie Louise and

Charley Jean were married on July 1, 1967. Alain, Charley’s son, was 11 at the time

of their marriage. The biggest disappointment for Marie occurred when she learned

she could not bear children of her own. They lived in Brookfield, CT until Charley’s

passing in 2021.

Marie taught both am & pm kindergarten in Newtown for 20 years. Using her

retirement funds, Marie and Charley adopted Jennifer Sun Ja Lee from Korea in

1972. Marie returned to work years later working with her friend, Rita Presseau, at

Kinder-Care in Brookfield. She worked at this daycare for 11 years. Marie and Rita

continued to work together at the YMCA in Brookfield caring for preschoolers. She

especially liked escorting the children to their swim classes. In total, Marie

taught/worked with young children for 35 years and loved every minute.

Marie was active at the churches in New Milford, Brookfield, and Bridgewater.

She spent many years teaching Sunday school. She was a member of the board for

2 terms and participated in the prayer chain. Marie and Charley cooked and served

in a soup kitchen once a week for 8 years. They could also be found giving out

pineapple slices from the church booth at the Bridgewater fair. Marie was also an

active Al-anon member.

Marie stayed active her whole life. She took flying lessons at Danbury airport

and even soloed for 80 hours. She never became licensed because she was due to

attend college in the fall. In college she enjoyed white water canoeing, hiking, skiing,

and square dancing. Hiking and skiing continued to be happy outings to enjoy nature

and wildlife. Marie enjoyed summers at North Spectacle Lake, swimming, biking,

knitting, reading, and baking pies or cookies. Even in her later years she took a walk

most days.

She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer (Randy) Haigh and daughter-in-law,

Cheryl Van Achte; by her grandchildren Zachary (Morgan) Haigh, Megan Haigh,

Kelly (Anthony) Senato; by her great grandchildren Elias Haigh and Blake Senato.

She is also survived by her siblings J. Stuart Wells, Nancy Wells Ravenscroft, Jane

Wiser, and Richard (Joan) Wells as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Marie had a powerful will to live but an equally powerful faith in God. She

believed in heaven and looked forward to reuniting with Charley and all those that

had passed before her, including all the boxer dogs. Rest in peace until we meet

again.

A Memorial Service will be held in May 2024 in Connecticut.