Frances E. Riel

Vernon CT-Frances E (Lachance-Pelletier) Riel, 86, of Ellington, CT, formerly of Norwich, CT, passed away Wednesday October 11, 2017, following an extended illness at Rockville General Hospital, Vernon, CT, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Auburn, August 21, 1931, daughter of the late Antonio and Viola (Gauthier) Lachance, she was educated at the former St Louis School, 1950 graduate of Edward Little High School, both in Auburn, and attended University of Maine, Farmington. Relocating to Connecticut in 1963, she was employed by the State of Connecticut as a clerk at Windham County Courthouse, Putnam, CT, and University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, retiring in 1982. She was a talented pianist and organist and for many years in retirement played for religious services throughout Eastern Connecticut. She was a member of Rose City, Bozrah and Franklin Senior Citizens Groups in Connecticut, Richard Hourigan Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Unit 594, Norwich, CT, and William Rogers American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Unit 153, Auburn. She is survived by her husband, Patrick Riel of Ellington, CT, three daughters, Claudette Pelletier of West Stafford, CT, Annette Foisey of New Britain, CT, and Jeannette Pelletier of Simsbury, CT, three sons, Daniel Pelletier of Strafford, NH, Antonio Pelletier of Duluth, GA, and David Pelletier of Philadelphia, PA, three stepsons, Philip Riel of Perryopolis, PA, John Riel of Ellington, CT, and Thomas Riel of Lempster, NH, a sister, Cecile Pilla of Westfield, NY, 14 grandchildren, 7 greatgrandchildren, several nieces and nephews and a special friend, Eileen Pawlikowski of Hampton, CT. She was predeceased by her first husband Raymond Pelletier (1968), two sisters Annette Lachance (1923) and Therese Rioux (2004), and a brother Regis Lachance (1971).

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Riel- Frances E. age 86. Passed away on Oct. 11th in Vernon, CT. Visitation will be Friday Oct. 20th from 10-11AM at Pinette Dillingham & Lynch Funeral Home, 305 Alfred Plourde Parkway, Lewiston, ME with a religious service to be held at 11AM. Committal to follow at St Peter’s Cemetery. A memorial gathering in Connecticut to follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory, to be sent to 6th Marine Division Association c/o Connie Houseweart, 258 Sechler Drive, Montoursville, PA 17754.