Recent Death Notices From Cheshire

CHESHIRE, CT — Below are recent death notices from Cheshire.

Ruth A. Podgwaite, 98, passed away on April 1, 2025. She earned a BA from UConn in 1949, pursued graduate studies at UConn, Yale, and University of Surrey, and taught English for 50 years in the U.S. and Southeast Asia, also serving her community through boards and as an elected member of the Board of Education, receiving the Civic Pride Award and Cheshire Grange Citizen of the Year Award.

Judith Meyerjack, 87, passed away on April 9, 2025. She was a devoted wife to William P. Meyerjack Jr. for over 64 years, traveled extensively during his military service, and later enjoyed reading, volunteering at the Cheshire Library, and staying active with the Cheshire Garden Club.

Peter Andrew Staley, 60, passed away on April 11, 2025. He was an athlete, adventurer, and founder of Brooksvale Adventures, dedicated to mentoring youth through outdoor experiences, and was known for his charm, kindness, storytelling, and his deep connection to nature, family, and friends.

Anna Senkowski Doolittle, 95, passed away April 12, 2025. She taught at Darcy School after earning degrees from New Haven State Teachers College and Southern Connecticut, was a 75-year member of the Cheshire Grange, and enjoyed a lifelong connection to her family farm, community, and home.

Elizabeth Ellen Collins Freed, 103, passed away on April 13, 2025. She had a long career at SNET, retiring from AT&T, and after retirement, volunteered with her husband for Rachael’s Table, enjoying reading, collecting antique brass and pewter, and traveling.

Madeline Ruggiero, 78, passed away March 21, 2025. She began her career as a school bus driver and became district manager for First Student in Hamden, staying active through pickleball, gym workouts, long walks, and cruising in her Corvette.