This year, the Newtown community lost a number of residents who left their mark on town, whether it be through their time in politics, organizations, or schools.

Among them was neuroscientist Dr Jeremy Richman, who died on March 25. He was the cofounder and visionary leader of The Avielle Foundation, a group created in honor of his daughter, Avielle, who died on 12/14. The Avielle Foundation remembered him, saying, “Jeremy was a champion; father; husband; son; neuroscientist; and for the past seven years, a relentless agent of change.”

At the age of 92, Mae Schmidle passed away at her home on April 26. She was known by many as the “spirit of Newtown” and for having been part of many social and political activities in town. She served with the Newtown PTA, VNA of Newtown, Connecticut State PTA, as Town Clerk, and was an elected State Representative for the 106th Assembly District for five terms. She was well known for always dressing in red and for having advocated on behalf of keeping Newtown’s historic flagpole.

On July 26, Darlene M. Spencer, 60, passed away peacefully. Born and raised in Newtown, she worked at the C.H. Booth Library for more than two decades, was an active member of the Newtown Congregational Church, and took dance classes at Lathrop School of Dance for 34 years.

Alvah R. Cramer’s obituary said, “lived a wonderful, interesting, and active life for 90 years, died peacefully on September 28, 2019.” In that lifetime, he served as assistant principal then principal of Newtown High School, wrote the educational specifications for the new high school that opened in 1970, and was assistant executive director of the Connecticut Association of Schools. He also was a United States Army veteran, president of the Newtown Rotary Club, chairman of the 2008 Newtown Charter Revision Commission, president of the Connecticut Association of Schools, and the Board of Directors of the Newtown Ambulance Association.

On October 3, Eleanor “Caroline” Stokes passed away peacefully, one month shy of her 99th birthday. She lived in Newtown for 60 years and was an active volunteer in many local organizations, including the League of Women Voters, the Garden Club, American Field Service (AFS), the Horticulture Club, and was on the Board of the C.H. Booth Library. She was also a schoolteacher at Hawley School.

One of Newtown’s eldest residents, Anna Maye, died on October 12 of this year at the age 105. She was a Newtown High School graduate, became postmaster for the Botsford Post Office in the 1960s, was a lifelong member/supporter of St Rose Church, and delivered Meals on Wheels.

Though these residents, and so many others, may no longer be here, their legacy will continue on as family and friends honor their lives moving forward.