To the Editor:

When our granddaughter Rebecca Townsend was killed in an accident on July 2, our whole family was overwhelmed with shock and grief. But we could not and did not anticipate the incredible sympathy and support that we would receive from so many in the extended community. Now that the darkness of those first days has been followed by so much kindness and love, we would like to thank the people and organizations responsible for guiding us through those days.

First we recognize with great humility the strong spiritual support and guidance we all received from the clergy and staff at St Joseph Church in Brookfield, St Rose of Lima Church in Newtown, and Immaculate High School. We will be forever grateful for the support and sympathy provided to our extended family during the grieving period.

We cannot possibly thank everyone individually for all the letters, cards, calls, flowers, food, and kindnesses we were fortunate to receive during the past two weeks, but we want everyone to know how much we do appreciate them and the friendships they represent. The healing process will take a long time but the Draper and Townsend families want so many people to know that their love and supported have started us on the way. Thank you all!

Thomas F. Draper

Patricia Draper

41 Taunton Lake Road, Newtown       July 21, 2015