Obituary of Armand E. Sorel

Armand E. Sorel, age 80, of Thompson CT, died Thursday February 8, 2007, after a brief illness with his family by his side. He was the husband of Marion (Betsy) E. (Wing) Sorel. They were married on October 29, 1949. He spent many hours tending his gardens and fruit trees. His greatest joy was time spent with family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He looked forward to family picnics where he could reminisce with his brother, nieces and nephews. Despite his lack of sight he was able to see his family by being in the center of the gatherings. He was a life long member of Old Sturbridge Village, where he enjoyed the serenity of the old time sounds and aromas. He was employed by the Town of Thompson Highway Department where he was a mechanic for over twenty years. He also loved being self employed as a carpenter, working on his children's homes and many others in the area. Armand was a veteran of WWII serving with the U.S. Naval Air force. In addition to his wife Betsy of 56 years, he leaves a son David Sorel with his wife Karen of Woodstock, his four daughters, Linda Coolick with her husband Robert of Rocky Hill, Karen Richmond with her husband Thomas of Pomfret, Joanne Sorel of Putnam, and Cindy Hale with her husband Scott of Woodstock. He also leaves 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews including his family from Sorel's Garage in Brooklyn, CT, and a nephew Larry Croteau of Riverside, CA along with his many nieces and nephews from Washington State. He also leaves his four legged friend, Beau. Armand was born June 5, 1926 in Thompson to the late Alderic R. and Elsie (Piette) Sorel. He leaves his brother William Sorel with his wife Lorraine of Brooklyn. His siblings that predeceased him were Cecelia, Robert, George, Jeannette and Lillian. He also lost his close friend Paul Spaulding of Woodstock. His family would like to thank his caregivers at Hubbard Hospital in Webster, MA. Also two of his granddaughters Jennifer and Joslyn for their special care during his last days. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday February 17, 2007 at the Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove Street, Putnam. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the Thompson Lions Club, P.O. Box 28, Thompson, CT 06277 for their continued support to aid the blind in the community. To Share a Memory with his family, "Light a Candle" at www.smithandwalkerfh.com