Ethel Halbach

Ethel Ellen Shaw Halbach, 82, of Hampton Connecticut died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Saturday October 3, 2015. Born in Damariscotta, Maine, she was the daughter of J. Benjamin and Frances Shaw. Ethel is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Edward Halbach. Ethel's life focus was her entire family evidenced by a home filled with family photos and mementos. In Ethel's own words, "My life has been filled with love for my family. That is truly what it's about." A special passion of hers was interior decorating. She also enjoyed house design, sewing - including upholstering and refinishing furniture, and working in her flower gardens. Ethel also had a love for nature. She really enjoyed feeding the hummingbirds in the summer and cardinals and other birds in the winter. One of her favorite places was the ocean as evidenced by her cherished seashell collection. Ethel grew up in a number of towns in Maine and graduated from Lisbon Falls High School. She moved to the Willimantic area in 1950, where she worked for many years in several companies based in Willimantic, including Electro Motive, Volkswagen of Willimantic, and Kendall Corporation. She received a degree in Business Administration from Quinebaug Valley Community College in 1978. She went on to work at Eastern Connecticut United Way until her retirement. Surviving are her husband Edward, brother Thomas and sister Maida; son David (wife Ruth); daughters Deborah, Karen and Kathleen (husband Ken); grandchildren Helen, Kris and Michael; and great-grandchildren Taylor, Tom and Kassandra. Preceding her in death were brothers Gilbert, David, Senter and Ben, and sister Ruth. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Ethel's life with her family during a casual gathering at her and Ed's home (the house that Ed built) Saturday, October 10, 2015 10:00am - 4:00pm. Please feel free to write down and bring a memory. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeastern Connecticut, c/o Day Kimball Hospital Development, PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260. Memories The family would like to express deepest thanks and appreciation to the nurses and aides with Hospice. They are true "angels". Amongst the gifts they gave us was a Personal Journal and Care Guide with a guide for the family to help them celebrate the life of their loved one and tell their story. Below are a few of the responses Ethel gave. What was the world like when you were growing up? "Very poor. During the depression." What are some of the significant historical events? World War II - v for victory scar on her knee - fell What are your fondest childhood memories? 'Sunday car rides with daddy - he sang "like an angel" while we were riding. Singing hymns." What do you remember about being a teenager? "Graduating high school a year early, coming to live at the Ridges in Willimantic with my sister Ruth, where I met my life-love Eddie." What are some of your fondest memories of family? "too many to list - that's why I took so many pictures but they all revolved around my life with Eddie and raising my children and watching our grandchildren grow, and now our great-grandchildren." Who were your closest friends when you were younger? "Helen Kos and Yvette Lavoie" Of what are you most proud? "My family" What is most important to you today? "My family" What would you be remembered for and who would you like to be remembered by? "being a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother"