Joan Cholak

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Joan B. Cholak, 82, of Stamford, CT, died peacefully with her family by her side on January 2, 2024.
Joan was a loving mother and grandmother and especially cherished spending time with her family. Her favorite pastime was watching her son’s and grandsons’ sporting events. She was a constant fixture at soccer, lacrosse, basketball, and football games. She often went to craft fairs, restaurants, and Broadway shows with her daughter.
Joan was the beloved mother of Karin Cholak and her husband Don Villeneuve, and grandmother of their sons Daniel and Justin Villeneuve, all of New Canaan, CT; and the beloved mother of David Cholak and his wife Carie Cholak, and their sons Darren and Jai Cholak, all of Bethel, CT. She was the ex-wife of Paul Cholak, of Boynton Beach, FL.
Born in Cincinnati, OH, on July 20, 1941, Joan had a wonderful childhood and fondly told stories about the many pranks and good times she had growing up there. She loved to dance and sing and played the piano. She was the beloved daughter of the late Alan and Vera Brickwood, and the sister of the late Nancy Brickwood, all of Cincinnati, OH; and the beloved sister of Diane Brown, of Wheaton, IL.
Joan was known for her friendly and upbeat personality and her ability to talk to anyone, and she made friends everywhere she went. She enjoyed line-dancing and traveling with her beloved best friend, the late Maureen O’Hara, of Stamford, CT, and in later years spending time with her friends from her Silver Sneakers class. She kept herself busy playing solitaire online, Wordle, reading, and talking to friends.
She retired from her job at the Dermatology Center of Stamford, CT, in 2016, and before that worked at Goldstein Krall Marketing Research.
She will be missed immensely. We will have a celebration of Joan’s life in early March. Details will be shared with her friends and family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Joan’s honor to either the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County (461 Glenbrook Road, Stamford, CT 06906) or to the Ferguson Library Foundation.

Yvette Maitland-Vargas

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Yvette S. Maitland-Vargas, 64, a longtime member of Stamford passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on Wednesday, December 27, 2023. Yvette was born on September 9, 1959, in Jamacia, West Indies, daughter of the late Robert Agustus Maitland and Elizabeth Johanna Ferguson.

Yvette stated that “she has led a good life”. In the last few months of her life, family, and friends, even from her school days in Jamaica, reached out to her. All expressed how they loved her laughter, her love for life and her tenacity in protecting and providing for family. Yvette was respected and loved by all who got to know her. Yvette graduated from Colgate University where she met her future husband of 38 years. She started her career in banking where she graduated from the Connecticut and National School of Banking and obtained the Certified Financial Planner certification. Yvette was always most happy with being with her family. Her sons and grandchildren brought much joy to her.

Yvette is survived by her devoted husband David Vargas of Stamford, their loving sons, Greg Vargas (Nzinga) of Stratford, and Craig Vargas (Francesca) of Glen Ridge, NJ. Her brothers Arthur Maitland (Junie), Fitzroy Maitland (Sandra), Wilfred Maitland (Pauline), Tewfik Maitland (Cynthia), and O’Neil Maitland. Along with her sisters Audrey, Sharon, Daphine, Marcella, Phyllis, Cecilia, and Pearlie Maitland, and her cherished grandchildren Cassandra and Camila also survive her.
Besides her parents Yvette was predeceased by her brothers George and Lenox and her sisters Lorraine and Cynthia.

Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Ave., Stamford, CT on Friday, January 12, 2024, from 4:00PM to 8:00PM. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at the First Presbyterian Church, 1101 Bedford St., Stamford, CT at 11:00AM, A procession will follow to Woodland Cemetery of Stamford, where interment will be held.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of Yvette to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, or to the Connecticut Regional Hospice.

Virginia Geils

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Virginia M. Geils passed away on Dec. 28, 2023, at Stamford Hospital with family by her side. She was 96. Born in Albany, NY, she graduated from Albany Academy for Girls and also Mount Holyoke College. She married John Geils, the love of her life. Her joy was giving to others. At 50 she earned a master’s degree in social work and worked for the Town of Greenwich managing senior living and volunteering programs. Ginny is survived by her sons, John and wife Pat, Bill, and Geoff. A memorial celebration of her life will be held in the future at South Britain Congregational Church and at Silver Bay, NY.

Christopher Tejeda

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Christopher Joseph Tejeda, 32, passed away on August 26, 2021, after a long and difficult battle with diabetes. There isn’t a hospital room big enough to fit all the people who would have wanted to be with Chris during his final moments, but his mother, father and brothers were with him until the end, trying their best to make sure he knew how many people loved and cared about him.

Chris was born on July 16, 1989, in Flushing, NY. After spending the first few years of his life in Queens, he and his family moved to Lynn, MA, where Chris would spend his formative years and majority of his life. He would go on to live for short periods of time in Arizona, Maine, and a return to New York before settling in Stamford, CT in his final years.

Chris was a gentle soul. The kindest and most affectionate of his immediate family. He loved others more than he loved himself, never hesitating to give on to others whatever little he had. Chris was quirky but was also insightful. He’d often find a way to cheer you up just when you needed it and would travel long distances just to see someone he loved or cared about. Even through his illness, he would remain extremely positive and tell you he was fine so as not to worry anyone.

There is so much that could be said about Chris: he enjoyed cooking and loved food; liked the outdoors; loved anime, manga and going to NY Comic Con; but what he’ll be remembered for the most is the impact he had on others. He’d spend hours every day on the phone, not just with friends, but with his niece, Ana, or his cousins. He was a friend and confidant to the teens and young people in his family especially. Forever young at heart and a model of kindness, Chris was always ready and willing to listen and offer advice if you ever needed it.

Chris would want to be remembered as a caring, kindhearted son, brother, uncle and friend who loved those closest to him more than anything. As a goofy, sweet, and fun person who was always up for karaoke, a game of Guitar Hero, or a last-minute trip to the movies. Either that, or he’d want to be remembered as a wolf.

Chris is survived by his grandmother, Ofelia Mejia. His mother Virginia E. Tejeda. His stepfather Jaime Acosta. His father, Felixberto Nova. His brothers Andres, John, and Gustavo Tejeda. His nieces Ana and Rin Tejeda and his nephew Marco Tejeda.
In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation to the Diabetes Foundation – https://diabetesfoundationinc.org/ Select “Make a Donation” at the top right corner of the home page. Follow directions and, towards the end, check the box under “Honoree Information” and enter “In Memory” and Christopher Tejeda.

Lisa Poltrack

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Lisa Poltrack, 70, a long-time resident of Stamford passed away at her home on December 20, 2023. Lisa was born in Miami, FL, on June 11, 1953, the daughter of the late Leo and Paula Santagata Belsito.
Lisa lived her life full of love and kindness. She treated everyone she met as if they were family. When she wasn’t on the dance floor, she loved gardening, reading, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.
During the Summer, you could find Lisa cheering on her son Russell at his baseball games or enjoying time on the beach.
Traveling was a passion of Lisa’s. She made annual trips to Provincetown, MA, and Cape May, NJ with her husband Chris. She was lucky enough to have visited Kenya, Nova Scotia, and Bermuda, among other destinations.
If you knew Lisa, you probably enjoyed her cooking at some point. When hosting at her house in the Cove, she would leave no mouth unfed and make sure every belly was full. You’d also most likely be leaving with a container of leftovers (if there were any).
Lisa was a very active member of Grace Evangelical Free Church. Whether it was singing during church service or cooking food for a luncheon, she was always doing something for the church.
Most recently, Lisa relished her life as a retiree and grandmother. Lisa will always be remembered for her selflessness, her loving personality, and her fervor for life and all its opportunities.
We love you, Lisa. You will be deeply missed.
Lisa is survived by her devoted husband Christopher Poltrack, her loving son Russell and his wife Megan Poltrack, and her cherished grandson Nolan, all of Stamford. She is also survived by a sister Jeanne Jaskolski of WI.

Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Myrtle Ave., Stamford, CT on Thursday, December 28, 2023, from 4:00PM to 8:00PM.
A memorial service will be held at Grace Evangelical Free Church, 241 Courtland Ave, Stamford, CT on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at 11:00AM. Luncheon to follow.

To leave an online condolence please visit www.Cognetta.com

Elizabeth Maul

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Elizabeth Grace Maul (“Betty”), passed away peacefully on December 15,2023 at age 95 after a long, productive life filled with joy and love for her family, friends and neighbors. While Betty will be missed, those who knew her will remember her and the great times they had with her throughout her life.
She was born in Stamford, CT on February 19, 1928, to the late Theresa and Marco Dellaripa. She grew up on the West Side of Stamford and met her late husband Lawrence Maul Sr. and moved to Darien, CT where they began the next phase of their lives centered on raising their three children. Betty worked at Milk of Magnesia and Courtland Gardens Health Center in Stamford for many years and loved taking care of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had a love for people and never met a stranger. She was known for her warm heart, easy-going nature, and signature hair-do of 50+ years, a French twist. She enjoyed playing bingo at the Darien Senior Center, attending St. John’s Church, visiting with her neighbors, and listening to her “sweetheart”, Josh Groban. Betty is pre-decreased by her late husband Lawrence Maul Sr. She is survived by her three loving children, John Maul of Shelton; Lawrence Maul Jr. and his wife Dana of Darien; and Lisa Hennessy and her husband Gary of Oxford. She is also survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren Jennifer Hempstead, her husband Jonathan, and their children Aidan and Olivia, of Norwalk; Michael Mitchell, his wife Amanda, and their daughter Madeline, of Oxford; Erik Maul, his wife Lauren, and their daughter Tessa, of Milford; Connor Maul of Norwalk; and Tyler Maul of Ohio. Betty was pre-deceased by her sisters Margaret Nette and Gloria Furano as well as her brother-in-law Frank Furano. Betty is also survived by her brother-in-law Joseph Nette (“Sonny”) and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford on December 20, 2023, from 9:00 – 11:00 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30 AM, at St. John’s RC Church,1986 Post Road, Darien, with the Rev. Father Liam Quinlan officiating. Entombment will take place at St. John’s Mausoleum, Darien. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made in Elizabeth’s memory to St. John’s RC Church in Darien. To leave messages of condolence online, please visit the family guestbook hosted on www.cognetta.com

Patricia Greco

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Edmond Samaha

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Edmond J. Samaha, Jr., former longtime resident of Stamford, passed away at Hartford Hospital on December 9, 2023, with his loved ones at his side. He was born in Stamford on February 9, 1940 and was one of two children born to the late Edmond J. Samaha, Sr. and Hazel Forsyth Samaha. He was 83 years old at the time of his passing.

Edmond lived his whole life in Stamford, CT until the past 2 1/2 years where he lived in Massachusetts and was cared for by his daughter-in-law, Melissa Samaha (Missy) and her partner, Craig Phillips, and Edmond’s two grandchildren, Jake Samaha (19) and Amanda Samaha (16). He is also survived by nieces, nephews and extended family.

In addition to his parents Edmond was preceded in death by his beloved wife Maureen Ashlund Samaha, his son Randy J. Samaha, and his sister Hazel Samaha Martylewski.

He graduated Stamford High School with the class of 1958 and was a veteran of the US National Guard. Over the course of his working years, Edmond was employed by Georgia Pacific, Merrill Lynch and Omega.

A graveside urn service will take place on Monday, December 18, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. at St. John R.C. Cemetery, 25 Camp Avenue, in Darien, CT.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.

Rosalind DeMarsico

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Rosalind “Rose” DeMarsico, a resident of Palm Coast, Florida, and formerly a resident of Stamford, CT, passed away peacefully in the loving arms of her youngest son, Michael, on December 6, 2023. Rose was 85. She was born on March 20, 1938, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to the late Reuben and Sarah Freedman. Her father was from Blackpool, England, and her mother was from Kleszczele, Poland. With the rise of Nazi Germany and the threat of World War II upon them, her parents fled to Canada to seek sanctuary, and soon met, married, and settled there. Poland was invaded shortly thereafter, and all of Rose’s mother’s family disappeared into concentration camps. At the tender age of twenty-one, Rose married her husband, Joseph DeMarsico, and had three boys. The family eventually moved to the United States in 1964, settling in Stamford, CT. Rose and Joseph were married for fifty-eight years until Joseph’s passing in 2017. Rose was a highly regarded Executive Secretary, working for companies such as Swiss Re and Ohlandt, Greeley & Perle, LLP. Rose published her life’s work of poetry in 2018 titled, “Spirit’s Journey”, fulfilling a life-long dream. Rose moved to Palm Coast, FL in early 2021 to reside at Sabal Palms Assisted Living & Memory Care so she could be close to her youngest son, Michael.
She is predeceased by her husband, Joseph DeMarsico. She is survived by her three sons, Joe DeMarsico, of Englewood, FL, Perry DeMarsico, of Baltimore, MD, and Michael DeMarsico, of Palm Coast, FL, and her two loving daughters-in-law, Lori DeMarsico and Rachel DeMarsico.
If you were privileged to know Rose, you knew that her family meant the world to her. Her kindness and wit were her calling card, and her generosity toward those less fortunate was evident in her frequent donations to the local food bank and handing out wrapped coins to the homeless during her walks in Manhattan with her husband, Joe. Rose and Joe took dozens of day trips annually to Mystic, CT where they enjoyed their membership to the seaport, boutique shopping, and lunch dates. Rose was very proud of her children’s accomplishments and she would beam whenever she spoke about them. She loved her boys with every fiber of her being. Some of her happiest moments in life were having them all together at her home to celebrate birthdays, holidays, and special occasions. She loved and treasured her two daughters-in-law, Rachel and Lori, as well as her beloved grand-dogs and grand-cats. If Rose cared for you, she found many ways big and small to show you. The unbearable pain and sorrow that remains for us in the wake of her passing is solaced by knowing she is free and reunited with so many loved ones she’s waited a lifetime to see. We will miss you so very much our sweet Rosie.
We are grateful to the physicians, nurses, and staff at Sabal Palms Assisted Living & Memory Care as well as Gentiva Hospice, who provided compassionate and extraordinary care to Rose as well as providing comfort and support to our family.
Friends and family are invited to a memorial service to celebrate Rose’s life at Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Myrtle Ave, Stamford, CT 06902 on Thursday, January 11th from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Silent Unity Telephone Prayer, 200 Unity Circle N., Lee’s Summit, MO 64086.

Sarah Montaine

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Sarah Lawlor Montaine, born August 30, 1970 in Manhattan, NY to Dr. Francis Lawlor and Dr. Elizabeth Phelan Lawlor, passed away at 5:17pm, Monday, December 4, 2023, under the excellent and top of the line care from the one and only Yale University Hospital, New Haven, CT.
Sarah is predeceased by her mother, Dr. Elizabeth Phelan Lawlor, affectionately known as Liz-bit. On the one-year anniversary of her mother’s passing, Liz-bit took Sarah home to God to rest in eternal peace. Sarah grew up in Shippan, Stamford, CT and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Greenwich, CT. She was employed by the Gartner Group and Stamford Health. Sarah was mostly known and beloved as a local bartender in the City of Stamford. The bar community in that great city will miss her, reminisce about her, and laugh at all the fun times had and embrace her memory for decades to come.
Sarah is survived by her father; Dr. Francis Lawlor, her husband; Mark Montaine, her two daughters; Kelly Lawlor (Son in law Thomas Randolph III), Morgan Jane Vossler, and her newly born grandson Thomas IV. She is also survived by her aunt and uncle; Andy and Rita Lawlor, many Phelan/Lawlor cousins and their wonderful children.
A city girl at heart, Sarah inherited the love of camping from her parents, Liz-bit and Frank. In her final years she and her husband frequented many weekends in a campground in Niantic, CT. Sarah’s heart was at peace being around a campfire enjoying the blissful crackle of a fire. “Lite a fire, raise a drink and remember my wife. You are my pal forever. I love you, Mark.”
To leave a condolence message online you may visit the family guestbook hosted on www.cognetta.com.