Thank you!
Your support is sustaining the future of local news in our communities.

Donna Rae Filous

Donna Rae Filous

CANAAN — Donna Rae Filous, 79, of Torrington, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Donna worked in retail her entire career and was store manager at several local businesses. She retired from the human resources department at Walmart in Torrington.

Born on Jan. 13, 1945 in New Milford, she was the daughter of the late Frederick R. and Ruth E. (Miller) Erickson. She was married to Ottmar Konrad Filous who predeceased her on Dec. 29, 2009. Donna was a member of the Canaan Northwest Lions Club, Daughters of Isabella in Canaan, and a parishioner of St. Martin of Tours Church of St. Joseph, also in Canaan.

Donna is survived by three brothers, Richard L. “Rick” Erickson of Torrington, Frederick R. “Rudy” Erickson of Chicopee, Massachusetts, and Charles Erickson of Danbury, and a sister, Eileen Corr of Coventry, Rhode Island. She is also survived by six nephews; Bob, Bill, Fred, Michael, Kevin and Charles Erickson, Jr; three nieces Stacy Frome, Christine Penney and Jennifer Colangelo. Above all, Donna was known for her kindness and generosity.

Calling hours will take place from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025 at the Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home, 118 Main Street, North Canaan, CT. A Funeral Mass will follow at 12 noon at St Martin of Tours Church of St Joseph, 4 Main St, Canaan, CT 06018. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mrs. Filous should be made to the: Torrington Area Parkinson’s Support Group, 88 East Albert Street, Torrington, CT 06790. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home, 118 Main Street, North Canaan, CT.

Latest News

Dinner with the dog

Dinner with the dog
Georgie, enjoying a late-summer “pup cup” on the porch at Grassland Dessert Cafe in Lakeville.
Natalia Zukerman

Dog owners know the dilemma: You’re out for the day with your four-legged sidekick when hunger strikes. Fortunately, a number of area restaurants, cafés and breweries welcome dogs, mostly at outdoor tables. Policies and outdoor seating can change with the season, so calling ahead is always a good idea.

The White Hart and Provisions in Salisbury is particularly pet-friendly. The inn welcomes pets on request, and its front porch and sprawling lawn make inviting places to settle in with a canine companion. They even welcome well-behaved patrons — bipedal and quadruped alike — in the cozy dining area.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

A day in the life of a rescue dog

A day in the life of a rescue dog

Marsala is eager to go home with you.

Jennifer Almquist

“It’s unbelievable that this sweet, loving boy hasn’t found his home yet,” said Tiffany Lemelin, shelter manager of The Little Guild, whose mission is to rescue, love and heal homeless cats and dogs. She smiled at the small dog wagging his tail. “This is one of the most deserving dogs you could ever meet, with so much love to give.”

Marsala is an energetic, 1-year-old, 45-pound black Labrador mix waiting to be adopted. He arrived March 25 as a stray named “Chicken” from Toccoa, Georgia.

Keep ReadingShow less

A second chance in Wingdale

A second chance in Wingdale

Sampson, a playful and independent blind hound mix, explores the rescue’s large yard.

L. Tomaino

Meade Canine Rescue and Sanctuary is not the average rescue. Situated on a quiet dirt road on 8 acres in Wingdale, the dogs living there are, for the most part, uncaged, roaming the yard, sleeping in the house, resting in the shade of a tree or lounging in the open van that often takes them for rides.

“We go on lots of adventures,” said the rescue’s founder, Charlotte Meade.

Keep ReadingShow less
The bear necessities of living in bear country

A bear outside Cornwall Consolidated School in West Cornwall.

D.H. Callahan
Take down bird feeders when bears are active. Secure garbage cans left outside, and never leave pet food or trash on porches, screened-in or otherwise.

This here is bear country. In fact, Connecticut has an unusually high rate of bear home entries compared with neighboring states. So far this year, the state has documented more than 60 home entries, and bears have been spotted in all 169 towns and cities.

Bears are also part of life in neighboring Dutchess County. But don’t worry. It’s not as bad as it sounds.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.