Lavinia Ann Fritch Breakell, “Binnie”, 81, of Goshen passed away peacefully Friday evening at home.
She was the wife of the late John T. Breakell and daughter of the late Joseph and Antoinette Fritch. She was predeceased by her brothers’ Clyde and Hugh Fritch. Binnie was born in Harwinton and grew up in Torrington. In 1951 she married John Breakell and moved to the family farm in Goshen. While raising 8 children she also was a foster mother to at least a half dozen children. She became involved in many activities with her husband such as Farm Bureau, National Association of Conservation Districts, and the Connecticut and National Pork Producers Associations. Over the years Binnie held many positions in town government. She worked as secretary to the First Selectman, was the Registrar of Voters, and held positions on several town committees and boards. She often brought refreshments to meetings and became known as the “Cookie Lady of Goshen”. Lavinia loved to bake and try new recipes. She enjoyed knitting and donated countless baby caps to hospitals and the local mitten tree.
Binnie worked in a variety of jobs over the years; a Lab Manager for Union Carbide, a farmer, a teller at Brooks Bank, a temp at the Skip Barber School of Racing and data entry clerk at Timex.
She is survived by her sister, Joanne Wheeler of North Stonington, her daughters; Vreni Breakell-Caudle of Kensington, Patricia Parker of Tucson, AZ, Rebecca Burcroff and Antoinette Korner of Goshen, 4 sons; John T. Breakell, Jr. of Litchfield, Clyde Breakell of Goshen, Tim Breakell of Saratogoa, NY, and Paul Breakell of Northfield. Lavinia also leaves 11 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
As was written of her long ago, she’s the girl with a sunny smile and once you know her you’ve acquired a true friend.
Calling hours will be held from 11:00 to 1:00pm on Saturday, March 22, 2014 at Rowe Funeral Home, 283 Torrington Road, Litchfield, CT.
In Lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Torrington Area Parkinson’s Support Group, Attn: Joe Pathe, 71 Holly Place, Torrington, CT 06790, Goshen Community Care and Hospice, 5 Old Middle Street, Goshen, CT 06756 or the Connecticut Farm Bureau, 775 Bloomfield Avenue, Windsor, CT 06095.
