Brenda D. Chase's Obituary
Brenda D. (Ray) Chase, 78, of Stafford Springs, CT passed away peacefully at home on April 17th 2025. She was born in Wilmington, NC, daughter of the late Lonnie and Helen (Huggins) Ray. She grew up near the ocean and could often be found playing on the beach in her childhood. As she approached her teenage years the family relocated in Connecticut. No longer near the ocean her energies went into developing her painting skills and other interests, which gave her many hours of peaceful respite from the sometimes difficult years of her teens and early adulthood. It wasn't long however, before she became acquainted with a young man that would change her life. And at the time he had no clue how profoundly she would change his – all to the good. After spending about two years pursuing each other, Jim and Brenda married and within a few years moved to their 1st house in Ellington, near Crystal Lake. By then they had three children, Terry, April and Matthew. Everyone enjoyed living near the lake and many hours were spent there taking advantage of the beach in the summer and ice, when available, in the winter.
After about five years they were able to buy a much larger home in Stafford which was more suitable to the size of the family. The remainder of time raising the family was spent in Stafford. Brenda worked in housekeeping at Johnson Memorial Hospital in Stafford for many years. She had a strong work ethic and took great pride in doing her job. She was uncompromising in her attention to cleanliness and detail. Jim worked there for a time also and they would sometimes have the pleasant occasion to clean rooms and make beds together. Brenda was quick thinking in emergencies. In one situation she did not hesitate when a fire broke out, removing a patient from a dangerous situation and calling the fire department - while others looked on. She later received a commendation for her immediate action and bravery. She was a devoted member of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, attending the Ellington Ward in Ellington, CT. Brenda gave much service in the church and especially loved working with children. She spent many hours in preparation and teaching the the younger members of our ward in the Primary organization. She found great satisfaction in seeing their personalities develop as they grew. She also served in a number of other positions in the church. When the family moved to South Carolina for a breif period she served there as a member of the Relief Society presidency. She also served a two year mission for the Church with Jim, working in the addiction recovery program. For a number of years she and Jim served as a temple workers in the Boston temple, then the Hartford temple until they were no longer able due to Brenda's health. Brenda is survived by her adoring and loving husband of 55 years, James G. Chase; three children; Terrence E. Chase of Stafford Springs, CT, and fiancée Karen, April-Leigh Sengsourysack and her husband Jay of Vernon-Rockville, CT, and Matthew D. Chase of Stafford Springs, CT.; thirteen grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; two brothers, Kenneth Ray and his wife Jennifer, and Lonnie Ray, Jr.; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister, Pat Courtright, and a grandson Terrance E Chase Jr. A visitation will be held Thursday, April 24th 2025 7:00pm - 8:00pm, at the Ellington Ward meetinghouse The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2 Maple St., Ellington CT. Interment with family and friends will be on Friday April 25th 1:00pm – 2:00pm at the Stafford Street Cemetery, Patten Rd., Stafford Springs, CT. A memorial service will be held Friday April 25th 6:30pm – 7:30pm at the Ellington Ward chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2 Maple St. Ellington, CT. Memorial donations may be made to the Missionary Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2 Maple St., Ellington, CT 06029. Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., Stafford Springs, CT has care of the arrangements. To
leave a message of sympathy for her family, or for directions, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com
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