Lucienne "Lu" (Hebert) Rinkus

Lucienne “Lu” Rinkus, 89, of Thomaston, Connecticut, passed in peace on the morning of August 15, 2014, at Valerie Manor in Torrington surrounded by her loving husband of 64 years and other family members.

She was born in 1925 in Eagle Lake, Maine, the only daughter of Peter and Lucy Hebert.  She is preceded in death by her parents; twin brother, Lucien; and three older brothers, Cyr, Ralph, and Ken.

Lu married Stanley Rinkus in Plymouth, Connecticut on Oct. 21, 1949.  They lived in their home on Old Northfield Rd. in Thomaston for 63 years, where they raised their four sons: Stan Jr., Tom, Jim and Jerry.  A loving mother and grandmother, she was a beloved member of the community and helped start the still-standing tradition of the July Fourth Children’s Parade, which has started on the road in front the Rinkus house for the past 49 years.

She was a longtime fan of UCONN Women’s Basketball, and loved her evenings spent watching “her girls” play and crocheting by the front window.  Those who love her will always hold in their hearts her giving and playful spirit, quick smile, and the image of her silhouette at the kitchen table, draped in the morning light, working her way through the day’s crossword.

She is survived by her husband; her four sons, Stanley Jr. of Manchester, New Hampshire, Tom (Pam) Rinkus of Thomaston, Connecticut, Jim (Mary) Rinkus of Brighton, Michigan, and Jerry (Marina) Rinkus of Harwinton, Connecticut; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Rinkus (Steven Swindler), Tom Rinkus, Jr., Samantha Rinkus, Eric Rinkus, Michael Rinkus, Daniel Rinkus, and Matthew Rinkus; and one great grandson, Nathan Rinkus.

Private funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cook Funeral Home, Torrington.  Condolences may be sent to the Rinkus family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com