Marianne S. Hamstra, 54, of Manchester passed away peacefully at home with her family at her side on Sunday, (December 31, 2006) after a courageous battle with cancer.
Marianne was born on October 4, 1952 in Waterbury, daughter of Robert C. and Elizabeth C. Synott who both predeceased her. She is survived by her husband of 28 years, Bruce W. Hamstra; her beloved sister, Betty Jane Wesson of Waterbury; a nephew William Wesson and his wife Joanna.
After growing up in Waterbury, Marianne graduated from Southern Connecticut State University in 1974 with a Bachelors degree in Library Science. She also received her Masters in Library Science from Southern Connecticut. After working for two years in Willimantic as the librarian at the W. B. Sweeney School, she spent the next 25 years as the Librarian/Media Specialist in Cromwell High School. After retiring from this position in 2001, Marianne joined her husband Bruce in owning and operating The Mansion Inn, Manchester's only bed and breakfast.
Marianne was a person of many varied talents and interests. During the time she resided in Glastonbury, she was a member of the Glastonbury Players theatrical group, a love that she also shared with her students at Cromwell High School where she co-directed many school productions. She served on the Glastonbury Volunteer Ambulance Association for over 12 years from 1987 to 2000. She also was an avid baker, winning many blue ribbons at various local and state fairs throughout Connecticut. Some of Marianne's other passions included writing, genealogy, the Sherlock Holmes Society, and gardening.
A particular delight in Marianne's life the last 12 years was the decision she and Bruce made in 1995 to move to Manchester and to renovate one of the Cheney family homes into Manchester's first bed and breakfast. After working for six years to renovate and decorate their home, they opened The Mansion Inn Bed and Breakfast LLC on January 1, 2001 and have welcomed thousands of guests to Manchester and the Hartford community since. Marianne's artistic flair and creative approach to decorating is reflected throughout the inn and is a testimony to her dedication to the care and comfort of visitors to the community.
After moving to Manchester in 1995, she became actively involved in several community functions. She was a member of the Republican Town Committee, the Republican Women's Club, the Manchester Historical Society, and The Cheney Homestead Committee. She was appointed to the Cheney Brothers National Historic District Commission and also served as a Justice of the Peace, performing wedding and civil union ceremonies.
Marianne's family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, January 5 from 5-8 p.m. at Holmes Funeral Home, 400 Main Street, Manchester. Funeral services will be Saturday, January 6 at 10:15 a.m. at Holmes Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. James Church, 896 Main Street, Manchester. Burial will be done later at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Marianne's name may be made to the Glastonbury Volunteer Ambulance Association, P.O. Box 453, Glastonbury, CT 06033 or the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center at Hartford Hospital 80 Seymour St. Hartford, CT 06106.