Ann Hamlin passed away on February 7, 2025. She was born on April 16, 1960, and lived in Hampton for nearly 40 years, a familiar face on Main Street, where she resided, and around town. She worked at the University of Connecticut as a lab technician, and in true Hampton tradition, when she retired, she visited the Office of the First Selectman and offered to volunteer wherever there was a need. She was subsequently appointed to the Inland, Wetlands and Watercourses Agency. Though many of us remember her companions – beautiful horses in the fields behind her house, and the dogs she often walked with — Ann was not married, had no children, or siblings, and her parents, John and Marion Hamlin, predeceased her, and so we offer condolences to her friends here. An avid gardener, her gardens were featured in “Our Neighbors Garden” in the 2018 Gazette. While some of us had the pleasure of visiting her gardens, others were treated to lovely, seasonal displays of daffodils, irises, rhododendrons, peonies and roses across the front of her house as we walked or drove on Main Street. She also loved to visit gardens and exchange plants. I am so grateful for her rare white silenes and the rarer lavender-pink Siberian iris which flowered in my garden this year, and for her friendship.

Glen Newcombe passed away unexpectedly on May 31, surrounded by his family. Born on November 21, 1948, he was 76 years old. Graduating from the Sterling School in Vermont, and later earning a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Connecticut, Glen co-founded a business, Water & Air Waterbeds, with his lifelong friend, John Sornberger, which eventually developed into a chain of six stores and several partnerships. After retiring, Glen worked for his long-time friend, Scott Johnson, at Scott’s Cyclery. A member of the Thread City Cyclers and New England Mountain Bike Association, Glen was an avid cyclist, which is how most Hamptonites recognized him and knew him as a genuine, generous and gentle man. He was a member of the Friends of Goodwin Forest, volunteering for Connecticut Trails Day for many years, served on the Inlands Wetlands and Watercourses Agency, and as a Cub Scout Den Leader and Boy Scouts Assistant Scoutmaster in the 1990s and early 2000s. Glen took great pride in his property, the gardens and pond where children are still learning to swim. Our deepest condolences to his wife, Kathi, son Geoffrey (and Nicole), daughter, Marjorie Cogan (and Saoirse), step-son, Edward Mackay, grandchildren, Eve, Theresa, Aubree and Natalie, brother Vaughan and sisters, Beverly and Carolyn. Donations in Glen’s memory can be made to: Friends of Goodwin Forest, Hampton Fire Department, or Alzheimer’s Association of CT.

Rose Bisson passed away peacefully at her home on June 29 in the 70th year of her life after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on June 14, 1955, she was a graduate of UCONN, earning a Masters degree in special education. A life-long learner, she also earned degrees from Fordham University, Lesley University and QVCC. Her life-long dedication to education began at the Dempsey Center. She went on to teach special education in Eastford and Greenwich, then served as Assistant Principal in Ledyard, Principal of Borough School in Stafford, and retired after serving as Principal at Natchaug School in Windham. A continual advocate for education, Rose served on both the Regional District #11 and Hampton Elementary School Boards of Education, serving as Chairman these last few years. Rose also served on several educational committees. A loving wife, mother, daughter and sister, Rose cared for her parents and husband during their final time on earth. Predeceased by her husband, Maurice, and her parents, she leaves behind her daughter, Elizabeth Bisson, her grandchildren, her brother Gilbert Robichaud, sisters Jeanne Robichaud and Ann Tidwell, several nieces and nephews. The family thanks all who assisted in granting Rose’s final wishes to be home and comfortable surrounded by love at the end of her life.
Donations in her honor may be made to the Hampton Elementary School Rose Bisson Reading Fund.

Bill Moyers
June 5, 1034 – June 26, 2025
Although Mr. Moyers never resided here, he was, among many people of import, aware of our town and our newspaper. In the June, 1978 issue, the famous journalist wrote to, and of us: “If the Hampton Gazette ever needs an editor, you know where I am! It does encourage me to consider such an endeavor here. We have an awful local weekly.” While his offer is no longer possible, we promise to continue to fulfill his expectations.