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Caroline H. (Hooper) Bellesheim, 69, of Bittersweet Drive, Danbury, died Monday, December 4, 2006, at Yale New Haven Hospital after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Mrs. Bellesheim was born in Danbury, March 20, 1937, a daughter of the late N. Thompson and Ella Elizabeth (Lowe) Hooper. She attended Danbury schools, graduating from Danbury High School, Class of 1955. Last year, she celebrated her 50th Class Reunion in October, 2005. She attended Southern Seminary, an all-girls private college and graduated in 1957 with an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education. She taught at Southbury Training School for several years prior to her marriage. After her marriage in 1960, she became at stay-at-home mom to her three children. Later, she became a foster parent for Catholic Family Services and the Department of Children and Families. Mrs. Bellesheim cared for approximately 75 newborn infants, over the course of 20 years. She retired from foster care in 1996. In addition to her home in Danbury, Mrs. Bellesheim maintained a summer residence in Westerly, R.I. She loved the time she spent at the beach surrounded by her family and friends. Mrs. Bellesheim is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, Frederick; a son, Frederick J. Bellesheim; a son, Noel T. Bellesheim and daughter-in-law, Laurie R. Bellesheim, of Southbury; and her daughter, Heather L. Melody and son-in-law Douglas M. Melody of Danbury; her four grandchildren, a grandson, Michael W. Mandell of Southbury; her granddaughters, Rachel Marie Melody and Lauren Julia Melody and a grandson, Andrew Douglas Melody of Danbury. She is also survived by her soon-to-be-born grandchild, Baby Bellesheim of Southbury. In addition, Mrs. Bellesheim is survived by her sister, Ella Elizabeth Speglevin and her husband, Benjamin Speglevin Sr. of Danbury; and brother-in-law, Richard T. Bellesheim and sister-in-law, Jean M. Bellesheim of New Fairfield; in addition to several nieces and nephews and many wonderful friends. A Celebration of Life Ceremony for Mrs. Bellesheim will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2006, at 2:30 p.m. at Saint Paul's Anglican Church, 174 Whisconier Road, Route 25, Brookfield. There will be no calling hours. After the service, the family will receive friends at a reception immediately following interment in the Memorial Garden Wall at Saint Paul's Anglican Church. The family would like to thank the 9th floor, West Pavilion Staff at Yale New Haven Hospital; Nurse Kim and PCA Rose; Drs. Kelly, Khanna, Colbert and Schwartz at Yale New Haven Hospital; Drs. Edward Beck, Thampu Kumar and William Biles in Danbury. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Saint Paul's Anglican Church, 174 Whisconier Road, Route 25, Brookfield, CT 06804. Hull Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements. Published in the News Times on 12/7/2006 |