Wilhelmina "Willie" LaRoe

Wilhelmina “Willie” LaRoe, age 86, of Torrington, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026.

Willie was born on October 2, 1939, in New Haven, CT to Angela and Edward LaRoe. She was a loving friend to many at her home, day program, and community.

Willie is survived by her extended family at The Arc of Litchfield County who loved and adored her including her guardian, Jill Sahlin, and the caring team of staff at her residence, Torrington Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation. She is predeceased by her parents; brother, Robert; roommate, Aggie; and her beloved friend and companion, John Baker.

Willie attended programs at The Arc of Litchfield County for over 35 years. She started at the workshop doing assembly at factories and community sites and later enjoyed participating in recreational, educational, and leisure activities at the Main Street DSO.

Willie loved coloring, puzzles, clicky pens, music with Bill Creighton, animal crackers, her stuffed animals, and Jill’s toy poodle, Bijou. Willie enjoyed giving her artwork to others and making them smile. She liked to socialize and often made us laugh with her witty sense of humor. Willie will be remembered for the ways that she so genuinely made others feel special with hugs, kind words, gestures, prayers, and smiles.

A celebration of Willie’s life will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Gleeson-Ryan Funeral Home, 258 Prospect Street, Torrington. Friends may call from 3:00 to 4:00 pm and a funeral service will begin at 4:00 pm.

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