Ellington Obituary: Mildred Coleman, 91

Mildred (Lawton) Coleman, 91, opera singer, classical voice teacher, devoted wife, mother, and follower of Jesus, died January 4, 2018 after a brief illness.

She was born June 29, 1926, in Providence, RI, daughter of the late Charles and Alice (Wetton) Lawton. Mildred lived in Ellington with her husband Jack and three children, Jack, Jill and Jeff for 57 years. Mildred received her voice training from Madame Marie Bergeron and her opera training from Boris Goldovsky at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, MA. She also studied with Helen Steele and Frank LaForge in New York City.

As a student she won many major competitions and during her career, sang extensively in opera, concerts, radio and solo recitals. Mildred Lawton Coleman taught classical voice (singing) for nearly 60 years, retiring in 2013 at age 87. Mildred was on the voice faculty of the Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford and the Hartford Conservatory of Music. She also taught voice in her home studio for many years. She was state and nationally certified with the Connecticut State Music Teachers Association and the Music Teachers National Association.

Mrs. Coleman trained and encouraged many vocal students during her career. Her annual recital was an outstanding showcase for her talented students. Many of them went on to sing in solo recitals and vocal competitions; winning various state, national, and international awards and moving on to successful singing careers.

She will be lovingly remembered by her son Jack Coleman and his wife, Beverly, of Clarks Summit, PA, and their two sons, Trevor and Spencer; and her son Jeff Coleman and his wife, Carol, of Cromwell, and their three sons, Dillon and his wife, Cassie, Hunter and Lawton. She also leaves two sisters, Hope (Lawton) Tammaro, and her husband, John, of Warwick, RI; and Hazel (Lawton) Hocking of Spokane, WA; as well as many nieces and nephews. Mildred was pre-deceased by her husband Jack Coleman, on January 4, 2003 and her daughter Jill (Coleman) Lacey, in 1979, and brothers Bertrum, George, and David Lawton, and sister Dorothy (Lawton) Piscione.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, January 10, from 10 AM to 12 PM, followed by a brief memorial service at 12 Noon, at Ladd-Turkington & Carmon Funeral Home, 551 Talcottville Rd. (Route 83), Vernon. Burial will be private.

For online condolences and guest book, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.