East Granby Obituary: Marguerite Guinan, 91

Marguerite E. (Betty) Finnell Guinan, 91, of East Granby died peacefully at home on February 15, 2016.

Born in Greenfield, MA, on April 14, 1924 to Lura (Cogswell) and Hugo Finnell, she had lived in East Granby for the past 65 years. A noted local historian and author, Betty valued education and loved history. She was the co-author of two books, East Granby, the Evolution of a Connecticut Town and The Barns of East Granby.

Betty earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from American International College in 1945 and a Master of Education from the University of Hartford in 1967. From 1971-1985, she was the librarian at the East Granby Public Library.

A member of the East Granby Congregational Church, she was the church historian for many years. She was also a long-time member of the East Granby Historical Society and the Turkey Hills Study Club. Betty served as East Granby Municipal Historian and was an archivist of the Betty Guinan-Alice Newman Room at the East Granby Library.

She was predeceased by George (Tex), her beloved husband of 53 years and her sister Irma (Bob) Patterson. She leaves to cherish her memory two daughters and a son-in-law, Kathy and Rob Connelly of East Granby, Janice Guinan of Abington, MA, a son John C. Guinan of Hebron, two grandchildren Kate and Chris (Lauren) Connelly, two great grandsons Maxton and Bryden and a niece Susan Patterson Otis and family of Cooperstown, NY.

Betty’s family would like to thank her devoted caregiver Patricia, Linda and the McLean Hospice team and Dr. Reiher and the staff of East Granby Family Practice for their excellent care and compassion.

A memorial service and reception will be held on Sunday, February 28, 2016, 2:00 pm at the East Granby Congregational Church, 9 Rainbow Rd., East Granby. Burial will be in the Memorial Garden at the church at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the East Granby Congregational Church, P.O. Box 390, East Granby, CT 06026 or the East Granby Public Library Historical Room, P.O. Box G, East Granby, CT 06026.

To leave on-line condolences please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.