Emma Harriet Capen

Emma Harriet Capen (nee Williams), born and bred in Connecticut, died on May 15 surrounded by her immediate family. She was 89 years old. Mrs. Capen lived for 65 years in West Haven, Connecticut. She taught elementary school and reading in the West Haven Public Schools for 33 years. She was a graduate of Hillhouse High School (New Haven), the University of Connecticut, and Southern Connecticut State College. During her retirement, Mrs. Capen continued her efforts to promote reading instruction, developing volunteer, no-cost tutorial programs that employed both parents and senior citizens. She deepened her involvement with Masonic affiliated organizations, as well as taught and coordinated parochial instruction at St. John Vianney Church. Her four children survive her: Bruce Capen, Mark Capen (Anita), Scott Capen (Tasha) and Gail Bedi (Harvinder). She also leaves three grandchildren: David O'Hearn, Michael O'Hearn and Kathleen O'Hearn. She reveled in her great-granddaughters, Jordyn O'Hearn and Kendal O'Hearn. Friends and family are invited to MEET DIRECTLY at St. John Vianney Church,West Haven on Saturday May 19 for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11am. Interment will follow in Hamden Plains Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday from 5-8pm in the Porto Funeral Home, 830 Jones Hill Rd. West Haven. Donations in Emma's name may be made to the West Haven/Allingtown Senior Center Attn: Sharon Mancini 201 Noble St. West Haven, CT 06516.