Branford in South Central Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)

A Celebration of Life

Photographed by Conrad Ward, April 24, 2025

1. A Celebration of Life Marker

Inscription.
In honor and loving memory of a morally kind and financially generous Branford resident "Ruth deRouchement Dese". Ruth was one of the founders of the first Alzheimer's Disease Support Groups in the country, and because of her love for the frail and vulnerable elderly, she was the major force that made the "Thomas Russell Romano Garden and Pathway", and the "Peter Anderson Memorial Pond and Fountain" a reality. It is enjoyed by all of Centers patients and clients and nearby neighbors. Ruth was one of the very first volunteers at this Adult Day Center 26 years ago where she did everything from playing the piano to cooking dinners, but mostly just smiling and making the elderly feel that they still counted and were still a part of the community. We know Ruth would be pleased to know we are continuing her dream of kindness to the frail elderly.

Ruth was indeed a special person and now rests in Gods glorious presence.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Women.

Location. 41° 15.551′ N, 72° 50.265′ W. Marker is in Branford

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in South Central Region, Connecticut. It can be reached from Shore Drive (Connecticut Route 142) east of Killams Point Road, on the right when traveling east. The marker stands on the grounds of the Orchard House Adult Day Care Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 421 Shore Drive, Branford CT 06405, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Connecticut River Valley,

on the Connecticut Shoreline,

and in Greater New Haven.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in New England,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Haven County

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Pardee Memorial Park (approx. half a mile away); Short Beach Freedom Memorial (approx. half a mile away); Delta Company (approx. 0.8 miles away); American Legion Post 83 (approx. 0.9 miles away); Lafayette's Tour

Photographed by Conrad Ward, April 24, 2025

2. A Celebration of Life Marker

(approx. 1½ miles away); Branford Soldiers Garden (approx. 1½ miles away); John B. Sliney (approx. 1.7 miles away); 1918 Flu Epidemic Victims (approx. 1.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Branford.

Also see . . . Orchard House Adult Day Care Center. (Submitted on April 26, 2026.)

Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2026, by Conrad Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 26, 2026, by Conrad Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.