A Tribute to Vonna Perdue

The recovery community in Windham/Willimantic was saddened by the sudden death of Vonna Perdue. Vonna was 38, and died from injuries sustained in an automobile accident on Monday, July 26, 2004. Vonna was born September 21, 1965 in Madison, Virginia to father James and mother Mary Perdue. She lived many of her years in New Haven and for the last 8 years in Willimantic. Vonna was a devoted mother to Carl and Angel D'Agistino of Willimantic and loved them very much. She also adored her granddaughter Dalani D'Agistino. Vonna was the beloved sister to James Lee Perdue of West Virginia, Shirley Rabbett of Ashford, Jacqueline Perdue of East Haven and James Harold of West Virginia. Missing her also will be her many nieces and nephews. Her children's father Carl D'Agistino of New Haven will also miss her.

Vonna was always there to help those in need and for many years was a well respect person in the recovery community. There are people today, in recovery because she made a difference in their lives. Many times she would go to a friend in need and offer them a safe haven at her house. She loved to cook big Sunday dinners and if you were in the neighborhood you were always welcomed to drop in for a bite. She loved having her family come from the other parts of the state and visit her in her new life. The one thing I will miss the most is her smile. She loved to smile and she made others smile
She was so proud of her daughter Angel and treasured having her in her life. In a very short time, Angel became everyone's little angel. Her son Carl, even though a handful at times, was never a disappointment to her. She loved him so much and understood totally and only wanted the best for him. I know she is watching from her special place in heaven over her two treasures…her children.

Vonna was active in the Windham Chapter of CCAR and supported many CCAR events, such as Recovery Walks, Recovery Speaks in the Shadow of 911 and Positive Faces, just to mention a few. Thank you Vonna for putting yourself out so that others could come in. We love you.

Windham Recovery Community Center
Grand Opening February 20, 2004
Click here to view pictures!

Recovery Meeting
Every Tuesday and Thursday at 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
All those that support recovery, by either being in recovery from alcohol and substance abuse, a family member or friend of those that want to live in an environment of recovery are welcomed to attend. Come, bring your lunch or not, share your life and experiences with others living in a life of recovery.

Women's Recovery Meeting
Every Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Women who are in recovery, female family members or female friends of women in recovery are welcomed to share their experience, strength and hope with other
women in a safe and supportive environment. All forms of recovery from substance
disorders are welcomed.

Men's Recovery Meeting
Every Friday at 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Men who are in recovery, male family or friends of men in recovery are welcomed to share their experience, strength and hope with other men in a safe and supportive environment. All forms of recovery from substance disorders are welcomed.

Talking Circle Meeting
Every second Friday of each month at 8:30 p.m.
Support group for all wanting to have a place to express your feelings and issues of recovery from alcohol and substance abuse using the American Indian tradition of the "Talking Stick".

Family Support Group
Every Thursday of each week at 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Families or friends that have someone that they care about either in recovery or still in active addiction of alcohol or substance abuse share their experiences and get information from others that are experiencing the same journey. Also in the room are recovering individuals that because of their active addiction life and the damage they have done have not been welcomed back into their family of origin lives.