Obituary of Helen Pomeroy Borchert

Helen Pomeroy (Pom) Borchert passed away on April 4, 2011, at Essex Meadows. Born October 17, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Harlan Dickinson (cousin of the poet Emily Dickinson) and Margaret Hoye Pomeroy. Pom graduated from William Hall High School, West Hartford, and received her bachelor’s degree in physical education from Russell Sage College, Troy, NY. She taught physical education for several years at Saint Agnes School, Loudonville , NY, and Greenwich Country Day School. A member of the Junior League of Hartford, Pom shared her passion for sports through volunteer work, teaching basketball to young women. After moving to Brookfield, Pom continued as coach and referee for girls' basketball and softball teams and was a Girl Scout leader. She also volunteered for many years in the Danbury Hospital gift shop. Pom’s sports-centered life focused on golf and tennis. She was proud to have served as the first woman on the Board of Directors of the Madison Country Club and was a charter member of the Old Saybrook Racquet Club. Qualifying for the Connecticut Women’s Golf Association, she enjoyed competing on the state’s finest courses. Many close friendships developed with partners and competitors alike through years of playing golf, tennis, and bridge. Her love for the Red Sox and the UConn basketball teams never waned. Above all, she will be missed by her family. Pom leaves her beloved husband of over 63 years, C. Allan Borchert, a daughter, Wendy B. Hirtle and husband Michael of Barrington, RI, a son, William Pomeroy Borchert and wife Margaret of Canton, CT, and a daughter, Laura B. Smith and husband Larry of Hollis, NH. She leaves nine grandchildren: Dr. Samuel Pomeroy Robinson and wife Amanda of Virginia Beach,VA, Leah Brown and husband Andrew of Philadelphia, Mandy Hart and husband Kevin of Los Gatos, CA, Andrew Hirtle of Alexandria, VA, Abigail Borchert of Belfast, Northern Ireland, John Borchert of New Hartford, CT, Grant Smith and wife Krystal of Ashuelot, NH, Kirk Smith and Brett Smith of Hollis, NH. She leaves three great-grandchildren: Justin and Katrina Brown and Charlie Hart. Pom was predeceased by a sister, Jean P. Tupper. Pom was a member of the First Congregational Church of Madison where a memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2011 at 2:00 PM; the Reverend Larry W. Smith and the Reverend Boyd Johnson officiating. There will be no calling hours. Burial will be private. It is suggested that contributions in her memory be made to the Essex Meadows Scholarship Foundation, C15, Essex Meadows, Essex, CT 06426; or to the Jimmy Fund at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168. Arrangements by the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook.