Carlene (Ryder) Hambach, of Melrose, CT entered into eternal life at the age of 76 on Thursday May 23, 2013 at Evergreen Healthcare Ctr. Stafford Springs, CT. She was the beloved wife of 51 years to the late Robert J. Hambach. She was born on March 10, 1937 in Springfield, MA, daughter of the late Ellsworth and Martha (Howlett) Ryder. She resided in Melrose for 50 years and in Stafford Springs prior to that. She was a graduate of Stafford High School. Carlene was a school bus driver and then worked at Stop & Shop Supermarket for 25 years until her retirement. Carlene was an avid UCONN Huskies, Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, Miami Dolphins and NY Giants fan. She enjoyed trips to the casinos and loved spending time on her boat & with her children and grandchildren. Carlene is survived by her two loving daughters; Deborah Rudolf & her husband Mitchell of Somers and Diane Harrison & fiancé Michael DeGray of Colchester, her two beloved granddaughters; Amy Rudolf of Caldwell, ID and Stacy Rudolf of Escanaba, MI. She is also survived by her siblings; Clara Poulsen of FL, Mary Dumas (Bud) of Pomfret Center, Robert Ryder (Marion) of Winsted, Betty Knowlton (Gerry) of Willington, Angie Knowlton of ME and sister-in-law; Barbara Hambach of Broad Brook, along with many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Ellsworth & Martha Ryder and James & Beatrice Lapean, two sisters; Jan Hanson & Beverly Ryder and brother; Thomas Lapean. The family would like to thank the staff at Evergreen for their love, care and support. Relatives and friends may gather with her family during calling hours on Monday May 27, 2013 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Browne Memorial Funeral Chapels 43 Shaker Rd. Enfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday May 28, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Catherine’s Church 4 Windsorville Rd. Broad Brook. Burial will follow in St. Catherine’s Cemetery. Memorial donations in her memory may be made to Evergreen Healthcare Ctr. 205 Chestnut Hill Rd. Stafford Springs, CT 06076.