1917-2014
Putnam – Dorilda (LaPlante) Harper, 96, of Church St, died Wednesday, March 5, 2014, in Matulaitis Nursing Home. She is the loving wife of the late Paul A. Harper. Born in New Bedford, MA, she was the daughter of the late Stanislas and Malvina (Vanasse) LaPlante, and was a graduate of the Putnam High School class of 1935. On August 3, 1940, at St. Mary Church of the Visitation in Putnam, she was united in marriage to Paul A. Harper who passed away on January 27, 1996.
Mrs. Harper was a secretary in the Putnam Public School system for over 36 years retiring in 1983. She was the first high school clerk serving with Francis Curran, who was promoted from being a Latin teacher and Dean of Boys to the first Principal at Putnam High School in 1935.
Dee enjoyed reading, and doing crossword puzzles, and was a member of St. Mary Church of the Visitation, but, above all she was devoted to her family.
Dee is survived by two daughters Paula Bernier and her husband Norman and Donna Briere and her husband Edward ; and two grandchildren, Matthew Bernier and Lauren Briere all of Putnam; and numerous nieces and nephews. Dee was predeceased by all of her siblings.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Dee’s family from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Monday, March 10, 2014 in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 2:00 p.m., in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence St, Putnam, CT. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers keeping with Dee’s love of animals, memorial donations in her name are asked to be made to PAWS Cat Rescue, 244 Route 171, Woodstock, CT 06281. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Celeste Fifield
Paula & Family, I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you a lot.
Please also remember that you West Thompson Fire Department is here if there is anything that you need. They are all holding you in there thoughts.
There are not enough hugs and kisses to help you feel better right now but just know that I am sending you a lot of them and I hope that they help out a little bit.
Celeste
Jamie Heath
I have fond memories of Mrs. Harper from when I was in Elementary School to adulthood. She was a wonderful lady, very gracious and very kind. May she rest in peace. May her family find comfort in the memories you have and may she sing with the choir of angels.
joyce guertin krasnecky
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU ALL
MICHAEL R. CODERRE
To the Bernier & Briere families, Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss. I remember having many chats with your Mom while delivering her mail, such a sweet and kind lady. May she now be at peace. Mike and Joanne Coderre
marian smat
she was a special lady, remember her smile and nice ways with people…loved working with her..she is at peace
Alison Harper Bryenton
I want to extend my sympathies to the family. I am very sorry to hear about Dorilda. I haven’t seen her since I was small but I use to see my Grandfather George very often when he was still alive and would some times see Paul during those visits. I picked up George every year for Thanksgiving.I have always felt sad that the Harper family isn’t closer. I remember Dorilda being a very kind lady.
Sincerely,
Alison Harper (vecchio) Bryenton