Doris A. “Dodie” Willis
1933 – 2016
Pomfret – Doris A. “Dodie” Willis, 83, of Deerfield Rd., died Saturday, July 23, 2016 in Pierce Memorial Baptist Home. Born in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late James and Sarah (Cox) Ayers.
Mrs. Willis worked as an executive secretary for former Senator Seely Brown. She also worked for Linemaster Switch and P. Willis Construction. She graduated from Anherst College and served as chairman of the Eastford Republican Committee. Watching her grandchildren play sports was the joy of her life. She also enjoyed playing cards, reading and crossword puzzles.
Doris is survived by her sons, Robert P. Willis, Jr. and his wife Kristen of Eastford, and Phillip Willis and his wife Stacey of Eastford; her daughter, Cally Robbins and her husband Edward of Pomfret; her seven grandchildren, Justin, Jordan, Angela, Jim, Blake, Ryan, and Abby; and her five great-grandchildren, Lauren, Mallory, Evan, Ryan and Allen. She was predeceased by her brothers, Herbert Ayers, Charles Ayers, James Ayers, and John Ayers; and her sisters, Rosalie Cooley and Marion Duffy
Funeral arrangements are private and have been entrusted to the Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam. Memorial donations may be made to the Northeast Connecticut Cancer Fund of Day Kimball Healthcare, PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Amie & Jon Blanchette
Our deepest sympathy on your loss
kelsey lee
To the family of Doris A. Willis,
I am sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing that “Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18) With sympathy,
Tina and Gary Woodward
We are so sorry for your loss. We will always remember her wit and sense of humor. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Candice Cooley
You will be missed Aunt Dodie. Although I did not get to see you often, whenever I did you always brought a smile to my face and had the greatest things to say to get me laughing. You are now out of that chair and dancing away in heaven and be sure to give Nana a big hug for me. Love you very much. Candi
Rick Cooley
Our family is praying for Aunt Dodie and the Willis family. I have always had a special place in my hear for her. She was a role model for me and always treated me with real affection. I miss the talks we used to have, often about our shared political and athletic interests.
Martha
Prayers for Aunt Dodie and her family. I always loved when she visited my Nana and Papa Cooley. I remember vividly a moment of amazement at seeing her pulling up to the house in a car that she drove (!) and lowering a wheelchair from a case on the roof. I was inspired by her indomitable spirit, and loved her laugh and her mischievous humor. I appreciated that she always offered a warm welcome for me and my siblings. I am sad to think that she has passed on but hopeful and consoled by the thought of her rejoicing in heaven. I am grateful for her being a part of my life and for the love and goodness she shared with so many during her journey here on earth. I hope to one day see her again in Heaven. — Martha