Dorothy Connell

SOUTH PARIS — Dorothy Mary Teresa “Dot” Connell, 89, passed away peacefully in her home following a long illness, surrounded by the love of family on Friday, May 30, 2014.

She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana to James C. and Annie M. (Strohmeyer) Johnson.

She attended school in New Orleans and in 1971 enrolled in the University of Southern Maine and completed three and a half years of a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work.

She had various jobs but most enjoyed her work with the Head Start program at Community Concepts, and later worked with older residents in the community.

She was named citizen of the year for the Town of Norway in 1995–1996.

Dot enjoyed watching birds, loved music and family gatherings, good food, going for rides and visiting with family and friends. Her 75th birthday party was a great surprise to her and was attended by several family members from Louisiana, which delighted her. Two years ago she took a road trip with her son Walter to New Orleans to visit with family and attended the Mardi Gras celebration once again.

She is survived by her nine children, JoAnn Ferraro of Massachusetts, Chester Connell of South Paris, Donna Berry of Massachusetts, Walter Connell of Harrison, Dorothy “Lee” Berry of Sumner, Daniel Connell of West Paris, Bruce Connell of Louisiana, Kenneth Connell of West Paris, and Ruthy Hebert of West Paris. Loving Grandmother to many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild. Also survived by five sisters all of Louisiana, Madeline Morlas, Lucille Poole, Louise Harmeyer, Audrey Casey and Gwendolyn Gagliano; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; grandson Charlie Connell; and granddaughter Patricia Berry; sisters Anna Mendoza and Gloria Johnson; brothers James, Frederick, Willie, Lawrence, and Bernard.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, June 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, 45 Main Street, South Paris, followed by a service at 1 p.m. Burial will be at the Tuelltown Cemetery in West Paris.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Town of Sumner Scholarship fund, c/o Town of Sumner, 633 Main Street, Sumner, ME 04292, or to the “University of Maine” “Harvest for Hunger” program c/o Oxford County Extension Office, 9 Olson Road, South Paris, ME 04281.

Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.chandlerfunerals.com