Dorothy Doyle Gavan

DOROTHY DOYLE GAVAN

a lifelong Greenwich resident, died peacefully Sunday, February 3, 2008. Her death was by natural causes.

Born October 31, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Daniel J., and Ann Sharkey Doyle.

Mrs. Gavan was a graduate of Greenwich High School, class of 1943. While at Greenwich High School, she distinguished herself by wining first prize in a short story contest sponsored by the school's literary magazine, The Green Witch, in which the well-known author and fellow student at the time, Truman Capote won second prize.

She was a graduate of the The Katherine Gibbs School in New York City and also studied at Columbia University and Manhattanville College in Purchase, N.Y. She continued her interest in writing with several local groups.

After several years as a full-time homemaker, Mrs. Gavan returned to the workforce as a legal secretary for local law firms, and worked at real estate firms in the area.

She was predeceased by her husband of 46 years Charles J. Gavan in August of 1999, and a younger brother Daniel J. Doyle, Jr. She is survived by two sons, Charles M. Gavan of Stamford, Michael J. Gavan, of Old Greenwich, two sisters, Kathryn Benham of Norwalk, Ct., Marilyn Morrissey of Charlotte, NC, several nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews. Dorothy also leaves behind many cherished lifelong friends.

There are no calling hours. Burial will be private. Arrangements are being handled by the Leo P. Gallagher And Son Funeral Home, 31 Arch Street. Greenwich, CT.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb 6, 2007 at St. Catherine's of Siena church in Riverside.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the entire staff of The Nathaniel Witherell for their compassionate care and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Nathaniel Witherell, 70 Parsonage Road, Greenwich, CT. 06830.