Dorothy Turnbull PHINNEY

PHINNEY, Dorothy Turnbull

Dorothy Turnbull Phinney, of Farmington, died Friday, (March 2) after a long illness. Known as "Be", she was the beloved and devoted wife of Dr. Arthur O. Phinney, Jr. She was the love of her family and a faithful friend and companion to all who knew her. Born Nov. 7, 1926 in Summit N.J to the late Barton Pitts and Dorothy Macdonald Turnbull, she graduated from Kent Place School, Wellesley College '48, and, at the age of 60, from Trinity College, Hartford with a Master's Degree in History. Be led an active and varied life with several careers. She taught elementary school at the Brearley School in NYC that helped her husband through medical school. She then switched careers to raise their four children and was involved in Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, the Fresh Air Youth Fund and the founding of the Farmington Field Club. When the youngest child was in grade school, she resumed her teaching career in reading and history at Miss Porter's School for 20 more years. Later, she became coordinator of Global Education for the Farmington School system. She was an active member of St. James Church, Farmington, where she organized the first Boys' Choir, and participated in the Sunday school and Vestry. She was also active in the Farmington Historical Society, the Hillstead Museum, the Stanley Whitman House and the Farmington Senior Center. Be and her husband traveled to many continents living in England for a year, and traveling to Africa several times as a member of AMREF. She was a lifelong summer resident of Chappaquiddick Island, MA and a founding member of the Chappaquiddick Community Center. Be loved sailing, tennis and being with family and friends. She was very close to her two older sisters and her extended family. She had a unique ability to connect with most everyone whom she met. Be leaves behind her husband of 62 years, Art, and their four children: Terry and Helen of Dedham MA, and grandchildren Arthur and Brooke; Chris and Sue of South Natick, MA, and grandchildren Barton and Jonathan; Jonathan of Alexandria VA, and grandchildren, Alden and Clare; and Susan and her husband, Rob Seidel, of Sterling, MA.
There will be a Memorial service on March 31, 2012 at 11 a.m. at St. James Episcopal Church, Farmington, followed by a reception. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to St James Church, the Farmington Historical Society, and Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA. Arrangements are being handled by The Ahern Funeral Homes, Inc., www.ahernfuneralhome.com.