Dorothy F. Stroneski

1936 - 2021

New London - Dorothy F. Stroneski, 84, of New London beloved mother and grandmother, passed away Jan. 25, 2021, at the Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London.

She was born Nov. 8, 1936, in Pittsburg, Kan. the daughter of the late Charles and Nancy Pauline (Chaffee) Mercier.

Dorothy was employed for many years as a general office clerk at SNET.

Survivors include two sons, John R. Stroneski Jr. of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Charles Stroneski and his wife Donna of Waterford; a daughter, Theresa Herbert of Waterford; four grandchildren, Michael C. Stroneski of New London, Matthew L. Stroneski, Saxon and Samson Herbert of Waterford; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her husband, John R. Stroneski Sr.; a brother, Alfred Mercier; two sisters, Charlene Martinez and Barbara Mercier.

At a young age Dorothy moved with her family to Chicago, Ill. She graduated from high school and was employed as an office clerk downtown.

In 1953 by pure happenstance, Dorothy met a young, newly conscripted solider from New London. He was between trains on his way to the West Coast to catch a transport to Korea and used this time to see the city. After some years of correspondence and visits this meeting led to a marriage between Dorothy and John in Chicago, Ill. April 2, 1960. Dorothy then relocated to New London where she and John started a family.

Dorothy grew up during the Golden Age of Hollywood and enjoyed Classical Hollywood cinema throughout her lifetime, particularly the MGM musicals and Film noir of the era. She was a virtual encyclopedia of the genre. For example, she could tell you how many times Rita Hayworth was married and to whom or could rattle off the name of an obscure character actor that you had never seen or heard of before.

When she was able, Dorothy loved hosting birthday and holiday celebrations for her children and grandchildren.

Some of the hobbies she enjoyed include crossword puzzles, sudoku, crocheting, gardening, and was an avid baker. She was known for her strawberry, peaches and whipped cream cakes, vast array of Christmas cookies, along with cinnamon/sugar pastry roll ups.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb 1, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Old Norwich Road, Quaker Hill. Interment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Jefferson Avenue, New London. There are no calling hours.

The Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Avenue, New London is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Due to COVID-19 regulations, we ask that those in attendance be mindful of social distancing and wear a mask at all times.