Dorothy Augusta Williams

Dorothy Augusta (DeFreitas) Williams, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Aug. 1, 2012.

She was born Aug. 14, 1923, in Hartford, the daughter of Francis A. DeFreitas and Clara King DeFreitas. Dorothy grew up an accomplished pianist and dancer. She was an assistant dance teacher at the Frances Deely School of Dance in Hartford. She also danced professionally for a short time after graduating from Hartford Public High School. Upon graduation, Dorothy entered the Hartford Secretarial School and went on to work at the Colts Firearms Co. where she met her husband, Raymond. Dorothy married in 1942 and eventually moved to Manchester after World War II, where she spent the rest of her life. Dorothy volunteered in numerous activities that supported her children such as room mother, Brownie leader, Sunday school teacher, etc. She worked at the Travelers Insurance Co. for 25 years and was a member of the Travelers Girls Club. When Dorothy retired, she combined her love of reading with her lifelong dream of becoming a librarian and went to work for the Whiton Memorial Library in Manchester. Dorothy was an active member of Trinity Covenant Church in Manchester and served with the Agape Mission holding the position of secretary. Dorothy continued her love of dance into her retirement years, tap dancing with the Beverly Bollino Burton Studio. She also loved ballroom dancing and danced with the Manchester Senior Citizens and Ellington Senior Citizens. Dorothy enjoyed her travels going on numerous cruises all over the world. Dorothy will be remembered for being a wonderful mother and a friend to many. She will be remembered for her good heart, generous nature, and her contagious smile and sense of humor.

Dorothy was predeceased by her husband, Raymond; and leaves her sister and brother-in-law, Frances and Arthur Craft of New Smyrna Beach, Fla.; her son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Donna Williams of South Windsor; her son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Susan Williams of Hollis Center, Maine; and her daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Martin Chambers of East Hampton. She also leaves behind her friend and companion, Leonard Angell of Vernon; her treasured grandchildren, Timothy and Brian Williams, Jeffrey and Randy Williams, and Colleen, Denis, Michelle, and Nicole Chambers. She also leaves behind extended family and friends.

Her family would like to give thanks to the caring staff at the White Oaks Retirement Community and the Marlborough Health Care Center.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Aug. 4, 2012, at 11 a.m. at the Holmes Funeral Home, 400 Main St., Manchester. Burial will follow in the East Cemetery in Manchester.

Family and friends may call at the funeral home Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 825 Brook St., I-91 Tech Center, Rocky Hill, CT 06067-3045, or Trinity Covenant Church, 302 Hackmatack St., Manchester, CT 06040.

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