Doris R. Crouch

1925 - 2022

Doris R. Crouch
Doris (Cook) Crouch "Dot", 96, of East Hampton passed away peacefully on Friday, February 11, 2022 at Middlesex Hospital after a short illness with her loving family by her side. She was the beloved wife of George W. Crouch, Sr. who she was predeceased by in 1994 after 52 years of marriage. Doris was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi on August 24, 1925 to Homer and Faith (Evans) Cook. She was the third child and last surviving of their 10 children. Doris is survived by her five children; Bill Crouch, Patti Tarallo, Jackie Lagana (Richard), Stephen Crouch (Chris), and Lance Crouch (Nancy); her 12 grandchildren whom she adored and who loved her so much; Debbie Shurberg (Karl), Pamela Zagami, Jason Crouch (Tara), Sean Tarallo (Annabelle), Megan Staples (Chris), Corey Stabach (Jason), Ryan Crouch, Joel Crouch (Malori), Wes Crouch (Kayla), Jillian Demers (Andrew), and Claire Hebert (Kyle). She is also survived by her 17 great-grandchildren whom she adored; Sam and Rachael Shurberg, Sofia and Ava Zagami, Cameron and Joshua Crouch, Jake and Alexa Tarallo, Tyler and Gabby Staples, Will, Nathan and Lily Stabach, Drew and Elle Demers, and Blake and Miles Crouch. She is survived by many nieces and nephews who she loved as her own. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her granddaughter, Dana Marie Lagana and her son-in-law Joseph Tarallo.
Doris grew up in a large and loving extended family. While working in a local bakery in her hometown, she was spotted by a young man in uniform who was stationed at
Camp Shelby in Hattiesburg. Captivated by her, he declared to his army companions that he was going to marry that pretty girl behind the counter at which they laughed, but he did just that and they were married in 1942. After some moving back and forth, they eventually settled in Portland, CT where they continued to raise their family. Doris was employed for over 25 years at Connecticut Valley Hospital where she worked in both Battell Hall and then in Nursing Education. She was a lover of the written word and would read several books a week. She could talk on any topic and never lost her cognitive skills. In good weather, you could most always find her tending her flower gardens in which she was a master. Her grandchildren were never so happy than to congregate at "Nanny and Grandad's" house for overnights on most weekends and that sometimes included the "granddogs' as well. She was rooted in her southern hospitality and charm. There was always room for one more at the table and an extra place to sleep could always be found. She was never so happy than when she was surrounded by her family and took great pride in their every milestone and event. The family would like to thank the doctors and nursing staff of Middlesex Hospital, especially the Comfort Care Unit and Hospice team for the compassion and kindness they extended to her and her family during her final days.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Middlesex Hospital Hospice Home Care or Comfort Care Unit, c/o Middlesex Hospital 28 Crescent St., Middletown, CT 06457. A private cemetery service is being held.
The Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St,
Portland, is in charge of arrangements.