Barbara Dutton

1937 - 2024

Groton - Barbara (Orkney) Dutton, aged 86, of Groton and Granby, peacefully passed away Saturday, April 6, 2024, at her daughter's home in North Granby. She was the beloved wife of the late Rev. Dwight A. Dutton, with whom she shared 54 years of marriage. Barbara's life was characterized by her diverse passions, deep-rooted faith and unwavering commitment to family.

Barbara was born in New London, Sept. 8, 1937, to William Ferguson Orkney and Margaret (Matheson) Orkney. She grew up in the Pleasant Valley area of Groton, attending Groton public schools and graduating from Fitch Senior High School in 1955. Following high school, she pursued a degree in physical education at the University of Connecticut, graduating in 1959. Barbara returned to Groton to teach at her alma mater and married Dwight Dutton June 20, 1959, at Groton Congregational Church. Together, they embarked on a journey that would take them to Granby in 1969.

Upon relocating to Granby, Barbara seamlessly integrated into farm life, drawing upon her upbringing on the Connecticut shoreline to cultivate newfound skills in animal care, gardening and homemade food production. She immersed herself in the community, becoming actively involved in various endeavors. Barbara coached girls' track at Granby Memorial High School during the 1970s, and later served as the director of recreational services at the McLean Home in Simsbury. Her commitment to continuous learning led her to pursue a master's degree in recreational therapy from Springfield College, further enriching her contributions to both the educational and recreational spheres of her community.

Professionally, Barbara's versatility was evident. She became a respected realtor, co-founding her own firm, Q Real Estate, and contributing to the development of Granby Farms and Hunt Glen in Granby. However, her greatest joys were found beyond the professional realm. Barbara's passion for golf was unmistakable, as she actively engaged in leagues and enjoyed the convenience of having a golf course in her backyard. Many of her fondest memories were made on the greens, including playing with Dwight at the historic St. Andrews Golf Course in Scotland. Barbara and Dwight delighted in exploring the world together, embarking on numerous trips and cruises both at home and abroad, treasuring every adventure side by side. As proud attendees of the University of Connecticut, they passionately supported the UConn women's basketball team, eagerly attending games whenever possible. Barbara's interests extended to activities like bridge, bowling and gardening, where she excelled as a master gardener, tending to her plants with meticulous care. Additionally, Barbara found solace and joy by the sea; she was an active member of the Shenecossett Beach Club in Groton, a place that held cherished memories throughout her life. Barbara was an avid knitter, diligently crafting blankets and outfits for each new grandchild and great-grandchild, alongside participating in charitable knitting with friends. Her enduring love for classical music led her to become an integral member of the Hartford Chorale, where she sang with the Hartford Symphony for over three decades, delighting audiences worldwide. She found joy in attending plays and musicals, maintaining a regular presence at the Bushnell Theater. Faith and family were the cornerstones of Barbara's life. When Dwight pursued a second career as a Congregational minister, Barbara stood by his side, offering unwavering support at Broadview Community Church in Hartford and at the Congregational Church in Groton. Together, they embarked on a shared spiritual journey, with Barbara actively participating in church activities and serving on the board of trustees at Groton Congregational Church until her passing.

Barbara leaves four children: Peter A. Dutton and his wife Catherine of Burlington, Mass., Robert A. Dutton and his wife Katharine of Granby, Nancy A. Hayes and her husband Stephen of North Granby, and Allison A. Dutton and her fiancé, Elliott Bell of Windsor Locks; nine grandchildren: Stephen Dutton and his wife Elisabeth Granzow of Düsseldorf, Germany, Rachel Harb and her husband Ryan of Amherst, Mass., Trevor Dutton and his wife Mary of West Hartford, Ian Dutton and his wife Jessica of Fuquay Varina, NC, Chelsea Dutton and her fiancé Emma Gibson of Queens, NY, Brendan Dutton and his fiancé Cindy Seefahrt of Windsor Locks, Seth Hayes and his wife Casey of Granby, Nathaniel Hayes and his wife Hannah of Broad Brook, and Rebecca Meyer and her husband Rob of Enfield; five great-grandchildren: Oskar Dutton, Zoe Dutton, Liam Dutton, Beckett Dutton and Hadley Dutton; two sisters, Nancy Hileman and Mary Stober both of Richmond, Va.; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was predeceased by a sister, Margaret "Peggy" Nassetta.

A memorial service to honor Barbara's life will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at Groton Congregational Church. Burial will be held privately at Elm Grove Cemetery in Mystic. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Groton Congregational Church Preservation Fund. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Hayes-Huling & Carmon Funeral Home in Granby, where online condolences can be expressed.