Doris Behney Watson

12/13/1949 - 6/21/2024

Naples, Fla. - It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Doris Behney Watson of Naples, Fla., who passed June 21, 2024, from complications caused by Alzheimer's Disease. She was born Dec. 13,1949, in New London, to Edward J. Sr. and Eleanor Pierce Behney.

She grew up across the river in Groton, the third of seven siblings. Doris loved the outdoors; she excelled at skiing, sailing, golf, and tennis, but she especially loved the beach in Groton where she lifeguarded. Doris attended local schools, and graduated in the Class of '68 from Robert Fitch High School. She went west to ski, and attended Colorado Women's College before moving back east to Boston where she completed secretarial training at Kattie Gibbs. She returned to Groton to work at GD Electric Boat submarine division where she was honored to christen a small submersible. Doris then attended the University of Connecticut receiving a bachelor's degree before moving back to the Boston area where she made her career at Textron's Gorham Manufacturing Company. It is in Boston where she met her husband John and later joined him for many years as a sales representative in the ski industry, before retiring to Naples.

Doris leaves behind her best friend and husband of 43 years, John Watson of Naples. She is survived by her sisters, Joyce Behney Gardner, Jean Behney and Helen Behney of Groton; and Kristen Behney of Melbourne, Fla.; brother Philip Behney of Stonington; and many nieces and nephews who lovingly refer to her as "Dor-Dor." Brother Edward Jr. predeceased her in 2021.

Doris and her husband John made a career of meeting new friends and considered them part of their family at Vanderbilt Country Club. Many of these friends supported her unconditionally through her illness. The family is particularly thankful for the heartfelt care from the staff at Amira, Avow Hospice, and the Alzheimer's Association. Private services were held in Naples.