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Dorothy Ann "Dolly" Stafford

FUNERAL HOME

Byles-Groton Memorial Home - Groton

310 Thames St.

Groton, Connecticut

Dorothy Stafford Obituary

The feel of the sun on your face,

The song of the birds for mirth,

One is nearer God's heart in a garden

Than anywhere else on earth.

Groton - Dorothy Ann Stafford "Dolly" (1942–June 21, 2025) A lifelong resident of Groton, in her own very special unique and wonderful way, Dolly touched the lives of all around her. Good natured, loving and caring describe her perfectly. Life doesn't come with instructions on how to live, but it does come with birds and flowers, beaches, sunsets and smiles, laughter and those inevitable ups and downs. Through it all, her smile warmed the hearts and souls of those around her.

Thanks Doll!

In addition to her nieces, Charlene and Nancy, she loved and adored her husband, Fred "Russ." They were peas in a pod. Outrageously gifted gardeners, they dominated the blue-ribbon competitions at the Ledyard Fair. To those who love her, she was truly the best in show. She filled her home with freshly cut flowers and always happily shared them with family and friends.

Among those who will miss her most are Michael and Liza and the boys. Sweet Molly who gave her so many lovies, and her daughter Theresa. Her very best friend in her later years, Juditte was by her side continually. Nurturing and caring for Doll with the occasional dance party thrown in! Thank you, God, for lending us your angel. "We will miss and remember you Doll. You will always be in our hearts."

Dolly will rest with her parents at Colonel Ledyard in Groton and with her beloved Russ in Heaven. A Celebration of a Life will be announced on www.Byles.com when arrangements have been finalized. Byles-Groton Memorial Home is assisting with the arrangements. Please visit www.Byles.com to sign the guestbook or to share a memory.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Jun. 29, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Dorothy Stafford

Sponsored by Byles-Groton Memorial Home - Groton.

13 Entries

Uncle Denny & Nisa Stafford

Planted Trees

Carla (Nelson) Ashby

July 12, 2025

My dear friend passed away recently, Dorothy "Doll" Stafford. She was my best friend's mother. Alzheimer's took her, but I prefer to remember Doll in her younger days when she would laugh and giggle at the funny things in life. She was strict sometimes, but also fair, and didn't hold a grudge against our teenage shenanigans. She was someone I grew to love and respect.

I remember the time she decided we needed to wax our eyebrows, and I had no idea once the wax dried that she would RIP THE WAX OFF MY FACE in quick fashion. I screamed in surprise! It was an eye opener, literally. Her 1st husband Don practiced driving with me in their mile-long station wagon, taught me how to count change, and allowed me to cut their large yard with his riding lawn mower. And summer was never really summer without the endless pool parties on Buddington Road. Her 2nd husband Russ introduced me to Cape Cod potato chips, heaven in a bag, and BLT sandwiches with his home grown tomatoes. Whenever I visited my hometown, I would stop by to see Doll, and she was always happy to see me.

Doll, I'll miss you for the rest of my days. You were so good to me growing up, you probably never realized the refuge you provided for me. Although in your last years when you no longer recognized me, I hope somehow you realized how much you were loved, how much you are still loved, how much you will be loved forever.

Cassandra Cuellar

July 11, 2025

Dolly was my grandma , gammy I called her. I remember baking brownies with her in the kitchen getting to lick the spoon. And being in her garden in the backyard of her house although I was really small and couldn´t remember much I remember us running around playing, catching fireflies and I remember how the garden smelled. Sometimes to this day I´ll pass a garden and that smell takes me back to that beautiful place in her backyard. It´s a memory that returns frequently throughout my life and I´m reminded of how peaceful it was there. I hope somehow if she was able to see this I would tell her I wish I spent more time with you. I wish I would have gotten to know you better as I got older and although that is a thought that goes through my mind quite often I am grateful for the time I did know you. And I can look at the photos of us and remember how you were the best Grammy I ever had. You are loved and will be missed greatly. And my kids will know what an amazing, funny, and loving person you were.

Irene Moore

July 9, 2025

I’m Itene Doll & I were friends for 50 yrs our girls grew up together I will hold in my heart the memories of our good times RIP❤

Jeanie Glanz

Sent Flowers

Elizabeth Jean Glanz (Jeanie)

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Trees

Jeanie Glanz

June 30, 2025

Dolly, Beautiful, Fun and so full of LOVE. She adored her husband Russ, Life, and Garage Sales. I am Russ's sister Jeanie and loved Dolly. I will miss her but she and Russ (together) will have the most beautiful garden in heaven!!!

Michele Conley-Swanson

June 29, 2025

Theresa & Family,

I was very sad to hear about your Moms passing. My deepest condolences and thoughts are with you at this time. Your Mom, Dolly, was a memorable part of my childhood growing up because she was such good friends with my Mother. Many years may have passed and people have moved- but the good memories will remain forever.

Michele (Conley) Swanson & Family

Joan Durant

June 29, 2025

Beautiful Dolly!!! She was my classmate and friend in high school. May she find everlasting peace.
My sincere condolence's to her family.

Theresa Cuellar

June 28, 2025

These photos were a combination of slides mom's dad, Joe, left behind from days long ago. And others she loved including husband Russ, best friend Kathy & Kathy's brother Jackie.

Theresa Jeanne (Bozsum) Cuellar

June 26, 2025

MOM...You will always be in my heart and on my mind. Sometimes when I speak I hear your voice. I'm so grateful for the memories you created when I was growing up and sacrifices you made so I never had to go without. You were an inspiration to me. You treated My friends like family and they all loved u for that. You made everything fun and I'll never forget your laugh at the kitchen table playing games with Charlene & Nancy & I. (We got so crazy loud while Dad was asleep in the living room chair after a long day of work) I pray you are at Peace & rewarded in heaven for all the good you were in this life. Words are not enough to express how much I love you, appreciate you, & will miss you. XO . God has a garden in Heaven, I hope, that you will fill with the most beautiful flowers.

Tina Macdonald Doody

June 25, 2025

Theresa, I’m so sorry for the loss of your mom. She would come to our house every Saturday and head out for yard sailing. She would always make me eggs on toast. I was blessed to have her as my Godmother. My mom Kathy was her best friend since high school until she passed in 2018. I love you so much Treese and she will always be with you! You have always been like my sister and always will be. Hugs and love to you!!

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results