Dorothy Virginia Chrissos, nee Kimber, died comfortably Easter Sunday morning, April 8, 2012, at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, with her eldest daughter, Joan, by her side. She had been singing just hours before.
Dorothy, a lifelong resident of Groton, CT, was born at home March 20, 1920, to Hazel P. Bradway Kimber and John James Kimber.
Music was her life’s passion. She received voice training and began singing solos at churches, weddings and funerals for many denominations. She continued singing throughout most of her life.
Dorothy graduated Fitch High School in 1938 where she met her husband, the late Lt. Col. Aristotle L. Chrissos. They were married Sept. 26,1941 and shared the next 59 years together.
During WWII, Dorothy, with her only sister, the late Helen F. Kimber, bought The Roberta Shop, a dress boutique on Main Street, New London. From there she would walk to the Garde Theater where she would sing acappella, the Star Spangled Banner before the evening movie.
She was no stranger to radio, singing with The Hilo Hawaiians every week live on New London’s WNLC AM station.
She recorded some of her music at Ocean Beach Park. Later in life she produced her own CD, Times Not Lost, including some of those cut on 78 records.
Dorothy became the choir director for the Union Baptist Church, Mystic in the 50s retiring in 1964. Leading 4 different choirs in the Messiah was one of the major highlights of her directing career.
Dorothy sang in many benefit variety shows and with the Eastern Connecticut Symphony. She also volunteered in the 1970s with Friends of The Eastern Connecticut Symphony.
As a hobby she created dried flower arrangements, especially looking forward to the Scituate (RI) Arts and Crafts Festival each autumn.
Dorothy leaves 4 children:
Joan K. Chrissos Durant and Walter Durant of Mystic, CT; Christopher [Gary] L. Chrissos and Susan McKinstry of Albuquerque; Heather L. “Chris” Chrissos of North Stonington, CT; and Ilona G. Chrissos Rondini and William Rondini of Cobalt, CT.
Additionally she leaves seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Congregational Church
162 Monument St., Groton Heights Wednesday, April 18th at 6 pm.
Private burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, Monson, MA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to:
The Garde Arts, 325 State Street,
New London, CT 06320.
The family wishes to extend our thanks to all the dedicated staff of 5.4 and Hospitality at L&M Hospital.
To share a message of condolence or remembrance with her family, please click the link below.