Dorothy “Dee” A. Spillane of High Street, Mystic, died peacefully on January 11, 2011. Daughter of Ray Pearce and Beatrice Ruby Hoover, she was born in Orillia, Ontario, Canada in 1923.
She is survived by her loving and grateful husband of 60 years, Joseph Niel Spillane and her three children John Arthur Spillane of Groton, Nancy Spillane of Washington D.C. and Dr. Jamie Spillane and his wife Linda of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. Surviving grandchildren include John J.R. Spillane and his wife Barbara of Griswold with their children Nikki and Logan, Melissa Spillane of Norwich, Kristen Spillane Sueoka in Santa Barbara, California, Hilary Sueoka in Boulder, Colorado, and Colin and J.B. Spillane in Iowa.
Dorothy graduated from the University of Western (London), Ontario and the graduate School of Social work at the University of Toronto. She pursued a rewarding career as a child social worker and adoption officer for the City of Toronto, the City of Charleston, South Carolina and Albany County, New York.
She was deeply involved with St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Mystic; serving on the vestry, singing in the choir for 20 years, chairperson of the Christmas Bazaar and liaison to the Connecticut Covenant-to-Care program. Her interest in community service led her to leadership positions as President of the Mystic Area Ecumenical Council, President of the Mystic Garden Club, President of the Groton Public Health Nursing Association and Secretary of the Charles B. Allen Foundation.
A fascination with area history brought Dee to the Mystic Seaport as a long term member, volunteer as a Seaport Caroler and in several departments as a staff Interpreter frequently seen in the General Store or as a guide in the gardens for 20 years. She dearly enjoyed engaging visitors and entertaining them with a deep knowledge of nineteenth and twentieth century customs, artifacts and activities. Her sense of humor, empathy and intuition of visitor’s desires could brighten any guest’s day.
This elegant, kind, friendly and gracious lady will be missed by all, but heaven awaits.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2011 at 1:00pm at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 15 Pearl Street, Mystic.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Mystic Seaport, P.O. Box 6000, Mystic CT 06355 or St. Mark’s Church, 15 Pearl Street, Mystic CT.
To share a message of remembrance or condolence with her family, please click the link below.