Cover photo for Dorothea Mary Roy's Obituary

Dorothea Mary Roy

February 26, 1927 — October 19, 2024

Southington, CT

Dorothea Mary Roy

Dorothea C. Roy, 97, beloved wife, mom, nana, great nana, aunt, cousin, and friend, became an angel in heaven on October 19, 2024.

Born in Meriden, CT, she was the only daughter of Antoinette T. Caivano and Anthony Caivano. Dorothea grew up in Meriden and was part of a large and exuberant Italian family. From an early age she was always a strong, hard working and independent woman who never backed down from a challenge. Whether shoveling coal into the furnace or playing baseball with her beloved brother Albert, the star on his baseball team, she was a force to be reckoned with.

Always a trailblazer, Dorothea was a member of the Ida Fems, a group of strong-willed women, forever bonded through their lives, dedicated to making a difference in their community. After graduating from high school, she began her career with Connecticut Telephone, where her exceptional secretarial skills quickly earned her a promotion to Personnel Director. It was here that she met and hired the love of her life, Robert E. Roy. She married her “Robbie Dobbie”, on October 17, 1953, and together they built a beautiful life that exemplified unwavering love and commitment. They moved to Southington in 1959, settling into the home she cherished for 65 years.

After leaving Connecticut Telephone she continued her career in various private and government fields holding influential positions in each. She ended her career working for the Connecticut State Police as an Administrative Assistant. Dorothea treasured the years with the department, forming long lasting friendships and countless memories. She was very proud to retire from the State Police.

Throughout her beautiful life, Dorothea masterfully balanced her career and family. As a mom, she was deeply involved in her daughters’ school and social activities, the PTA, her husband’s political pursuits, and their religious community as a founding member of Mary Our Queen, St. Luke Parish. She opened her family’s world to culture, music, theater, dancing, singing, games, sports and, of course, her delicious food. Annual family vacations were thoroughly treasured at historical locations and beaches, our favorite being the time spent in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. Her home was a haven of love and joy for all who entered. Every celebration—whether birthdays, holidays, graduations, or other milestones—were spectacularly celebrated and unforgettable. Dorothea instilled the importance of family, unconditional love, integrity, grace and respect. She encouraged her daughters to live each day in gratitude and taught them to be the strong women they are today. By the way she lived her life, Dorothea influenced and impacted multiple generations that will live forever in the hearts of everyone who knew her. This is her Extraordinary Legacy.

As a Nana and Great Nana, she showered her grandchildren, great-granddaughter and grand-dogs with boundless love, affection and wisdom. Known as everyone’s Nana, her compassionate heart made everyone feel like family. She had a remarkable ability to put a smile on your face and brighten your day. Celebrating every moment, she was everyone’s biggest cheerleader, no matter how big or small the achievement. A fierce competitor in Scrabble and Rummy, you’d hear her say “Good Show!” and realize you never had a chance. She filled our hearts with joy and our bellies with the best meatballs, stuffed shells, lasagna and cookies in the world. A lover of sports, she began as a Yankees and UConn fan, but soon became an avid supporter of the Packers, Nationals, Notre Dame, Brewers, Braves, and Cowboys in support of her family.

Dorothea was surrounded by a devoted network of loved ones who quickly became known as “Dottie’s Posse”; a supportive group of incredible cousins (Bobbie and Carol), extended family (Mell), loving neighbors (Diane, Susan and Kevin), dear friends (Pod and Kathy) and her loving caregiver Lucy Tavarez, from the Franciscan Home Care. All were blessed to have each other in their lives.

She was one of a kind and truly one of the best people to ever live. Her vibrant spirit, unwavering determination, heart of gold, and perpetual optimism touched the hearts of everyone she encountered. With a remarkable ability to find joy in the simplest moments, she reminded us all of the beauty in life. Her passions extended to causes close to her heart, including The Center for Coastal Studies and religious organizations, reflecting her love for aquatic life, the environment and the well being of children. A dedicated volunteer who took every opportunity to lead in the causes she loved.

Dorothea was predeceased by her loving husband, Robert Roy, and her brother, Albert F. Caivano, whom she idolized and lost too young as Albert paid the ultimate sacrifice during World War II.

She is survived by her loving family: her two adoring daughters, Annette Lombardi (Net the Pet) and husband Tony (Antonio), and Michele Pekoske (Shell Belle) and husband David (Dear David). She will be deeply missed by her cherished grandchildren: Matt Pekoske (Matty) and wife Charlotte, their daughter Grace Dorothea, Kristen Pekoske (Cutie Pie Curly Tops), Corinne Pekoske (Pichanina) and husband Allen, and Jillian Pekoske (Bambina), who will carry on her spirit and honor her memory forever. She leaves behind a legacy of love for family, extended family, special cousins, friends and everyone she touched.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dorothea's memory may be made to the Center for Coastal Studies, Provincetown, MA (coastalstudies.org), or Boys Town (boystown.org).

A celebration of her remarkable life will be held with calling hours from 5:00 - 7:00p.m. on Friday, October 25, 2024 at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 South Main Street, Plantsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Mary Our Queen Church, 248 Savage Street, Plantsville. Please meet directly at the church. Burial will follow in St. Francis Cemetery, 863 South Main St., Torrington.  For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.

God bless you always, dearest Mom and Nana. Your love and light will forever guide us and make our hearts happy. 

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Past Services

Visitation

Friday, October 25, 2024

5:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)

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Mass of Christian Burial

Saturday, October 26, 2024

Starts at 9:00 am (Eastern time)

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Burial

Saturday, October 26, 2024

New Saint Francis Cemetery

863 S Main St, Torrington, CT 06790

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