Dolores "Dee" Barrett

Dolores was born at home on Daly’s Lane in Danbury, on September 9, 1929, the daughter of the late Ralph and Lena (Manluccia) Torcaso. She was a lifelong Danbury resident. She attended St. Joseph’s Parochial School and graduated Danbury High School in 1947. Dee met and married her late husband Milton Barrett in 1948, shortly after he returned from serving in the U. S. Navy.

Dolores was a force to be reckoned with from early life. After a serious illness in infancy, she required blood transfusions; donations came from local football players, and that “Danbury Trojan” blood fueled Dee through the many peaks and valleys of life. As a Danbury High student council member, she petitioned outside of City Hall for free tickets and a “Fair Day” holiday for all city students to attend the much-celebrated Danbury Fair. She was the first woman to swim a 7-mile distance across Lake Candlewood. She forever loved to swim, most notably in her own backyard, which according to her was “the nicest pool in Danbury.” She worked as a waitress in several popular area restaurants such as Marcus Dairy in Danbury, the Blue Colony Diner in Newtown, and the Trellis in Danbury, before she “retired” at age 84. Dee was an avid volunteer at Pope John Paul nursing home, at Tarrywile Mansion, and recently the War Memorial. Dee could be found every day walking her three-mile circuit around the Southern Boulevard area, most notably directly in the road and without any reflective gear. She strongly felt the cars should get out of her way.

Dolores is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her son, Terrance Barrett.

Dee is survived by her children, Timothy Barrett, Wendy Burke, and Thomas Barrett (Janine Murphy). She is also survived by her granddaughter, Katherine Burke Hall (Austin), and brand new great-grandson, Francis Hall. She also leaves behind her son-in-law Patrick Burke, and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will undoubtedly miss her spirit and will keep her legacy alive through stories of “Torky’s” escapades.

Calling hours will be held on August 11, 2025 from nine o’clock to ten o’clock in the morning at Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Danbury.

A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 10:30 am at St. Joseph’s Church 8 Robinson Ave., Danbury with Rev. Samuel Scott officiating. Burial will follow at St. Peter Cemetery, 71 Lake Ave. Ext. Danbury.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Joseph’s Church in Danbury, 8 Robinson Ave., Danbury, CT 06810 or Regional Hospice, 30 Milestone Rd., Danbury, CT 06810.