In 1939, she married James Modaferri, and upon his passing, married James O’Brien. Dottie and James moved to Miami Florida, where she was a homemaker and raised her children. In 1985, she moved to Killingworth Connecticut to be closer to her family and resided there until her final move to Hobe Sound, Florida in 2001.
Dottie, as she was called by so many, had an amazing zest for life. There was never an excuse not to have a party or family get together. Her door was always open to company -- you didn’t need a reason to visit, just showing up was a joy to her. She was feisty to the end -- always speaking her mind but always with kindness and love.
Among her many talents was knitting. She knitted hats for the soldiers in Afghanistan and in armed forces bases all over the world. She made caps for newborns in local hospitals, and blankets for cats and dogs for the Humane Society. However, her passion was bingo and gambling. We celebrated her 90th in Las Vegas and her 100th birthday at a Casino in Florida. She could spend hours at the penny slots. After picking her up at bingo, her famous line was “I just needed one more number”.
She leaves behind her loving daughter Anne Lalley, Hobe Sound, Florida, her beloved grandson, Jason David Linthicum and his longtime partner Lily Stoian, Palm City, Florida, Lily’s children, Eden and Tal Stoian, and many nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by her son John Terrance O’Brien, and husbands James Modafferi, James O’Brien and John Correale.
A memorial mass is scheduled for Thursday, 11:00 am on April 25, 2019 at St. Christopher Catholic Church in Hobe Sound Florida. A luncheon will follow the mass at the American Legion, 2000 SE Fischer Street, Stuart, Florida.
Donations can be made in her memory to the American Legion, Post 62, 2000 SE Fisher Street, Stuart, Florida.
Arrangements entrusted to Aycock Funeral Home, Stuart, Florida, www.aycockfuneralhome.net.
