Dorothy Roberta Turnrose

Born in New Britain, Connecticut, Dorothy graduated from New Britain High School at the age of sixteen before continuing her education at business school. A gifted young musician, she served as lead soprano in the youth orchestra until illness unexpectedly ended her singing career. Though her musical voice was lost, Dorothy later found a lasting voice through public service and civic leadership.

Dorothy devoted decades of service to the City of New Britain as Republican Registrar of Voters beginning in the 1970s, working tirelessly to ensure fair and accessible elections for her district. During her years of service, she met numerous state and national political leaders, including Presidents George H. W. Bush and Ronald Reagan, and shared many cherished stories of the candidates and elected officials she encountered, including her good friend Barbara Maynard.

In recognition of her dedication, Dorothy received the first-ever Public Service Award from the Connecticut Secretary of the State honoring 25 years of distinguished service. She was also awarded the Amalia Toro award for Registrar of the Year, a General Assembly Official Citation assisting new voters and officiating elections throughout Connecticut and the CT Knight of the Blind Award for her humanitarian Service. Dorothy also proudly served as a Justice of the Peace for the City of New Britain, marrying many couples over the years. She was a longtime member of the Lions Club and a devoted member of First Lutheran Church of New Britain.

Even into her later years, Dorothy maintained her humor and independence. She often joked about the special municipal parking badge she received during her career, proudly displaying it on her dashboard while still driving at age 97, declaring, “I can park anywhere!”

Dorothy adored her New Britain and Old Saybrook neighbors, whose kindness and companionship brought special meaning to her later life and embodied her belief in true community. She loved visiting the osprey nests near Harvey’s Beach in Old Saybrook, watching wild turkeys, foxes, and deer in her yard, listening to the sounds of nearby lighthouses, and sampling clam chowder at local shoreline restaurants. She was an enthusiastic fan of the New Britain Rock Cats baseball team and the University of Connecticut Women’s Basketball team.

Above all, Dorothy cherished her beloved champion miniature poodle, Brian, and her Puli granddogs, Ziggy and Maddy, whose companionship brought her comfort and joy.

Dorothy was predeceased by her parents, Alice Kupchick Turnrose and Robert W. Turnrose of New Britain; her sister Alice Turnrose Broderick of Glastonbury; niece Joan Broderick; brother-in-law Bill Gibb of Florence, Massachusetts; and brother-in-law George Fuchs of Newington, Connecticut.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Janet Haliday of Old Saybrook, Connecticut; her sisters Caroline Turnrose Gibb of Florence, Massachusetts, and Ruth Turnrose Fuchs of Newington, Connecticut; nephew William “Skipper” Gibb and his wife Cheryl of Northfield, Vermont, and their children, Josie and Reine; and her cherished grandsons Maxim Millan of Denver, Colorado, Marcel Millan of Yardley, Pennsylvania, and Maddox Millan of Old Saybrook, Connecticut.

Dorothy will be remembered for her unwavering public service, spirited independence, sharp wit, and deep love for family, community, and the Connecticut shoreline.

A celebration of life service will be held at the Swan Funeral Home in Old Saybrook on Saturday June 27th, 2026 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm followed by a sea scattering ocean ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Mystic Aquarium seal and turtle rescue program. Your donation supports efforts to educate students, train specialists, study marine wildlife, rescue stranded animals, save endangered species, and explore the world’s oceans in a unique and important way. https://www.mysticaquarium.org/support-us/ways-to-give/