Dorothy Robinson Brewer Carlson

Dorothy Robinson Brewer Carlson of Rocky Hill, daughter of Willard S. and Olive Manning Brewer, passed away November 14, 2009 at home at the age of 90. In addition to her loving and devoted husband of 65 years, C. Lawrence (Larry) Carlson, Dorothy leaves two sons, Bruce and Allan and their wives Audrey and Nancy, all of Newington; a daughter, Barbara Hebert, of Brookline, Massachusetts and her husband John; grandchildren Leslie Carlson Schlachter and her husband Jordan of New York City and Matthew and Jeffrey Hebert, both of Boston; and two great grandchildren, Devin and Eliza Schlachter. Dorothy was predeceased by her brother Philip, and a fourth grandchild, Elizabeth Carlson. A native of Hartford, 'Dot', as she was known to family and friends, attended Hartford public schools with her lifelong best friend Jean Vanderbeck Stanley, graduated from Bulkeley High School in 1937, and earned an Associate degree from Laselle College in Newton, Massachusetts in 1941. Larry and his close friend Bob Toft came east from Minnesota in 1942 to work at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft. Bob's girlfriend, Joyce Brewer, introduced Larry to her distant cousin Dot, which proved the beginning of a beautiful lifelong relationship. Dot was a member of South Congregational Church in Hartford, and she and Larry were married there on March 29, 1944. In December 1947, Dot and Larry moved to the house Larry built in Rocky Hill, where they joined the Rocky Hill Congregational Church and raised their three children. Dot was active in many Church affairs, including serving as Chairperson of the Flower Committee for many years; and participating in a sewing group through which she enjoyed many close and lasting friendships. Dot enjoyed summer stays on Cornfield Point in Old Saybrook, where her father had a cottage built in 1927 and which is still enjoyed by the family. There, in addition to ensuring everyone was properly 'fortified' to brave sun, wind and sand, Dot maintained a keen interest in daily nautical activities, often challenging family members on their knowledge of the day's weather and tides to ensure safe boating. A loving and devoted wife and mother, Dot enjoyed her home and family, fulfilling the needs of her three children and always watching out for their well-being. She supported Larry's interests in boating and flying and enjoyed many trips around the country with him in his Beechcraft Bonanza. She was a good navigator and completed a pinch-hitter course learning to fly and land the plane. Dot will be remembered for her kind soft-spoken manner; her warm smile and understated sense of humor; the simple pleasures she found throughout her life; and the happiness she brought to family and friends. The family will hold a private burial at Cedar Hill Cemetery. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at 11 a.m. at the Rocky Hill Congregational Church. Donations in Dot's memory can be made to the Elizabeth Carlson Scholarship Fund for the Performing Arts, 31 Franklin Circle, Newington, CT 06111; or Vitas Hospice Care, 255 Pitkin Street in East Hartford, CT 06108. For on-line expressions of sympathy please visit www.desopo.com.