Doris Freer Pierce

Doris was born in Hartford, CT, on October 28, 1929, to Arthur G. and Irene (DeSautel) Freer. She grew up in Hartford, graduating from Bulkeley High School in 1947. After graduation, Doris began her secretarial career at Connecticut General Insurance Company; leaving there in 1953, to begin raising her family.

Doris had met the love of her life, Richard, at a Friday night dance held at a local church hall. Dick was in the Navy, and was spending a weekend leave with his sister’s family. Fate intervened when Dick’s sister convinced him to attend the local dance, while Doris’s friends encouraged her to go. The rest is history….The musical, South Pacific, had been enjoying great popularity and the well-known song from that movie, “Some Enchanted Evening,” became their song….two strangers meeting “across a crowded” room….never to dream alone again….”

After Dick’s discharge from the Navy in 1951, the couple resided in East Hartford, CT, where they began their family; and eventually settled in Ivoryton, where they lived for over 60 years.

Once her children were in school, Doris resumed her secretarial career. In 1970, Doris and Tim Doyle became the first secretary/principal team of the newly opened John Winthrop Junior High School in Deep River, CT. As such, Doris saw her daughter, Lynn, and Lynn’s children come through the school…they always knew if they forgot their lunch money, Grammy was there to lend them some! Doris remained in that position until her retirement at the age of 70; and, for several years after, she continued to work as a substitute.

Doris and Dick led a full life…raising their four children, helping out with their grandchildren, entertaining family and friends at both their home and Mobi—their getaway in Vermont. They enjoyed skiing, traveling, and rooting for the NY Yankees and UCONN Basketball teams. AND, no one could beat Doris’ lasagna…hers was a never-fail recipe that her daughters still swear by today!

Doris was predeceased by Richard, her beloved husband of 70 years; her son, Mark; her parents; brother, Gordon Freer, and sister-in-law, Alice. Doris is survived by her daughters Debbie Breaux of Cromwell and Lynn Giroux (Dennis) of Chester; son, James Pierce (Rhonda) of Lewisburg, WV; seven grandchildren: Paul Giroux (Lauren), Dominique Giroux (David), Alyson Hall (William), Kara Holliday (Bryan), Tori Nahouse (Christian), Jennifer Pierce (Ivory), and Austen Pierce (Caterina); and nine great-grandchildren: Chloe, Camilla and Elliana Giroux; Jackson Riddle; Abel, Reed and Reagan Holliday; Marilyn Nahouse; and Wilder Grundhoefer.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 10:30 am at St. John Church, 5 St. John Court, Cromwell, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Ivoryton Library, 106 Main Street, P.O. Box 515, Ivoryton, CT 06442, would be appreciated.