Dorothy "Dottie" E. Davis

On Wednesday, June 18th, 2025, Dorothy Elaine Davis of Deep River, better known as Dottie, died peacefully at 90 years of age at Middlesex hospital in the presence of her family. Dottie was born January 9, 1935 in Chester; she was the seventh of nine children, born to Frederick James Henderson and Dorothy Catherine Henderson.

In 1954, Dottie graduated from Valley Regional High School where she enjoyed being a member of the softball team. Shortly after graduation, Dottie met Hawky and the two were married. They settled in Deep River to raise their 3 children, Lori, Terry and Scott. With the encouragement and support of Dottie, she and her husband, Hawky, owned and operated Hawky’s Village Grocery in Chester for many years. Later in life, she worked for both the Lee Company and Whelen Engineering. Dottie was well known for her passion for the Yankees and UConn basketball—but even more so for the joy she found in watching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren participate in sports and other activities.

Dottie is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years Hawky Davis and her daughter Lori Davis Marshall and passed siblings, Andrew, Barbara, Shirley, Mildred, Helen, June, Ann and Daniel. Dottie is survived by her daughter Terry Rathbun (Greg Rathbun) and son Scott Davis (Michelle Davis), and son in law John Marshall; her seven grandchildren, Jeni, Amy, Andrew, McKenzie, Jessica, Ryan and Nathan, and her five great grandchildren, Reese, Reagan, Andrew, Shannon and Liam.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the First Congregational Church of Deep River, located at 1 Church Street, Deep River. Dottie’s funeral service will follow immediately after for all who wish to attend. Interment will take place at Fountain Hill Cemetery in Deep River directly after the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Connecticut, in honor of Lori Davis Marshall.