Anne B Atherton

Anne Bates (Dorman) Atherton, 92, of Old Saybrook passed away on Sunday, October 14. She was born in New York City on May 11, 1920, and was the daughter of the late Thomas and Anna (McFadon) Dorman of Upper Montclair, New Jersey. Her beloved husband, Albert, and her son, Timothy, predeceased her. Anne grew up in Upper Montclair, New Jersey, and spent her summers in the Fenwick section of Old Saybrook. She had many fond memories of her life at the family cottage on the Long Island Sound. Anne graduated from Montclair High School and attended Connecticut College for Women in New London, Connecticut. She was in the first week of her freshman year at Conn College when the Hurricane of ’38 devastated New England, an experience she never forgot. Anne moved with her husband and family to Old Saybrook in 1966, where she lived for the remainder of her life. She worked for many years at the Art Gallery Magazine in Centerbrook, CT. She was a member of the Congregational Church in Old Saybrook, where she attended services and volunteered in the Food Pantry. Anne enjoyed tennis and walking on the beach, as well as spending the winter months in Hilton Head, South Carolina. She was always happy to spend time with her immediate and extended families. This was particularly in evidence at the party given for her in celebration of her 90th birthday, which was attended by a great variety of relatives of all ages. Anne was always interested in family history and willingly told stories of her family’s life to the younger generations. In 2008 Anne starred in a video that included tales of events of her life. All her family are extremely thankful for this family record. She will always be remembered for her kindness and sense of humor, a trait she has passed on to her children. Anne is survived by her daughter, Carol Sullivan and husband, Ronald, and her son, William Atherton and wife, Anna, as well as her deceased son Timothy’s wife, Kathy. She also leaves behind 8 grandchildren, Pamela, Penny, Virginia, Erin, Melissa, Thomas, Dana, and Jaime and 2 great grandchildren, Alexis and Olivia, along with nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 4, at 11:00 a.m. at the Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Street, Old Saybrook. A family gathering will follow at 81 Old Post Road, Old Saybrook. Memorial donations may be sent to Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries, PO Box 804 Essex, CT 06426. Please visit www.swanfuneralhomeoldsaybrook.com for condolences and tributes.