Dorothy Susan Depgen

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Evelyn and Joseph Depgen; brothers, Peter and Paul Depgen; and her life partner, James Serwanski.

She is survived by her dearest friends, Rita Katzman, her husband, Bruce Miller and Lisa Mayer, her husband, Frank and their three children, goddaughter, Kathryn Jeanette and sons, William and James; and several close friends who Dorothy loved and considered family.

Dorothy graduated college from the University of Hartford in 1972 with a bachelor's degree in psychology. She earned her nursing degree from John Tyler Community College in 1976. Upon her graduation from nursing school, she moved back to Connecticut where she obtained a master's degree in education and counseling from St. Joseph's College in Hartford. She had a long career in rehabilitative and community nursing. Dorothy dedicated her life to helping others and only retired last month from the work she loved and valued at Hospice Community Care. The majority of Dorothy's nursing career involved rehabilitation and providing services for the disabled. Dorothy dedicated her life to helping people live life to the best of their abilities, concentrating on independence and quality of life at all stages. She was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Community Church and volunteered for many church events. Dorothy was a lover of the arts, a longtime member of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the Botanical Gardens. She enjoyed music of all styles, particularly jazz and folk, sunsets, lunar eclipses, a good book, yoga retreats, and enjoyed a good meal and a glass of wine with friends.

A memorial will be planned in 2021.

Donations may be made in Dorothy's memory to Bon Secours Community Hospice House - Bon Air, Project Homes or JAMinc.