Dorothy Jean Lapsley
September 26, 1941 ~ December 29, 2022
Born in:
Wheeling, WV
Resided in:
Middletown, CT
Dorothy Jean Lapsley, 81, of Middletown passed away December 29, 2022 after a brief illness. She was the loving mother of Kathleen Kalb and mother-in-law of Steven Kalb of Cheshire, grandmother of Martin Kalb of Cheshire, and sister of the late Bill Shields. Dorothy was born in Wheeling, WV September 26, 1941, the daughter of the late Thomas E. and Violet Weir Shields, III, and spent most of her life in Brookville, Pennsylvania, working as Deputy Director with the Jefferson County Area Agency on Aging. In retirement, she first lived with her brother in Medina, Ohio, then moved to Middletown to be closer to her daughter, son-in-law, and grandson. For ten years, she served as an Activity Aide at the Elim Park Baptist Home in Cheshire, including front-line work in the later months of the pandemic.
Friends are invited to visit with her family at BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Avenue, Hamden on Thursday, January 5th from 2-5 p.m. In honor of her lifelong love of animals, especially cats, contributions may be sent to the Animal Rescue League of Boston at www.arlboston.org.
Services
Visitation: January 5, 2023 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Beecher & Bennett Funeral Service - Hamden
2300 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518
203-288-0800
I am so sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with your dear mother/ Baba for many years at Elim Park. It was a privilege to partner with Dottie as she led therapeutic recreation programs for the residents. The residents, staff and volunteers loved your mother’s quick wit and compassionate nature. She will be forever missed. May you find peace in this sorrowful time knowing how much your mother/mother-in-law/grandmother loved and adored you through the sharing of her family stories with me.
My sincerest condolences to you,
Allyson Palma, former Elim Park volunteer director
Thank you so much — I truly appreciate your sharing this with us. It’s comforting to know she made a difference in people’s lives.
I actually hired your Mom for Recreation at Elim Park. Her beautiful smile, kind heart , and caring personality endeared her to the residents at Elim Park. May all your wonderful memories keep your heart smiling. As you know memories are like snapshots you can take them out as often as you wish.Hugs!