Dorothy Allis

Dorothy Allis died peacefully on July 20th. She was born February 21, 1921 in Montgomery, NY to John and Estelle Ahearn, who died when she was five and six, respectively. She was raised in Middletown, NY by her maternal grandmother, Margaret (“Goggie”) Merryweather. She received her bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College in 1942 and a degree in physical therapy in 1945. She practiced in NY,NJ, PA and finally at Yale-New Haven. While in New Haven, Dorothy met her husband, Andrew Allis. They settled in Madison where they raised three sons: David, Andrew, and Stephen. Her husband owned the Allis Company realtors where Dorothy worked as a broker for some years.

A spirit of unconquerable optimism and warm humor shone in Dorothy throughout her life. She cherished the simple joy of human interaction; she made friends readily, many of them, and kept them for life. She was a loving wife, a marvelous mother, and a true friend.

Dorothy’s Christian faith was central to her life, guiding her through both happiness and adversity and providing her comfort in her final days. Every Thursday for 30 years she hosted a ladies’ Bible study at her home, known as the Thursday Group.

She is survived by her sons Andrew and Stephen and grandsons Andrew and Patrick.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 27 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Swann funeral home in Madison. Services will be held on Saturday, July 28 at 11:00 a.m. at the Evangelical Free Church in Branford, followed by lunch and fellowship at the church. Please visit www.swanfuneralhomemadison.com for condolences and tributes.