Doris M. Besaw

Doris M. Besaw, 95, of Glastonbury and formerly of East Hartford, peacefully entered into eternal life on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at her home. She was the loving wife of 40 years of the late N. Robert Besaw. Born in Warren, RI on September 18, 1929, a daughter of the late Napoleon J. and Philia (Lee) Rancourt, she had resided in East Hartford for many years prior to moving to Palm Beach Gardens, FL for 25 years before returning to Glastonbury 19 years ago. Prior to her retirement, Doris was employed as a school secretary and student aide at several schools including East Catholic High School in Manchester.

A devout catholic, Doris was a faithful communicant at churches in the towns where she resided. Doris was an avid square dancer for over fifty years. She loved to knit, crochet, and sew for her family and friends to enjoy. Most of all, Doris was a proud and devoted wife, mother, mémère, gran-mémère and aunt who looked forward to spending as much time as she could with her family.

Doris is survived by three daughters, Elizabeth Kiselica and her husband Michael of East Hartford, Patricia Spencer and her husband Roger of Vernon, Virginia Van Gerbig and her husband Barry of North Palm Beach, FL; three sons, Wesley Besaw of Grass Valley, CA, Daniel Besaw and his wife Renie of Tolland, Ronald Besaw and his wife Polly Thompson of Hanover, Pennsylvania; a sister, Lorraine Bryan of East Hartford; a daughter-in-law, Denise Besaw of Hinesville, GA; 21 special grandchildren; over 30 cherished great-grandchildren; one great, great-grandson; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Besides her beloved husband and parents, Doris was predeceased by a son, Robert R. Besaw of Jupiter, FL; a grandson, Paul Besaw of Florida; a daughter-in-law, Rose Besaw of Grass Valley, CA; a brother and sister-in-law, Renald and Denise Rancourt of Clinton; and a brother-in-law, Forrest Bryan of East Hartford and a nephew, James Bryan of MA.

A funeral service will be Saturday (November 23, 2024) with a Celebration of Life Mass at 10:30 am at St. Mary’s Church of North American Martyrs Parish, Main Street/Maplewood Avenue, East Hartford. Entombment will follow at St. Mary’s Mausoleum, Burnside Avenue, East Hartford. Everyone is asked to please go directly to the church on Saturday morning. Doris’ family will receive relatives and friends at the D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford on Friday (November 22, 2024) from 4 – 7 pm. The family of Doris would like to extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation to her caregivers, Roberta, Jeanette, Katrina, and AK, as well as the Visiting Nurses of Vernon for their care, professionalism, compassion, and love given to Doris and her entire family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in the name of Doris may be made to the Covenant House, Times Square Station, P.O. Box 731, New York, NY 10108 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to the Salvation Army of CT, 855 Asylum Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105,or to Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers, P.O. Box 302, Maryknoll, NY10545. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com