Dorothy Elaine Small

Born May 6, 1943, in St. Joseph Barbados, West Indies, to the late Hubert and Lenora Hackett, she was the youngest of five children, two preceded her in death. Dorothy was educated in Barbados at West St. Joseph and Grantley Adams High School. Upon arriving in the US in 1984, she returned to school in Hartford, CT where she earned her nursing degree. After 28 years of dedicated service to Bidwell Healthcare, Dorothy retired.

Dorothy loved to read the Bible, care for others, spend time with her family and friends—and she always wore a smile on her face. She was devoted to being a good mother; above all else Dorothy wanted everyone around her to be happy. Dorothy was small but mighty, the matriarch of her family. If her kids stepped out of line, she would sing them a special version of "Amazing Grace" to remind them how lucky—and blessed—they were.

She was an avid lover of nature; she would travel to beach towns to enjoy local seafood and gardens.

She leaves to cherish her memories: beloved partner of 38 years Clifford Small; one son, Donavier Hackett; four daughters, Shurmay Hackett, Nicole Martina, Sonia King, and Sharon Howell; a host of grandchildren, Ria Daniel, Ashaki Nowell, Tiffany King, Tyler Hackett, Thea Hudson, David Holness, Tyreke Martina, and Destiny Hackett, great-grandchildren Nevaeh Ranney, Carter Pattison, and brothers Edgar and Goulbourne.

The family would like to extend its gratitude for the care and comfort provided by the Palliative Care nurse and aide who made her final moments peaceful.

A calling hour for Dorothy will be held Monday, December 26, 2022, from 11:30am to 12:30pm at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 North Main Street, Southington, Connecticut 06489 followed by a funeral service at 12:30pm. Burial is private and at the convenience of the family.