Dorothy B. De Somma

After a courageous battle with leukemia, Dorothy De Somma, 78, passed away peacefully and comfortably on Monday, March 19, 2018 at her home in Woodbury surrounded by family and friends.   She was the widow of Dr. Martin De Somma who passed away last May.

Dorothy was born 1st April 1939 in Waterbury to Alfred and Anna Bessette and grew up on Christian Road, Middlebury.  She graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1961 and pursued a ten year career as a primary school educator, including her last four years at Mitchell School in Woodbury. 

Her marriage to Martin lasted almost 55 adventuresome years, residing in New Jersey, France and finally in Woodbury for the past 50 years.  Together they raised three sons: Leonard (aka Ben); Jean-Claude, and Andrew.   In her spare time, Dorothy was an active gardener, award-winning baker, world-wide traveler and animal advocate.  Her favorite time of year was the season from Thanksgiving to New Year’s when her generosity towards her family and friends made for indelible holiday memories.

Beyond her sons, Dorothy will be greatly missed by her grandchildren, Emilio, Anna-Louisa, Massimo and Alexander (all of California); her older brother William Bessette, younger brother Thomas Bessette, her angel of a sister, Diane Nori; as well as nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-laws. She also leaves behind numerous friends in New England, Florida, and France.

Services will be private.

Memorial contributions on Dorothy’s behalf may be made to the Woodbury Public Library, c/o Woodbury Library, 269 Main St. South, Woodbury, CT 06798.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dorothy B. De Somma, please visit our floral store.