Zilla May (Dougherty) Stetson died peacefully at Danbury Hospital on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 with her loving husband at her side. Zilla was born on May 14, 1929 in Palatka, Florida. She moved to Irvington, New York when she was two. By the time she was five, she had begun practicing her life's vocation, teaching.

Zilla graduated from Irvington High School in 1947 and from New Paltz State Teacher's College in 1950. That same year, she married her husband of 59 years, Lloyd, and began a 31 year career as a teacher.

Besides her husband Lloyd, she is survived by her son, John Stetson of Fairfield, and his wife, Andrea; her daughter, Carol Forth of Redding, and her husband Daniel; 5 grandchildren; two brothers, William Dougherty of Ossining, NY and Willard Dougherty of Sea Cliff, NY; several nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by a brother, John (Jack) Dougherty.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Northwest Regional Office, 84 Progress Lane, Waterbury, CT 06705.

Location: Munson-Lovetere Southbury

Funeral: United Church of Christ

Services: A prayer service will follow the calling hours, at the funeral home, at 4: 00 p.m. on Sunday, July 5. A memorial service will be held Sunday, July 19, 2009 at 2: 00 p.m. at the United Church of Christ, 283 Main St. North, Southbury.

Visitation: Friends may call at the Southbury Funeral Home of Munson-Lovetere, 235 Main St. North, on Sunday, July 5, from 2 to 4 p.m.