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10/24/2012 03:30 PMAnne Bates (Dorman) Atherton, 92, of Old Saybrook, died on Oct. 14. She was the loving wife of the late Albert Atherton. Anne was born in New York City on May 11, 1920, daughter of the late Thomas and Anna (McFadon) Dorman of Upper Montclair, New Jersey. Anne grew up in Upper Montclair, New Jersey, and spent her summers in the Fenwick section of Old Saybrook. She had many fond memories of her life at the family cottage on the Long Island Sound.
Anne graduated from Montclair High School and attended Connecticut College for Women in New London. She was in the first week of her freshman year at Conn College when the Hurricane of ’38 devastated New England, an experience she never forgot.
Anne moved with her husband and family to Old Saybrook in 1966, where she lived for the remainder of her life. She had worked for many years at the Art Gallery Magazine in Centerbrook and was a member of the Congregational Church in Old Saybrook, where she attended services and volunteered in the Food Pantry.
Anne enjoyed tennis and walking on the beach, as well as spending the winter months in Hilton Head, South Carolina. She was always happy to spend time with her immediate and extended families. This was particularly in evidence at the party given for her in celebration of her 90th birthday, which was attended by a great variety of relatives of all ages.
Anne was always interested in family history and willingly told stories of her family’s life to the younger generations. In 2008 Anne starred in a video that included tales of events in her life. All her family are extremely thankful for this family record.
Anne will always be remembered for her kindness and sense of humor, a trait she has passed on to her children.
She was predeceased by her son Timothy. She is survived by her daughter Carol Sullivan and husband Ronald; her son William Atherton and wife Anna; and her late son Timothy’s wife Kathy. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Pamela, Penny, Virginia, Erin, Melissa, Thomas, Dana, and Jaime; two great-grandchildren, Alexis and Olivia; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Nov. 4, at 11 a.m., at the Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. A family gathering will follow at 81 Old Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Memorial donations may be made to the Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries, PO Box 804, Essex, CT 06426. Please visit www.swanfuneralhomeoldsaybrook.com for tributes and condolences.