Dorothy Williams, 86, of Essex and Chester, passed away on Oct. 24 at Aaron Manor in Chester. She was born on Dec. 22, 1934, in Mt. Vernon, New York, to Alfred and Annie (Maness) Hancock.

Dorothy is survived by her two sons, Stuart Williams (Lynn) of Mahwah, New Jersey and Jon Williams of San Francisco, California, along with five grandchildren, Kyle Midthassel, Tyler Midthassel, Preston Williams, and twins Kyler and Corby Williams. Dorothy is also survived by her son-in-law Eric Bosnak of Centerbrook and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Preston Williams (2012), daughter Lesley Bosnak (2020), twin brother William Hancock (1992), and older sister Joan Michel (1979).

“Dottie” grew up in Maywood, New Jersey, graduated from Beaver College in 1956, and taught kindergarten in Ridgewood, New Jersey prior to meeting her husband, Preston. After marrying in 1960, Preston’s work brought them to live in various cities in the Midwest, before eventually resettling them back on the East Coast, in Wilton in 1973. Dottie had a love for interior design and worked in that field for many years while in Connecticut. Lifelong boaters, they realized their dream of living in Essex in 1999, where they were active members of the Essex Yacht Club. Dottie also frequently volunteered her time at the Women’s Exchange of Old Lyme.

All services are private and under the care of the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave.nue, East Haven.