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Dorothy Rossini Allen

Dorothy Rossini Allen passed away on July 21 at Evergreen Woods in North Branford where she had been living for 12 years. The daughter of Italian immigrants who ran a popular New Haven restaurant, Dorothy attended Wilbur Cross High School. She graduated from the University of Connecticut with a B.A. in Spanish, shortly before marrying John Allen in 1948. They had met when he was studying engineering at Yale.

An exceptionally devoted couple, Dorothy and John embraced family life with two children with the same vitality they had for travel and foreign experiences. John’s career with Uniroyal soon took the family from Connecticut to northern England and Turin, Italy for extended assignments. When Dorothy returned to Cheshire, she rededicated herself to homemaking and Spanish substitute teaching. In 1967, the family was transferred to South Bend, Indiana, where Dorothy took on the challenge of teaching 6th grade.

When the Allen’s returned to Connecticut in 1972, they settled in Woodbridge, where they made new friends and reconnected with local relatives. In the late 1980s, Dorothy and John moved to Kobe, Japan for five years. This foreign adventure was perhaps Dorothy’s favorite. Her passion for flowers expanded to include studying Ikebana and participating in local competitions. Dorothy also taught English informally, and she even appeared in a Japanese television advertisement. She and John also enjoyed traveling extensively in the Pacific region. Upon returning to Woodbridge, Dorothy rededicated herself to life in that community and continued deep relationships with family and friends.

Dorothy and John moved to Evergreen Woods in 2010 and adapted well to the convivial setting, interesting residents and exceptional staff. Dorothy was a dynamic, warm, vibrant and affectionate woman who will be deeply missed by her family and many friends.

Dorothy was predeceased by her parents, Caesar and Nell Rossini; and her husband John. She is survived by her children, Cathy (Steven) Carlson, and John (Frances) Allen. Dorothy also leaves behind three beloved grandchildren, Kate Allen Lacour, Elizabeth Brette Allen Mowrer, and Raymond Carlson; as well as five great-grandchildren, Hank, Dorothy and Harlan Lacour and Bjorn and Lars Mowrer.

Dorothy will be honored in a private ceremony. The family wishes to thank the staff at Evergreen Woods, most recently in the Health Center, for their caring support. Memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity, 37 Union Street, New Haven, CT 06511. Keenan Funeral home has charge of arrangements. To leave an online tribute or condolence please visit www.keenanfuneralhome.com