Doris B. Silliman

Doris Barbara Silliman, 91, of Chaplin, wife of the late Robert B. Silliman, peacefully passed away at Windham Hospital on Thursday October 6, 2011. The daughter of Barbara and Frederick Tolan, Doris was born on April 29, 1920 and raised by her grandparents, Catherine and Thomas Tolan. She is survived by her five children and their spouses, Catherine Silliman and U.J. of Chaplin, Helen and Tony Capizzi of Columbia, Robert and Cheryl Silliman of Portland, Frederick and Deborah Silliman of Chaplin, and Ann Marie and Mark Colebrook of Glastonbury. She will be remembered for the love of her family, especially her sixteen grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. Born and raised in South Boston, Doris was proud of her Irish heritage and loved the Boston Red Sox. She was employed by AT&T as a switchboard operator in Boston during World War II and also worked for the University of Connecticut as a telephone operator. Doris and Robert married in 1946 and settled in Chaplin, CT in 1950. As a longtime resident of Chaplin, Doris worked as registrars of voters for the Republican Party. Doris was also an active member of St. Philip the Apostle Church in Ashford. Sitting on her porch was a favorite pass time while she watched the birds and appreciated her flowers. She enjoyed reading, knitting, and crocheting and treasured family vacations on Cape Cod. Her family will receive friends and relatives on Tuesday, October 11th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., Rte. 195, Willimantic. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday October 12th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Philip the Apostle Church, 58 Pompey Hollow Rd., Rte. 44, Ashford. Burial will follow in the South Chaplin Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Easter Seals Capital Region & Eastern Connecticut at http://hartford.easterseals.com/ . Please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com for online memorial guest book.