Dorothy Lawton Whitman

Dorothy Lawton Whitman, 84, of Chaplin, beloved wife to Leonard A. Whitman of 35 years, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2016. She was the daughter of the late Raymond and Ruth (Boomhower) Lawton. Dorothy lived in Portland most of her life and in later years spent many wonderful winters in Silver Springs, FL, before returning full time to Chaplin, CT. Dorothy's pride and joy was her family. An exceptional mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, she will be dearly missed by her five children: Janet Glazebrook and her husband David, Jaycee Clark and his wife Patty, Judi Pawlowski and her husband Mitch, Jacki Charest and her husband Colin, and Jennifer Kelaher and her husband Jim and a very special niece Casey Kaiser. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren, Jonathon Glazebrook and his wife Desi, Brittany Leet and her husband Mitchell, Benjamin Glazebrook, Caitlin McNamara and her husband Pat, Brent Clark and his fiance Jessica, Chris Charest, Brianna Unsworth, Natalie Clark, and Sierra Unsworth. Dorothy had five great-grandchildren that were the light of her life, Connor and Kieran Glazebrook, Levi and Logan Leet, and Emi McNamara. She is also survived by her sister Eleanor Kaiser and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Henry Lawton. After raising her five children with her first husband John E. Clark, Dorothy and Leonard began their married life together on June 6, 1981. They spent many enjoyable years traveling the country, making lifelong friends wherever they went. Dorothy was a 50 plus year member of Beta Sigma Phi and a past Grand Worthy Matron. Throughout the years, Dorothy remembered every birthday, anniversary, and occasion for every person in her world and acknowledged each with a card or a phone call. As her family was growing, Dorothy was active as Den mother, Brownie leader, Girl Scout leader, PTA chairman, DeMolay Boys leader, Rainbow Girls leader, and any other activity that supported her children. When grandchildren arrived, Dorothy lived for family gatherings and special occasions. Dorothy's family will receive relatives and friends on Friday February 26, 2016 at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., (Rte. 195), Willimantic from 1:00pm to 2:00pm, with her memorial service beginning at 2:00pm. Burial will be privately held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Dorothy may be made to the Chaplin Senior Center, 132 Chaplin Street, Chaplin, CT 06235. For an online memorial guestbook please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com .