Dorothy (Vann) Young, devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, mother-in-law and friend passed away peacefully at the age of 85 in Portland, CT, on October 10, 2023. Dorothy Ann Vann, was born to Harry and Edith Vann in White Post, VA. She grew up in the Leesburg, VA area, and she met the love of her life, Joseph P. Young, during his service in the army while he was stationed at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. Joe and Dot were happily married for over 64 years and had three children together. They lived in Meriden, CT for most of that time, eventually moving to Middletown, CT and spending their winters in Naples, FL.
Dot grew up in a family of extremely modest means and at a very young age she found herself working at a neighbor's farm where she tended to their home and cared for their children. Dot was never afraid of hard work, and it showed in the way she kept her home (and children) immaculately clean. She could often be found late at night scrubbing already spotless floors, painting a room, sewing, or ironing (including linens, socks and underwear).
Dot was the epitome of selfless. She treasured her family and her friends and would go to any length to ensure their happiness and comfort without once thinking about herself or her own needs. Mama took the greatest care in the nurturing and pampering of her children, her grandchildren and even her great-grandchildren, while she was able. When her own children grew older, mom went on to take care of other children for many years as a food service professional at Choate Rosemary Hall.
Mom welcomed and embraced everyone who came to her home. She always made you feel like family. She would feed you, dote on you, and laugh at your jokes, even if they were not very funny. With her southern charm and deep compassion, she was everyone's best friend, their shoulder to cry on, their rock and their support.
Dot loved to cook and bake and was known for several of her famous dishes, including her baked macaroni and cheese, rainbow Jello, raisin bread, perogies and mini cheesecakes. Mama always remembered your favorite, so she was sure to bring it to any event you invited her to. She had a way to make every event special, fun, and memorable; whether decorating and baking for the holidays, making custom cakes for birthdays, finding unique greeting cards, or even making back to school shopping an adventure. She was loved by all.
Dot is now reunited with her soulmate, Joe, who passed away this past March. She is also predeceased by all of her siblings, Bettie, Lilian, Velma and Harry, Jr.
Mama's memory will be a wonderful blessing upon those she leaves behind including her daughter, Loretta Milardo (Bill); son, Vann Young (Krisy); son, J.R. Young ( Audrey); grandchildren, Erin Cote (Ben); Jamie Finley; Brendan Finley (Celine); Mike Finley; Eliana Young; Dermott Young; Stephanie Milardo; Lindsay Milardo; great-grandchildren, Tristan Cote; Owen Cote; Caroline Cote; Jaxson Williams; Ellena Williams; and many nieces and nephews whom she adored.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Middletown, Thursday, October 26th, at 11:00 a.m. Friends and family may call at the church prior to the service at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jewish National Fund. (https://my.jnf.org/memorial/dorothyyoung) For more information and online guestbook, please visit: https://www.dangelofuneralhome.com/obits.