Dorothea Lee Crowder

Dorothea Lee Crowder, (Dottie) age 81, of Fairfield, beloved wife of 61 years of the late Carlton Crowder, Sr., passed away peacefully Thursday, December 12, 2024 at Bridgeport Hospital. Born in Milford, the daughter of the late Thomas Gilormine and Jessie Kurowsky Gilormine (Cioffi), she had been a Fairfield resident for the last 60 years. Dottie worked for RCA Records, Ryder Truck and Tetley Tea, and had been retired from the State of CT Department of Family Services following 25 years of service. Dottie loved gardening and cooking. She had a huge heart. When she wasn’t giving herself to family, she was giving to those in need, supporting many organizations that were close to her heart.

She always showed her love for family and friends by cooking many wonderful dishes, especially her outstanding spaghetti and meatballs! She always enjoyed trips to the casino with her best friends, Marie and Anthony Mattiolo – always an adventure with many cherished memories. Dottie’s gentle spirit could be seen in her love of animals, particularly her beloved dog, Lucky and her grand dog Teddy. 

She will be sadly missed by her children, Carl Crowder, Jr. (Tammy) of Terryville, Kelly McCarthy (Mark Baldyga) of Newtown and Carol Ann Crowder; her niece, Susan Taylor of Florida, and several other nieces and nephews; grandchildren, Carleigh Saffo (Matt), Cody Crowder (Michelle) and several great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by a brother, Thomas Gilormine and a sister, Dolores Curley, and stepfather, Dante (Don) Cioffi.

Dottie’s memory will continue to live on and inspire strength and resilience, and generosity in those whose lives she touched. The family would like to thank the medical staff at Davita Kidney Care in Trumbull, CT for their exceptional care of our mother over several years. A special thank you to health aide and friend Shamone Brown, for her love and dedication to our mother. In addition, Valerie Spinola, for her care and compassion.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Margaret Shrine, 2523 Park Avenue, Bridgeport. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, friends may consider a donation in Dottie’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.