Dorothy L. (Battista) Freel Griswold

Dorothy Freel Griswold, 96, formerly of West Haven, currently of the The Hearth at Gardenside passed away peacefully on March 19,, 2020 at CT. Hospice.  She is predeceased by her husband’s Thomas H. Freel and Augustus W. Griswold.   Cherished mother of Tamzan Freel Guarino (Dominic), Maura Vercillo (Arthur), Thomas H. Freel, Shawn H. Freel (Kathleen) and Bridgetta Al-Hamzawi (Sam).  Proud grandmother of 20 and great grandmother of 30.  She is predeceased by her grandson Michael Melillo, sister Marie O’Connell and two brothers Edward and Francis Battista. 

Dorothy worked as an LPN and then became a registered respiratory therapist.  For many years, she was codirector of the School of Respiratory Therapy at the Hospital of St. Raphael.  While residing at the Hearth at Gardenside, Dorothy was part of the welcoming committee, something she thoroughly enjoyed.  Her family meant everything to her; she was the matriarch of a large and loving family.  Her famous saying, Onward ever, Backward never, will be remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Everyone is invited to a graveside service MONDAY MARCH 23 at noon in St. Lawrence Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Indian School, 1301 North Main St. , Chamberlain, South Dakota 57325

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dorothy L. (Battista) Freel Griswold, please visit our floral store.