Obituary: Doris Polastri, 92, of Branford

Doris Polastri, of Branford, died March 9, 2016 at her home. She was born in Milford, MA, daughter of the late Gina and Louis Polastri.

She leaves her sister, Angela (Joseph) Orsene of Cheshire; her much loved nephew and godson, Mark Orsene of North Granby; her niece Carol Miessau of Guilford, and her children Kate and Matthew; she was predeceased by her loving sister, Diana Anderson and her nephew, Peter Anderson. She is also survived by Peter's caring wife, Deborah and her sons, Michael, Danny and Christian who always took care of their "Aunt Dor."

Doris graduated from Branford High School in 1942, Salutatorian of her class. She also received the D. A. R. award. Doris majored in French and Italian at Albertus Magnus College, completing her studies Magna Cum Laude.

She received her Master's Degree from Middlebury College, a prestigious school in the field of world languages. Upon receiving a Fulbright scholarship, Doris studied in Italy at the Universita dei Stranieri in Perugia. She taught Italian, several years as department chair, at Torrington High School and also as Associate Professor at Albertus Magnus until her retirement.

In 2009, she was inducted into the Branford Education Hall of Fame. Subsequently, Doris continued to inspire students with her love of the Italian language by volunteering to teach at the Orchard House Adult Day Care Center in Branford.

Friends are invited to a memorial Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday March 16, 2016 at 11:00 in Saint Mary Church, Branford. Burial will be private and there are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, a gift can be made in Doris' name to Albertus Magnus College, Alumni Office, 700 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06511.