Dorothy Montano Keefe, 75, passed away peacefully February 13, 2025

Dorothy Montano Keefe, 75, passed away peacefully with her loving family around her on February 13, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and unstoppable spirit.

Dorothy was the beating heart of every room she entered—warm, vivacious, and endlessly generous. She is survived by her former husband, Hugh, and their three sons, Hugh “Patrick” (Megan), Brendan, and Dr. Bill. Her five cherished grandchildren—Clara, Teagan, John, Alice, and Paddy—were the lights of her life. She also leaves behind her beloved siblings: Catherine Amendola, Donna Shanley, Donald “Bubby” Montano (Christine), John Montano (Marie), twin sister Margaret Gettinger (Paul), and Linda Montano, along with a large and loving extended family of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and dear friends, and her dog, Pierre. She is now reunited with her brother William “Billy” Montano, her brothers-in-law, Buddy and Bob, and her mother Catherine.

Dorothy’s strength and determination were well known. After marrying in 1975, she spent nine long years praying and hoping to become a mother—a testament to her fighting spirit which she had her whole life through her final moments. Dorothy was a lifelong Connecticut resident, attending Hamden High School and going on to be an operating room nurse for several years.
A natural host, Dorothy could turn any gathering into a celebration. She lived for the joy of togetherness, never missing an opportunity to throw a party, especially on her two favorite holidays—Christmas and the Fourth of July. If there was music, she was dancing. If there was laughter, she was at the center of it. Her faith was the foundation of everything she did, from attending daily Mass to leading weekly prayer groups in her home. She also put her faith into action, serving as a Eucharistic minister and volunteering with the “Midnight Run” to bring food and care to the homeless in New Haven—often taking along her children to help. Her unwavering belief in the power of prayer uplifted many, and her devotion is credited with the success and well-being of countless loved ones.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Dorothy’s life on Monday, February 17, 2025, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad Street, Milford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 12 p.m. at Saint Mary Church, 70 Gulf St., Milford, CT 06460 (please meet directly at the church). She will be laid to rest at Saint Mary Cemetery, Buckingham Ave, Milford, CT 06460.

In honor of Dorothy’s giving spirit, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation—a cause close to her heart, onlineat https://www.michaeljfox.org/
The family would like to thank the very knowledgeable, kind and compassionate doctors and nurses at Bridgeport Hospital, Milford Campus ICU and 3 West.
Dorothy’s presence was a gift, her love was a force, and her legacy will live on in the lives she touched. While she may no longer be with us in person, her laughter, kindness, and unwavering faith will echo in our hearts forever.

To light a candle or leave a condolence in her memory, please visit www.CodyWhiteFuneralService.com