Nancy Root Doheny

Nancy Root Doheny, a longtime resident of Orange, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2023, while surrounded by family and comforted by her faith.

She is predeceased by her beloved husband of 65 years, John Doheny. In addition to her husband, she is predeceased by her father Clarence Root and mother Ethel Joslyn Root.

Nancy is survived by her seven children and their spouses: John (Rose Monahan), Karen (Eric Riseman), Lisa Jacobson, Timothy (Kim Witteman), Amy (Paul Macy), Christopher (Jeanette Buoncampagni), and Brian (Joanne DeRiso). She was a grandmother to 14: Kelley (Chris Hall), Shannon (Chris Houle), Nicholas (Devin DeMartino), Keenan, Amy, Katharine, Molly (Clarke Hines), Claire, Emma, Sarah, Jackson, Seamus, Luke, and Caden, and great grandmother to Rome, Naomi, and Grayson. She is also survived by her sister Bettylou (David Morowski), sister-in-law Helen Siano, sister-in-law Judy Doheny and many nieces and nephews.

Born in New Haven, Nancy spent her childhood years in the New Haven area as well as in Meadville, PA and Troy, NY. After graduating from West Haven High School in 1952, she went to work for Southern New England Telephone Company where she met her future husband, John. They wed in 1957 and settled in New Haven, eventually moving to their dream house in Orange in 1965 where they raised their seven children.

Despite her busy life, Nancy was active in town and always found time to give back. She volunteered as a teacher’s aide at Peck Place School in Orange and at the town library. She was a devoted member of the Congregational Church and volunteered at various church functions.
With young children still at home, Nancy resumed her career and began as a teller at New Haven Savings Bank. Nancy loved her customers and made many friends while she was there. After 23 years, she retired at age 64. In her post-retirement life, Nancy volunteered her time, assisting patients for 15 years at Milford Hospital Surgical Center.

Nancy had many hobbies and loves – she was a fabulous cook and host, loved her gardening, was an avid reader and movie watcher, and was a passionate weather enthusiast!
Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her 14 grandchildren whom she adored. The family spent many years on summer vacations on the Cape, Martha’s Vineyard and in the Outer Banks in North Carolina. She treasured the beach, sunsets, and dinner with John on the Milford pier.

Nancy’s personality sparkled. A self-proclaimed, “people person”, Nancy was a great conversationist and listener, always deeply interested in others. She had many, cherished, close friends. She was optimistic, joyful, fun and most of all caring, loving, and warm. We will miss our “Fancy Nancy”.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Sunday, October 29 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Cody White Funeral Home, 107 Broad Street, Milford, CT 06460. A funeral service will be held on Monday, October 30 at 10:00 a.m. at Orange Congregational Church, 205 Meetinghouse Ln, Orange, CT 06477, followed by a burial service at Saint Lawrence Cemetery, 280 Derby Avenue, West Haven.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Nancy’s memory may be made to the Salvation Army online at www.give.salvationarmyusa.org

Nancy is being compassionately cared for by Cody-White Funeral Home. To light a candle or leave a condolence, please continue https://www.codywhitefuneralservice.com/tributes/Nancy-Doheny