Hattie Pillar

Groton— Hattie Mae (Dugas) Pillar, 92, of Groton, passed away on Wednesday, May 23, 2012. Her son Jack and his wife Jane (Richard) Pillar were by her side.

She was born in Norwich on Nov. 9, 1919, the daughter of Frederick and Angelina Dugas. She lived in Taftville and Norwich where she attended school and later worked at several mills including Ponemah mill. She married John W. Pillar on Dec. 31, 1937. In 1946, she and her husband owned and operated the Norwich Bowling Alley, Roller Rink and Luncheonette on North Main Street. She continued working there until the late 1960s. After moving their residence to Groton, she was employed in 1972 by the Arwood Corp. She worked there until her retirement in 1984. Raising bulldogs at their Ichabod Lord Kennel was a great enjoyment as she loved animals. As an accomplished artist, she created porcelain dolls, teddy bears, hand-decorated eggs and did primitive stenciled Theorem paintings. She collected early American furniture and dolls and was a member of the New London Doll Club.

She is survived by her son, Jack Pillar, and his wife, Jane, of Mystic; her sister, Shirley (Dugas) Bower; sister-in-law Caroline Kapinos of Norwich; and nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her husband, John W. Pillar; parents Frederick and Angelina (Benoit) Dugas; brother Frederick (Babe) Dugas; sisters Lucille (Dugas) Lamoureu and Margaret (Dugas) Barbarossa; and aunts and uncles.

Her family will greet friends and family from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Tuesday, May 29, at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl St., historic downtown Mystic, followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. to be celebrated at St. Patrick Church, East Main Street, Mystic. A private burial will take place for family members.

Donations in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 238 W. Main St., Norwich, CT 06360.

For obituary information, directions or to send an online condolence please visit www.dinotofuneral.com.