Judy Dolphin

Gales Ferry — Judy Dolphin, 78, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018, at Hartford Hospital.

She is survived by her husband, Warren of Gales Ferry; her son, Garth, also of Gales Ferry; her daughter, Jenny of Colombo, Sri Lanka; her daughter-in-law, Lara; her son-inlaw, Shannon; and her grandchildren, Avery, Hunter, Aidan and Brendan. She is also survived by her sister, Lynn Joiner of Pennsburg, Pa.; and her brother, Harry L. Allen of North Plainfield, N.J. Judy was born in Philadelphia, Pa. and graduated from Westchester State Teachers College in 1962 with a degree in elementary education. Her first teaching job was in Cheltenham, Pa. In 1963, she married Warren and together they moved to Columbus, Ohio where she taught at Maize Road Elementary School for six years. Judy and Warren then moved to Maine where Judy taught at Helen Hunt Elementary in Old Town, Maine.

In 1970, the Dolphins moved to Ames, Iowa where they raised their family and spent 37 years. In Ames, Judy was an active member of the school board, the League of Women Voters, and the United Church of Christ-Congregational. She worked for several years with the Social Services of Iowa before becoming programming director of the Ames-Iowa State University YWCA. She later became the director and served the Ames and Iowa State international community for over a decade.

In 2007, Judy and Warren moved to Gales Ferry to live on the Thames River and be closer to family. Judy quickly became an integral part of the community, giving her time and talents to The League of Women Voters where she was a driving force in revitalizing the southeastern chapter of the organization. She also served as co-president of the State League for two years. Judy found the Ledyard Congregational Church upon her arrival in Connecticut and devoted herself to its many programs and missions. She was a Sunday school teacher, was on the church council, took a leadership role in women’s fellowship, and was very active in the church’s mission programs, volunteering countless hours with the food pantry and working with refugee relocation.

Whether it was at the local farmers market or small retail stores, she was an outgoing member of the community no matter where she was. She may have met a stranger, but they didn’t stay that way for long. She was the light of her family’s life, and will be a beacon for future years.

A memorial service is planned for 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23, at the Ledyard Congregational Church UCC.

In lieu of flowers or cards, consider sending a contribution to Ledyard Congregational Church Mission Fund.

The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl St., historic downtown Mystic, is assisting the family.