“Praise God,” the prayerful last words of Dorothy Louise McGinnis, age 91 years, who entered eternal peace on March 25, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. Recently of Shelton, she lived in Southbury for over 20 years.

Born March 25, 1931, in Adamstown, Maryland, “Dottie” was the eldest child of Howard and Charolette Fry. She is predeceased by her loving husband Paul McGinnis, of 60 years, and her two brothers, Bob Fry and Skip Fry.

A lifelong sports fan, she was the most avid supporter of her children and grandchildren. She was extremely proud of their many accomplishments.

Dorothy graduated from Frederick High School, Frederick, Md., and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Frederick Memorial Hospital. Her early years of care were served in the field of obstetrics as a delivery room nurse. Later in life she provided care as a private duty nurse, eventually retiring from her career as the nursing supervisor of a nursing home.

Dorothy volunteered countless hours of service to her community as well, providing nursing care, working with Meals on Wheels, participating in her children’s PTAs, as a member of the Southbury Chapter of PEO Sisterhood, a nonprofit international philanthropic and educational organization, and through many church committees.

She is lovingly survived by daughter Melinda Welchel, and family; son, Michael (Muggs) McGinnis, and family; and daughter Laura Buzzanca, and family.

A faithful member of the Lutheran church, Dorothy lived her life in joyful reverence to God. A Funeral Service will be held at Christ The King Lutheran Church, Newtown, Conn., on Wednesday, March 30, 2022, at 1 pm, where we will give thanks to God for blessing Dorothy with a long, beautiful life.

The Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Road, Shelton, has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Online condolences can be offered at riverviewfh.com.