Dolores “De” B. Tortora Sims, 80, a resident of Hamden for 20 years, formerly of North Haven for 30 years, entered into eternal rest peacefully at home on Monday, August 14, 2017 with her family by her side. She was the beloved wife of 60 years to Robert P. Sims. De was born in New Haven on December 27, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Benjamin and Dorothy Nuzzo Tortora. Mother of Joseph (Lorraine) Sims, William (Gayle) Sims and Robert Sims, Jr. Sister of Ann (Harry) Ramsey, Bernadette (Bob) Magnuson, Benjamin (Lois) Tortora and the late Immaculata Tortora Manemeit and John Tortora. Dolores also leaves her beautiful grandchildren whom she loved dearly, Joseph (Marie) Sims, Ashley, Taylor and David Sims; many nieces, nephews cousins and friends. Nonnie to Elijah and Adam Sims. De was a 1955 graduate of Wilber Cross High School; she and her sister Margie were the owners of the former Pewter Cup Restaurant for many years. De later worked for the City of New Haven and the former W.T.Grant Company. She was an avid bingo player and a longtime parishioner of St. Barnabas Church, North Haven. The family would like to extend a “Special Thank You” for the exceptional care provided by all the nurses, doctors and staff on Verdi 5 East at the St. Raphael campus of Yale New Haven, the CT Hospice Homecare nurses and Albert Lombardi.
Her funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue on Saturday morning at 9:30. Family and friends may call from 8:00 to 9:30 am. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Barnabas Church at 10:00 am. Entombment will follow in the All Saints Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the CT Hospice Homecare, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405.
Bob and Family; Our heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your wife and mother. De was a great person and we missed her during her illness at St. Frances Cabrini Bingo. We had a moment of silence for her on Tuesday so friends could say a prayer. May all your beautiful memories of earlier days when she was well sustain you at this time. Know that all of you are in our prayers.
Dee was the heart of her family and the cornerstone of her many friends. We had the good fortune to have been among them. Her generosity showed itself in so many ways: kindness to all, always being there when needed, never hesitating to shower her family with her unquestioning love. We will always remember the times we traveled with our group enjoying her great sense of humor and memorable laugh!
Our loss is great. We send our prayers and sympathy for Bobby and all the family. George and Deanna
Bill/Bob,
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was a fantastic lady! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Dear Bobby:
I am Barbara Fitzmartin’s sister, Sandra. I had met you and Dolores many times, years ago, at different functions.
I am so sorry for the loss of your lovely wife. My sister and my brother-in-law, Ray, feel just terrible that they can’t be there to support you.
The four couples had many wonderful times together. Cherish those memories.
I will tell my sister that I wrote to you. Sincerely, Sandra Witkowski
So sorry, Dee was the smile that brightened your day. She always was nice and caring to me and my family. There is no more suffering and pain for her anymore. Dee, my God bless you and your beautiful smile into heaven. Until we meet again, Love You. ❤️ Louis Pane and Family
Dear Sims family, so saddened to hear of the passing of your beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Love to all.
my heartfelt sympathy to you bob and your extended family….i am so sorry for your loss. . im sorry i wont be at the services (living in florida) but you are in my thoughts and prayers. vincent
Bob,
It’s been a long struggle but she’s at rest now. You were at her side throughout as a true loving husband and friend. She was not alone. My prayers are with you and your family.
Dave
Dear Bob: We are heart broken to learn of De’s passing. Our deepest sympathy to you and all your family.
We will never forget all our years of friendship, trips, social gatherings, etc. we enjoyed with you and De. It is hard for us to think of her not being here any longer. We will be unable to come to the services, as Ray is totally disabled and travel would be extremely difficult. Just know that our hearts and thoughts with be with you and your family on Saturday. De’s wonderful laugh, beautiful face and cherished friendship will be missed forever.
Love, Barb, Ray, Jeff and family
Dear Bill, Gayle and family, Words alone cannot begin to express our deepest sympathy for your loss. Your mother, mother-in law and grandmother leaves behind many wonderful memories which you will recall over the next few days in the company of family and friends. She still walks by your side every day and every time you think of her, she will always be there in your heart. Just know she is at peace with your family of angels, for Heaven is now her home. She will always be in our prayers.
So very sorry for your loss. On our prayers.
So sad to lose such a great woman! I always looked forward to seeing my “Auntie De”! My heart is a bit broken – I’ll miss her bright smile and laugh and words of wisdom. Sorry to Uncle Bobby and the rest of the family that I can’t be there. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
to Bob, The entire Sims and Tortora Families: Was so sorry to learn of De’s passing. We have many fond memories of She and your entire families. She will be remembered by all. God Bless you all in this time of everlasting love and prayers.
Sims family; please accept my sincere condolences on Dolores’s passing. She was the jewel of out high school class. May she rest in the peace of God’s love forever. A Wilbur Cross class mate of “55.”