Obituary of Rose E. Dews
With deepest sadness, we share that on May 14, 2026, Rose Dondero (Coderre) Dews of Glastonbury, CT, passed unexpectedly but peacefully into transition at the age of 89. She was a cherished wife, mother and grandmother. Her warmth, compassion and wisdom were readily shared with those whose lives she touched, including those in great need in her role as a professional counselor.
She was predeceased by her parents, Margaret (Poggioli) Dondero and Emilio Dondero of Glastonbury, Connecticut, as well as her daughter Jeanne (Coderre) LeBlanc. She will be dearly missed by her whole extended family including her husband George Dews, sons Robert and Mark, daughter-in-law Hilory, grandchildren Ashley, Melissa and Emma Coderre, and Brittany and Emily Gagne. Rose was also very close with in-laws Bob and Leslie Dews.
Rose grew up humbly on a farm in South Glastonbury, where her parents settled and she in turn owned a home and started a family. She earned a professional degree in counseling from Central Connecticut State University. Prior to that her career involved roles as secretary in the Glastonbury High School and Legal Secretary to attorneys in town.
Rose enjoyed family gatherings and they were the best of times including festive decorations and more food than you could eat. She loved to travel, visiting Vermont, Cape Cod, National Parks and Europe - but most of all Martha’s Vineyard. She loved her flowers and enjoyed lifelong companionship with her cats. She stayed in touch with the family through fun daily group texts. She also stayed connected with her large family near Milan, Italy, which she visited multiple times. Rose was an avid reader and an endless learner. After her college years she would take online courses in Archaeology and Geology to expand her horizons.
She touched the lives of so many and brought an unparalleled warmth everywhere she went. She built a wonderful life and family, and while she may no longer be physically with us on this earth, she will be with us all eternally. She will be remembered by many who grew up in town as a Cub Scout Den Mother and Girl Scout Troop Leader. A believer in world unity, she was a founding member of the Hartford Chapter of AMORC.
Friends and family who wish to celebrate her life with us may attend calling hours, June 4, 2026 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Mulryan Funeral Home, 725 Hebron Avenue in Glastonbury. A brief service will follow at 6:00 pm at the funeral home. For online condolences, please visit www.mulryanfh.com.