Dorothy Lukis Hosterman

KENT — Dorothy Lukis Hosterman passed away peacefully, at home in Torrington, on Dec. 20, 2024, at the age of 94, after a long journey with dementia. Known to friends and family as “Dot” up until the end, she maintained her kindness, grace, compassion, appreciation of beauty, and love of family and friends.

Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, to immigrant parents from the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, Dot was predeceased by her parents, John and Catherine, and 11 brothers and sisters. She is survived by her three children and their spouses;John and his husband Eric of Northfield, Minnesota, Tracy and her partner Sam of Amenia, New York, and Catherine and her husband Josh of Cornwall. She is also survived by her five grandchildren; Nicky, Dan, Ian, Zachary, and Eliza, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dot attended the State University of New York at Buffalo, earning her degree in nursing. Dot was proud to be a nurse and enjoyed her profession immensely. However, she changed directions after several years and devoted the remainder of her long life to raising her children, spending time with her grandchildren, and organizing “field trips” with her many friends. Dot was a resident of Kent, for over 40 years where she was a fixture in the community, having been involved with a multitude of activities and volunteer programs over the years.

Dot was an avid crocheter and donated dozens of blankets to the elderly in her community. She spent lots of time in the kitchen cooking. She would be pleased to know that her Marinated Lamb, Chili, and “Magic Cookie Bars” recipes have been properly handed down.

Dot loved Betty White, cheap white wine, and Fudge Ripple ice cream—though not necessarily in that order.

A skilled gardener, Dot always had a house full of plants. She was especially fond of her Christmas cactus, which she inherited from her mother in the 1960s. Dot’s children and grandchildren now have their own offspring of “Grandma Lukis’ Christmas Cactus”, which bloom faithfully every year, and which, with their caretakers, will go on and on for lifetimes to come.

There will be a Celebration of Life held on Jan. 4, at 11 a.m. at Cornwall UCC, 8 Bolton Hill Road. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, monetary donations can be made to The Kent Food Bank 41 Kent Green Blvd, Kent CT 06759.