Alice "Dolly" (Eaton) Chamberlin

Alice E. “Dolly” (Eaton) Chamberlin, 91, of Plainville, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, January 18, 2020.  She joins her husband of 65 years, William B. Chamberlin, Jr., who predeceased her in 2014.

Born in Bristol on December 7, 1928, she was one of three daughters to the late William and Mary (Seery) Eaton.  A lifelong Plainville resident and dedicated advocate for her community, Dolly was a 1946 graduate of Plainville High School and member of the Blue Angels basketball team, proudly attending their induction into the Plainville Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.  As Executive Director for the Plainville Chamber of Commerce for more than 20 years, Dolly was instrumental in helping her hometown thrive.  A golf enthusiast, she founded the Chamber’s annual “Get Acquainted” golf outing, forming relationships amongst local businesses, and went on to assist other local chambers and organizations host successful tournaments for many years.   She was a member of the Tourism Committee for the Central CT Chamber of Commerce, worked part time for the Southington Chamber of Commerce upon her retirement from Plainville, and was on the Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee for the United Business and Industry Credit Union.  A member and Past President of the Plainville Rotary Club for more than 30 years, she and Bill were both honored with the prestigious Paul Harris Award for their commitment to the club and their community.   A volunteer for the Plainville Hometown Connection alongside her friend of nearly 80 years, Helen Bergenty, she was also a founding member of the Plainville Community Fund in 2006, enhancing the lives of local residents and funding worthwhile projects.  Her many accolades include the Executive of the Year award from the New England Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, the Distinguished Service Award from the Plainville DECA, and was one of several women recognized by the New Britain YWCA as a Woman of the Year.  Remembered for her philanthropy, no nonsense personality and leadership, she will continue to be an inspiration to the many lives she touched.

She leaves her devoted daughters, Sande and Pamela Chamberlin both of Plainville; her sister and brother-in-law, Theresa and Wayne Fuller of Bristol, her sisters-in-law, Ruth Kershner and Dot Smith; along with many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her sister, Elizabeth Munson.

 In lieu of flowers, Dolly may be remembered with contributions to Plainville Community Fund, PO Box 156, Plainville, CT 06062.

Funeral services in celebration of Dolly’s life will be held on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad St, Plainville.  Committal services will follow at West Cemetery.  Family and friends may gather on Wednesday evening, from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home.  

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