Basic Needs/Social Services
Phyllis Dower Joins the Legacy Society – sets a plan in motion to care for her community
Winsted resident Phyllis Dower grew up in the hills of North Canaan, surrounded by family who believed in giving back to others. Her mother was a school teacher and her aunts were school teachers and registered nurses—women who made it their life's work to serve others. Phyllis followed their path.
Phyllis attended Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village. After graduating, she moved to New York City, where she resided for twenty years, completing a Bachelor of Science degree at Columbia University with a major in nursing. Later, she completed a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in English Literature at New York University.
"It has always been my desire to be of assistance to others, which is reflected in a lifetime of service to others. The Phyllis Frances Pitcher Dower Fund will ensure the continuation of that desire."
Phyllis worked as a registered nurse in New York City in various clinical and administrative positions. She enjoyed the culture and arts offered by the City, in particular the ballet and art museums. Interested in seeking more education and experience in public health administration, Phyllis completed a Master's in Public Health degree from Yale University and went on to pursue a career in public health administration at the New Jersey Department of Public Health and at the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Her public health experience focused on cardiovascular health and disease prevention.
In anticipation of retiring and returning to the Northwest Corner,Phyllis purchased an antique home in Winsted, where she currently resides. She retired from the New Jersey Department of Public Health and moved to Winsted, working for the Connecticut Department of Public Health for six years.
Having retired from the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Phyllis volunteers for many activities with Trinity Episcopal Church in Torrington, and serves as a Trustee for the Friends of the Library, a fundraising organization that provides supplemental funding to Beardsley & Memorial Library.
Seeking to leave her estate to address the needs of low-income residents in North Canaan, Phyllis reached out to her attorney and to the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation for their assistance in establishing the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation Phyllis Frances Pitcher Dower Fund, which will be funded by her estate.
"It has always been my desire to be of assistance to others, which is reflected in a lifetime of service to others,” said Phyllis. “The Phyllis Frances Pitcher Dower Fund will ensure the continuation of that desire."
The Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation Phyllis Frances Pitcher Dower Fund will provide financial assistance to low-income residents of North Canaan, including assistance with rent, food, clothing, heat, utilities, disaster assistance, elderly care, child care, and medical expenses.
