"Sincere and loving thoughts go out to Jim and his family on the loss of Dotti. A small slice of our mutual history was shared in the 1960s as we briefly served together on the staff at Navy OCS. Our recall, tough badly diminished, still highlights happy moments together as we enjoyed each other's company and especially that of the loving and energetic Dotti. We will remember her affectionately in grateful thought and prayer. May she always rest in peace and joy. Ellen and Dave Wixted"
In loving memory of
Dorothy Ann Garman
July 15, 1941 - October 23, 2021
Dorothy Ann (George) Garman died unexpectedly on October 23, 2021 at Newport Hospital at the age of eighty. A resident of Portsmouth from 1965 until her death, she was the wife of James E. Garman.
Born in Narragansett, Rhode Island to Frank P. and Violet (Haslam) George, Dotti was raised in Newport's Fifth Ward. She attended parochial schools in Newport before graduating from Rogers High School in 1959. She then went on to the Newport Hospital School of Nursing before her first professional assignment as a critical care nurse at Boston Children's Hospital.
Dotti's life was marked by her passionate devotion to the art of nursing. On her return to Aquidneck Island, she embarked on a 37-year career at Newport Hospital, serving as a Critical Care Nurse, an Instructor in the School of Nursing, a Nursing Staff Development Instructor, and finally as Coordinator for Nursing and Patient Education. At mid-career she went back to school, earning first a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Salve Regina University and then a Master of Science (also in Nursing) from Boston College.
Dotti was lead author on Newport Hospital's first application for Magnet Designation, and she was honored as Employee of the Year in 1998. The award cited her as "the consummate Newport Hospital cheerleader" who could "turn the most mundane of activities into a celebration." A former hospital employee described her as "elegant and gentle in her manner, yet towering with nursing expertise."
Long after her retirement in 2007, she tutored nursing students from the Community College of Rhode Island around her kitchen table, mentoring them as they prepared for examinations. Family members who have need of Newport Hospital's services have long grown accustomed to the question "Are you related to Dotti?" as they fill out paperwork or wait to be seen. This question is always followed by an affectionate story about how she helped the employee navigate the maze of coursework and certifications.
In addition to her responsibilities at the hospital, Dotti and her husband operated Garman Photography, a family-run business specializing in weddings and portraits. She was a champion at getting people to relax, and had unlimited patience for nervous brides and squealing toddlers, always carrying a bag of tricks to get them to smile for the camera.
Although work was an important part of her life, Dotti enjoyed her friends and her social life. Her afternoons were spent on long walks through The Glen with her husband, shepherding a series of Tibetan terriers along the wooded pathways. She loved having her house at the center of holidays, and her eyes lit up when her grand-children came to visit. Dotti was a long-standing member of the Board of Trustees of the Portsmouth Free Public Library.
Dotti was preceded in death by her brother, David P. George, who died in 2001. She was extremely close to her brother, and often expressed deep sorrow about his loss.
Dotti is survived by her husband of 57 years, James E. Garman of Portsmouth; her son, James C. Garman and his wife, Michelle G. Garman; her daughter, Deborah L. Garman of Newport; her grand-children, Michael J. Garman, Sophie S. Garman, and Freya G. Garman, all of Newport; and her sister, Linda Leightley and her husband, Albert Leightley II of Fairfax, VA.
Calling hours will be Friday, October 29th from 4 to 7 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, RI with the funeral at Memorial at 9.00 a.m. on Saturday, October 30th. A private burial will follow at The Union Cemetery in Portsmouth. In lieu of flowers, family members ask that donations in Dotti's name be made to the Portsmouth Free Public Library, 2658 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871.
Tributes
"So sorry to hear of Dotti's passing. She was the nicest person and an amazing nurse. She gave so much to Newport Hospital. Not only her knowledge but her friendliness and kindness. My sincerest sympathy to all her family and friends. "
"Such an amazing, strong, beautiful and totally energetic lady. Dotti was one of my nursing instructors, then friend and coworker. She and Jim even did my wedding photos! She touched the lives of so many. I feel honored to have had a part of her in my life. Dotti, you will be missed by all ?"
"Rest in peace, dear Dotti."
"What a beautiful Irish song that was played along with her video of photos! My thoughts and prayers for her family and friends. She has completed her time on Earth May her heavenly life begin. Sending higher prayers of comfort for those who knew her well. Marcia Palucha Doherty, class of 1977. Fort Worth. Texas."
"Dear Garman Family, I am saddened by the passing of Dotti. She was a mentor, friend, and an important part of my nursing career. I am forever grateful to her for her teaching and wisdom. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time."
"ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT, CONDOLENCES JIM AND ALL THE FAMILY ON THE DEATH OF DOTTI. I KNEW THE GEORGE FAMILY BEFORE YOU. AS THE HISTORIAN FOR NEWPORT I THANK YOU FOR ALL PAST LECTURES. MAY GOD HOLD DOROTHY AND ALL THE FAMILY IN THE HALLOW OF HIS HAND."
"Sympathy to all of Dotti's Family. When I started my business on Aquidneck Island close to thirty years ago I received numerous calls from the referrals sent by Dotti. I know her nursing career is highly respected but she also was the go to person back in the early 90's for any bride wanting the best photographer on the Island. Such a wonderful lady. "
"On behalf of Newport Hospital Nursing Staff, we want to express our sincere condolences to Dotti's family. Dotti did so much to support Newport Hospital nurses over the years. She left such a positive lasting impression with the nursing staff, they are forever grateful for her kindness, compassion, love of teaching and nursing excellence. Dotti was such a phenomenal mentor to so many and will be dearly missed by all. Rest in peace, Orla Brandos, Chief Nursing Officer, Newport Hospital"
"Dotti was a huge part of why I made it through Nursing school!! She gave of her time so selfishly and my condolences to Jim and her family!!??"
"Gracious and lovely inside and out! Guardian angel to so many. We are blessed to have known you. Thank you so much! We will love you forever. "
"Dotty and I graduated together from Rogers High Schook. In later years when I would come back to Newport for summer visits she would join me and other high school friends for lunch. I always admired her ?spunk? and gosh I loved her hair! I am so sad to hear of her passing but I know she?s in a better place. God Bless her?? Love and prayers, Arlene (Dovel) Callahan"
"I am shocked and saddened by the death of dottie. She was the most friendliest kindest nurse that I have met. She brought Newport Hospital into an elite status with her Work on the magnet program. She was a great instructor and I was privileged to take ACLS from her When I worked at Newport Hospital. I offer my most sincere condolences to Jim, her children and grandchildren as well as to her many friends. It is a great loss to lose such a lovely lady. "
"A tremendous Nurse and person, such a beautiful woman, always kind, Jim my heart goes out to you and your family, she had such a close connection with so many, she will always be lovingly remembered by her peers, friends and students, XOXO"
"Sending so much love to you all! Dotti was such a key piece for me and my fellow nursing students at CCRI and the nursing program and also a true cheerleader and friend! I will never forget the dedicated tutoring she gave to all of us, she wanted nothing more than for ALL of us to succeed, Will never forget kicking my shoes off at the door and sitting cozy at the dining table with my fellow students, bless you all we have such heavy hearts, we will miss you terribly! "
"Dotti was such an influential part of my career at Newport Hospital. She is fondly remembered and will be missed. "
"Dotti and I went to HS she was a good friend of mine, had lots of laughs ,it is so hard to see members of your HS die.. Our deepest sympathies to Jim, and the rest of your family. At the 40th hs reunion she was there with Jim it was fun catching up. When we moved to NH we lost contact with so many friends in Newport, it is good we have our memories to remember friends. Thank you Dottie for being my friend all of these years Linda (Maxson) and Fran Irish"
"Jim and Family - my deepest sympathies. Thinking of you all!"
"Condolences to the family. Dotti was the best of the best Always smiling and sharing her energy with whoever surrounds her. She was a book of knowledge and was one of the best educator?s.. Newport Hospital was lucky to have her for so many years. She worked diligently to help Newport Hospital get our first Magnet Status. I would see her in town, visiting her grandkids, commenting on facebook. A lovely professional nurse with a huge heart. RIP Dotti????"
"So shocked to read this news today! I knew Dottie through Newport Hospital School of Nursing and we kept in touch over the years through Face Book. She was an amazing instructor and, most importantly, an amazing human being. She and her husband photographed my wedding back in 1988 in which they caught so many awesome moments! She was a lover of so many things; teaching all she knew about nursing, the human experience, her family and enjoyed an easy time connecting with people. My sincerest condolences to her family. "
"Sending condolences to all of Dotti?s family. She was such a bright light at Newport Hospital and will be remembered for her steady kindness snd positive spirit. May she rest in eternal peace.."
"Dottie was a bundle of energy?such a kind fabulous nurse! Loved it when she and Jim would take pictures at our hospital events. She will be missed."
"This lady was a special angel in always. She had a heart of gold and always greeted you with a smile That was our Dottie. We love you and will miss you. Rest in peace my friend."
"Such sad, sad news. Dotti was smart and kind. She was one of God?s best human beings?.May she Rest In Peace.. My sincere condolences to her family."
"I am so sorry to hear of Dotti's passing. We haven't seen each other since graduating from Roger's High School so many years ago, but thanks to FB we reconnected and had planned to get together these past two summers when I had planned to travel to RI from Mn but was unable to travel. I've enjoyed our conversations through technology and will miss her. Dotti may you rest in peace and rise in glory."
"I was so sorry to hear of Dotties death.She was so admired by so many people me included.She is now at peace Twinkiesullivan "
"Oh, Jim, I am so sorry. You and Dotti had such a special bond that I know this is devastating. I wish I could make it go away. Such a great loss to all of us. She had such a bubbling personality. If there is anything I can do for you, let me know. Been there, done that. I'm here if you need me. Even if only to talk. Florence"
"Dotti was my criticsl care instructor NHSN class of 1979 ,she was a great mentor. I will miss her on Facebook she always loved the photographs that were posted , she was a super nurse and paient advocate Msy Dotti RIP "
"My sincere condolences to all of her family. I worked with Dotti for many years in my life until she retired. Dotti was my instructoir at Npt Hosp School of Nursing and was the best of the best. She taught us well so that we understood everything and was more than happy to take our questiions and explain again. She had such patience. And she was always joking to make you laugh. I worked with her on and off during both our times at the hospital and of course took her ACLS education along with so many more required things over the decades and she was always the same happy go lucky person. She bounced all over the place with happy energy. She wore many hats and was happy with each one of them.. Many people give and Dotti gave a lot more. She always stopped to chit chat if she saw you in passing. She was always upbeat til the end when she left. She was greatly missed when she left. Npt Hosptal should never forget what she did for them and all of it's employees for decades. Any many nurses have been lucky enough to have been taught by her. Rest in heaven Dotti."
"Jim and family, My heartfelt and sincere sympathy to you all. Dotti was such a vibrant and smart lady. So happy to have known her through the years. She will be missed by the Portsmouth Community. "
"Dottie was an extraordinary mentor and patient Teacher to so many nursing students,, new nurses, full of encouragement, a wonderful kind and sweet lady. May she Rest In Peace"