Lena M. Dorner

Lena Dorner, 78, of Bristol passed away peacefully on January 24, 2025. While we’d like to say she went quietly into the night, anyone who knew her would say that wasn’t how Lena did anything. She was beloved for her outgoing personality, charm and sharp wit, from which no one was safe.

 Lena had a generous love for her family and friends. Visitors to her home were welcomed warmly – and always with food. She loved to cook, taking after her own mother and regularly supplying an army’s worth of meatballs to family dinners. She had a keen eye for fashion and design, never leaving the house without looking amazing (even in her chemo wig). She enjoyed decorating her home with an endless rotation of holiday decor - there was no holiday too small! Lena also loved music and dancing, frequenting dance halls, concerts, and any party that would have her, along with her husband and gangs of friends. 

With nearly 40 years as an employee of New Britain General Hospital, Lena worked in many departments including accounting, admitting, billing, and MRI. She was the administrative secretary to multiple doctors - most notably Dr. Howard Levine and Dr. Anthony Luciano. During her career at the hospital, she made lifelong friends and held many cherished memories of her time there. 

Lena is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, Paul, her daughter Jessica of Southington, as well as her daughter Ashley, son-in-law Alex, and grandson Patrick of Middletown. She has many nieces, nephews, cousins, and family who meant the world to her. She is predeceased by her parents Mary (Perfetto) and Larry Bouchard of Southington.

It was Lena’s wish to have friends and family together for a Celebration of Life, which will be held in the near future. Her family would like to thank everyone for their love and support of Lena over many years. Your presence in her life made it a joy.

Plantsville Funeral Home has been entrusted with handling the arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com