Obituary of Virginia F. Doyle

Virginia F. Doyle, 91, of New Britain passed away on Friday, Feb. 5, 2021. Virginia was born in Englewood, New Jersey. She was the daughter of the late Leonard Lockwood and Virginia (Chennells, Lockwood) Kovel. Virginia’s family moved to Waterbury when she was very young. She attended Kingsbury Elementary School and later the “old” Crosby High School class of 1946. In 1948 she married Donald J. Doyle, and soon after the couple moved to a suburb of Los Angeles, California. While living in California, their first two children were born: Virginia Leigh and Donald J. Jr. Virginia and her husband moved back to CT in 1952 and eventually settled in New Britain, CT. at 45 Dorman Road. Between 1956 -1964 Virginia and her husband had three more children: Thomas A., David A., and James R. Doyle. After having 5 children, Virginia attended C.C.S.C. earning a Bachelor Degree in Education and later on a Masters Degree also in Education from C.C.S.U. She was a substitute teacher in the New Britain Schools and surrounding towns before becoming an Eighth Grade Teacher at St. Joseph Cathedral School in Hartford, CT. Virginia was a long-time parishioner of St. Francis Church in New Britain and a member their Ladies Guild. She also a passion for singing and was a member of the “Do- Ray-Mommies” singing group. She was also active in many school PTA’s while her 5 children were attending schools. Virginia was very talented in sewing, making dresses, knitting hats and gloves/mittens for her children, and later making items for craft shows. Virginia also loved gardening and making grape jelly from grapes raised from her own grape arbor. As busy as she was, Virginia was the heart and soul of her family. In later years she loved to have visits with her grandchildren and would never forget to send them birthday cards. Virginia came to be known as the “Beagle Lady” in the Dorman Road area. She raised 5 beagles and loved to walk them and meet all her neighbors while keeping up with their happenings. In her later years she also enjoyed playing Bingo at The New Britain Senior Center. Virginia was predeceased by both her parents and her husband Donald who died June 30, 2006. Virginia is survived by her daughter Virginia Leigh and her husband Oswald (Ozzie) Crandall; her four sons: Donald and his wife Jean Doyle, Thomas and his wife Cheryl Doyle, David Doyle, and James and his wife Paula Doyle; 10 grandchildren: Bridget, Catherine, Daniel, Christine, Jennifer, Ryan, Julia, Nathan, Sarah, and Sean; 2 great grandchildren: Lucy and Madelyn; 2 brothers: Leonard Lockwood and Thomas and his wife Helen Lockwood; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be at Farrell Funeral Home located at 110 Franklin Sq New Britain. A walk -through visitation will be held on Wednesday, Feb 10,2021 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Social distancing will be observed and masks must be worn. A private burial will be held at Fairview Cemetery on Feb. 11, 2021 for her family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the CT Humane Society, 701 Russell Road, Newington, CT 06111.