Judith E. Dennis

On September 28, 2025, Mrs. Judith E. Dennis left this life as she lived it: fiercely independent and on her own terms.  Born in New Britain and educated locally, Judith received her undergraduate degree at Douglas College (Rutgers University), learned Spanish through a residency led by Middlebury College, and later earned her Master of Arts in Liberal Studies at Wesleyan University.

She met her future husband Dr. Roger Dennis in England, and the young couple settled in Alabama but eventually returned to her cherished childhood home in New Britain. They traveled extensively throughout their time together, learned to speak German, created beautiful gardens, and opened their home to friends far and wide. As admired educators and mentors, Judith and Roger shared a passion for literature, language and life-long learning.  Judith taught English in several settings throughout her distinguished career, serving on the faculties of The Walnut Hill School of Natick, MA, Conard High School in West Hartford, CT, and then the final decades of her career at Lewis S. Mills High School in Burlington, CT. Throughout, Mrs. Dennis taught good writing, encouraged perceptive reading, and welcomed progressive discussion.  Her students and colleagues benefited from her expertise. In all she did, she made a difference.

Judith was predeceased by her parents, Edmund and Dorothy (Schwerdtfeger) Ellert of New Britain, and by her husband Dr. Roger Dennis. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Andy and Julie Dennis of Rainbow City, Alabama and her cousins, Susan Buckler of Southington, CT and Thomas Kroher of East Berlin, CT.  Judith planned very carefully for the final decade of her life, and she chose to remain independent and in her own home throughout the course of a series of health challenges. She benefited from the excellent services of Hartford Healthcare Independence at Home, and later Hartford Healthcare at Home Hospice Care.

Mrs. Dennis' burial arrangements are private. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be offered to The New Britain Public Library.  Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home of Berlin is in charge of arrangements.