Priscilla M. (St. Pierre) Ather

Priscilla M. Ather, 86 of Sanibel, Florida passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Benchmark at South Farms in Middletown, CT. She was the devoted wife of 65 years to the late Roger Ather. Although, residing in Florida for over 20 years, Roger and Priscilla were long-time residents of Manchester, CT and former members of South United Methodist Church.

Born in Manchester, Connecticut on August 17, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Adrian Gerard St. Pierre and Bernice Grace (Lipp) St. Pierre.

Priscilla graduated from Manchester High School in 1957 and married her high school sweetheart, Roger Ather, on September 6, 1958. The couple had two daughters, Susan and Linda. With aspirations of attending the Rhode Island School of Design after high school, she began working for Manchester Law Firms where she continued working as a legal secretary with LaBelle, Rothenberg, Woodhouse, and Rubinow and then Woodhouse, Rubinow, & Macht, P.C. for many years.

Priscilla also worked for Tankworks for a time until she retired and moved to Florida in 2004. While raising her family and working at law firms, Priscilla fostered her long-time passion for oil and acrylic painting, taking lessons from Liz Humphries and Margit Hartl. During her lifetime, she also dabbled in painting on glassware, making porcelain dolls, stained glass, and many other crafts which she generously gave to family and friends and contributed to many church fairs wherever she resided. Other hobbies included taking organ lessons and accompanying many holiday sing- alongs. Priscilla hosted many holiday parties and wonderful summer family reunions. She also served on various committees and boards at church. There were many summer trips to Point O’Woods Beach in So. Lyme, CT  and visiting friends on Cape Cod, MA.

Priscilla and Roger moved to Sanibel Island, Florida after their retirement in 2004 and became members of Sanibel Community Church. As a couple, they faithfully attended services and Priscilla was involved in the SCC encouragement ministry. She also supported the SCC holiday bazaar and contributed painted shell ornaments, hand-painted Christmas ornaments, and glassware. After retirement, Priscilla wrote poetry and did some family genealogy research. Priscilla exemplified a strong work ethic and if any “thing” was worth doing, it was worth doing well (the first time!).” She had high standards for her accomplishments, and she was generous with her time and talents. She relished time spent with family, extended family, and friends.

Priscilla is lovingly missed as a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend. She is survived by her daughters, Linda Cyr (John) and Susan Van Veldhuisen (Douglas); four beloved grandchildren, Benjamin Cyr (Sierra), Joshua Cyr (Marie), Melissa Cordero (Edwin), Katrina Caruso (Jesse); nine wonderful great grandchildren, Nyomi, Isabella, Victoria, Chloe-Anne, and Liam Cordero; Isla and Adalyn Caruso; Emersyn Cyr; and Samuel Cyr; nieces and nephews, Wendy Marinan (Christopher), Wesley Morton (Michelle),  Raymond Ather, Jr., Kim Post, Kay McDowell, and David McDowell; Grand nieces and nephews, Jason and John Marinan, Anna, Sarah, and Jeffrey Morton. She is also survived by brother-in-law, Lance Kozikowski of Coventry; and sister-in-law, Jane Ashton Ather of St. Petersburg, FL and many dear friends. Along with her parents, and Roger’s parents, Priscilla was predeceased by sister, Marilyn Ann St. Pierre Kozikowski of Coventry and brother-in-law Raymond B. Ather, Sr. of FL.

A memorial service celebrating Priscilla’s life will be held at the convenience of the family.

The family is grateful for the love and support of Sanibel Community Church (Sanibel, FL), First Congregational Church (Cromwell, CT), Living Hope Church (Huntsville, AL), Doolittle’s Funeral Home (Cromwell, CT), and Benchmark at South Farms (Middletown, CT).

To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Priscilla M. (St. Pierre) Ather, please visit our floral store.