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WESTPORT, Conn. – Dora Stuttman, 90, of Westport, died Monday, July 6.
She grew up in the Bronx, daughter of Bessie and Michael Berman, sister of Gail Berrent. At an early age, her interests in education and helping others were nurtured while a student and tutor to others at Evander Childs High School and as a member of the USO during the war years. She had a successful career in New York City and Westport.
She was the managing editor of Mayfair, a national fashion magazine and appeared on live TV during the early days of television, offering fashion and beauty advice. She went on to work at H.S. Stuttman Co., Inc., a direct mail publishing company where she worked in all aspects of the business. It was there that she met the love of her life, Burton.
She was one of the founders of Top Drawer, a Westport clothing store that combined her business and fashion knowledge. She moved with her family to Westport in 1962, and participated actively in civic and community affairs. She was a member, then president, of the PTA and then an officer of the PTA Council. She was instrumental in supporting Project Concern, a program that bused Bridgeport students into the Westport schools.
She became a member of the Westport Democratic Town Committee soon after arriving in Westport and went on to serve one term as DTC Chair. She ran several local and state campaigns before she managed Diane Farrell’s successful campaigns for First Selectman of Westport. She is a recipient of multiple awards and honors for her years of service to the Westport community.
She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Burton; daughter Paula Stuttman of New York, New York; daughter Ellen (John) of Brooklyn, New York; son Michael Stuttman (Lisa Brown) of Westport, Connecticut; and one grandson.
Interment took place July 9 at Willowbrook Cemetery, Westport.
Contributions can be made in the name of Dora Stuttman to The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.
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