This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

Drusilla Nelson D’Auteuil, 79, died of cancer on July 6, in Fort Myers, Florida. “Dru” was born Jan. 8, 1942, in Madison. After graduating from Daniel Hand High School, Dru studied early childhood development at the University of Connecticut before teaching 1st grade in Rocky Hill.

In 1964, Dru met the love of her life, Don, at a summer outing in the Thimble Islands and they were married 13 months later. Together they sailed the Eastern Seaboard, designed and built six beautiful homes, raised two girls, traveled near and far, and maintained strong and lasting friendships. They shared 52 wonderful years together. Dru was a passionate gardener, a gourmet cook, a dedicated volunteer, an avid walker, and an eternal teacher.

A truly kind and warm woman, Dru’s smile was infectious and welcoming. She was well practiced in the art of feeding the body and the soul with great food, thoughtful conversation, and genuine laughter. Dru was small but mighty. She was incredibly courageous and used her strong faith to persevere with grace and poise in the face of adversity.

She is survived by her daughters Nicole D’Auteuil Mutnick and Margaux D’Auteuil Peabody and their spouses, sister Marcia Masland, and four grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 18, at Plymouth Congregational Church in Belmont, Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers or donations, please plant something in your garden in her memory. She loved the bright hues of iris, day lilies, pansies, black-eyed Susans, and zinnias. If you do not have a garden, try to embrace frequent walks in her honor or invite friends over for a well-prepared, delicious meal.