Dorothy Ferguson Roussakis, 95, of Burlington and Kokomo, died Sat., Nov. 21, 2009, at St. Joseph Hospital, Kokomo. She was originally from Bridgeport and Monroe, Connecticut, and Alton and Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, moving to Indiana in 2000,

Born April 24, 1914, in Danbury, Conn., she was the daughter of Daniel and Flora (Ellwood) Ferguson. She was a portrait painter by profession. In 1944 Dorothy married Charles Roussakis, also an artist and a 35-year employee of Remington Shaver in Bridgeport. He preceded her in death in 1990.

Dorothy brought much joy into the lives of many through her mild manner and celebrative artwork.

Dorothy studied at the Phoenix Art School of New York City, and with Karl Anderson, N.A. Over a 60-year span, her award-winning works were exhibited at more than 50 locations, including the New England states and New York galleries, museums and libraries, as well as in Chicago and the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C. Her last one-woman show was in 2003 at Indiana University Kokomo.

For many years Dorothy was included in Who’s Who of American Women. She was a 50-year member of the National League of American Pen Women, having served as president of the Bridgeport and Fairfield County branches, as well as Connecticut state president. She was a member of several other professional artist associations, including The American Artist Professional League of New York.

Also a poet, a collection of Dorothy’s poetry was published in 2003.

Dorothy’s church membership was held at The Community Church of Alton, N.H.

Surviving are one son, Rev. Dr. Peter Roussakis (wife: Phyllis) of Kokomo; two grandsons and one greatgranddaughter: Alex Roussakis (wife: Sarah) of Glendale, Ariz., and Aaron Roussakis (wife: Beth) and their daughter, Claire Marie, of Glen Mills, Pa.; two brothers, Richard Ferguson of Milford, Conn., and Robert Ferguson of Trumbull, Conn.; eight nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be at the First Brethren Church of Burlington, Wednesday, Dec. 2, from 6 to 8 p.m. with several of Dorothy’s paintings and drawings on display and a reading of some of her poetry at 7 p.m. A graveside service will be held in Connecticut at a later date.

Memorial gifts may be made to the First Brethren Church, P.O. Box 246, Burlington, IN 46915.

Arrangements are being handled by Stout and Son Funeral Home, Russiaville.