Dorothy Lee Waidelich, 77

Dorothy Lee Waidelich, 77, a long-time resident of Brookfield, passed away on June 11, 2011, while visiting family in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Born in Grants, New Mexico on February 11, 1934, she was the eldest daughter of Lola and Ralph Kootlas. While her formal education stopped when she married Neal Wheeler in 1948 and started a family, Dorothy was an avid reader, filling her home with books and a passionate desire to understand the world and her place in it. When Dorothy and Neal divorced in 1968 she continued to raise her children while working two and sometimes three jobs, notably as a gauge setter and quality inspector for Barden Corporation for more than 25 years.

She met Raymond Waidelich in 1970, the love match of her life, and they married in 1971. Dorothy and Raymond traveled widely, built several homes, and ran a Christmas tree farm together.

Devoutly religious, she was active in teaching Sunday school for children and in Bible study classes. Her engagement with the community of the Brookfield area included volunteer work with the Republican Women’s Club and the Laurel Hill Cemetery Association. Dorothy embraced life with dignity and humor, was known for her direct speech, generosity, and strongly held political views.

She is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, Raymond; son, W. Bryan Wheeler and his wife Maureen, of Verona, VA; son, Gary Wheeler and his wife Susan, of Sturgis, MI; son, Kevin Wheeler and his wife Roxanne, of Bossier City, LA; daughter, Sandra Cleghorn and her husband Jeff, of Woodstock, GA; daughter, Doreen Wheeler Wyllie and her husband Phillip of Maleny, Queensland, Australia; son, John Wheeler and his wife Barbara of Izmir, Turkey; son, Mark Wheeler and his wife Laurie of Scottsdale, AZ; sister, Helen Sandoval of Phoenix, AZ; sister, Elizabeth Woodin of Woodstock, GA; 30 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends. She is predeceased by her daughter, Sharon Chouinard.

Funeral Information

The family will receive friends at 10 a.m., funeral services to follow at 11 a.m., Thursday, June 16, at the Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White Street, Danbury, CT. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.