Obituary for Dorothy Strider
Strong-willed, independent, & at times justifiably obstinate, Dorothy “Dotte” Strider was a woman ahead of her time. Perhaps this is the attitude that fueled her improbably long, fabulous journey from one end of a century to another. Never one to give up, it is fitting that she spent the final years of her life among the last of the “greatest generation” still standing.
Dotte was born June 29, 1922 in Waterbury, CT. Though she described herself as a “shy” girl, she went on to blossom in the local community after graduating from Simsbury High in 1941. After marrying hometown boy John Strider in 1949 (after much persuasion!) her dreams accelerated through their perfect pairing. They moved from a small apartment above the old Cracker Barrel Pub across the street to the grandest house in town, where they gave their children Cheryll & Jack an idyllic childhood filled with love & compassion.
After her husband’s death in 1973, Dotte not only persevered as a single mother of two, she became a backbone of her community. A testament to the depth of her heart & the sanctity of her devotion to John, she never remarried. In her own words, she “had the best, so forget the rest!”. With his memory and the strength of her catholic faith fueling her determination, Dorothy immersed herself even further into a life of service. Dotte became an impactful member of the Ladies Guild at St. Bernard’s Church in Tariffville. This parish was the center of her universe. All her important milestones had been celebrated there; from the baptisms of her children and grandchildren, to her 90th birthday bash. She was a Favarh volunteer for 40 years, in addition to maintaining her sprawling historical home by herself well into her 80s.
She filled her life to the brim, traveling the world with her daughter Cheryll, teaching herself new skills, and standing up for herself in a man’s world from the 1920s to the 2020s. On June 10 2022, with her cup of life at full capacity, Dorothy crossed somewhere over the rainbow, reunited with her beloved husband John. In the heavenly realm, they ascend together…at last.
Dottie was predeceased by her son John “Jack” Strider. She is survived by her daughter Cheryll Strider, son-in-law Jim Shockman, and her cherished granddaughters Libby and Carli. The family is grateful for the love and support of friends and caregivers at The Lodge at Mallard's Landing in Gig Harbor, Washington, her home for the last 10 years. Also, our deep appreciation for the compassionate care and guidance from The Franciscan hospice team during her final months.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 29th from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury followed by a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial, 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church, 942 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury. Burial will be in St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Tariffville. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Tariffville Village Association, PO Box 333, Tariffville, CT 06081 or to FAVARH, 225 Commerce Drive, Canton, CT 06019. Please visit Dotte’s Book of Memories at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.
Dotte was born June 29, 1922 in Waterbury, CT. Though she described herself as a “shy” girl, she went on to blossom in the local community after graduating from Simsbury High in 1941. After marrying hometown boy John Strider in 1949 (after much persuasion!) her dreams accelerated through their perfect pairing. They moved from a small apartment above the old Cracker Barrel Pub across the street to the grandest house in town, where they gave their children Cheryll & Jack an idyllic childhood filled with love & compassion.
After her husband’s death in 1973, Dotte not only persevered as a single mother of two, she became a backbone of her community. A testament to the depth of her heart & the sanctity of her devotion to John, she never remarried. In her own words, she “had the best, so forget the rest!”. With his memory and the strength of her catholic faith fueling her determination, Dorothy immersed herself even further into a life of service. Dotte became an impactful member of the Ladies Guild at St. Bernard’s Church in Tariffville. This parish was the center of her universe. All her important milestones had been celebrated there; from the baptisms of her children and grandchildren, to her 90th birthday bash. She was a Favarh volunteer for 40 years, in addition to maintaining her sprawling historical home by herself well into her 80s.
She filled her life to the brim, traveling the world with her daughter Cheryll, teaching herself new skills, and standing up for herself in a man’s world from the 1920s to the 2020s. On June 10 2022, with her cup of life at full capacity, Dorothy crossed somewhere over the rainbow, reunited with her beloved husband John. In the heavenly realm, they ascend together…at last.
Dottie was predeceased by her son John “Jack” Strider. She is survived by her daughter Cheryll Strider, son-in-law Jim Shockman, and her cherished granddaughters Libby and Carli. The family is grateful for the love and support of friends and caregivers at The Lodge at Mallard's Landing in Gig Harbor, Washington, her home for the last 10 years. Also, our deep appreciation for the compassionate care and guidance from The Franciscan hospice team during her final months.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 29th from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury followed by a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial, 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church, 942 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury. Burial will be in St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Tariffville. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Tariffville Village Association, PO Box 333, Tariffville, CT 06081 or to FAVARH, 225 Commerce Drive, Canton, CT 06019. Please visit Dotte’s Book of Memories at www.vincentfuneralhome.com