Obituary for Dorothy Loehr (Taylor)
Dorothy Taylor Loehr, 104, died peacefully in her sleep early on the morning of February 19, 2022 at her home in Tolland. She died as she lived, quietly and on her own terms. At the time of her death, she was one of the oldest citizens of Tolland, CT. She lived a life much longer than most of us are allowed.
Dorothy was born on July 16, 1917 in Astoria, NY. She survived two pandemics. She saw 19 different Presidents and both World Wars. The Empire State Building was completed the same year she entered high school. After graduating from high school, Dorothy worked at FAO Schwartz in Manhattan. On May 10, 1941, she married August J. Loehr, Jr. of Tolland, CT, just months before the United States entered World War II. August built their home on the family farm where she lived for the rest of her life. The move from New York City to the wilds of Tolland required some adjustment. The road was gravel, winters harsh, hot water a luxury, and the toilet was outside. Devotion to her family, her children and grandchildren brought her great satisfaction and joy throughout her life.
Dorothy was an active member of her community. She volunteered for over 40 years at the Rockville Hospital Gift Shop. She was a member of the St. Bernard’s Lady’s Guild, the Red Hat Society, and the Tolland Hill-Toppers. She was often seen at the Tolland Senior Center, where she met friends, enjoyed lunch, weekly card games, and celebrated monthly birthday parties.
She is survived by her five children: William Loehr and his wife Sherry of Ojai, CA; Ellen Johnson and her husband Chris of Parker, CO; Richard Loehr and his wife Jacqueline of Paris, France; Louise Witzgall and her husband Robert of Edmonds, WA; and Catherine Schulman and her husband Eric of Avon, CT. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Thomas Witzgall, Jennifer Witzgall Machuga, Allison Schulman, and Andrew Schulman; and three great grandchildren: Sage Witzgall, Hadley Machuga, and Graham Machuga.
The family would like to extend a very special thanks to Dora Tampuri for her loving care and support during the last 18 months of Dorothy’s life.
Dorothy and August Loehr lived and worked together side by side for almost 60 years, and in death they will again be side by side. Calling hours will be at Burke Fortin Funeral Home in Rockville on Friday, March 11th from 4:00pm – 6:00pm. Her funeral mass will be at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Tolland on Saturday, March 12th at 10:00am, followed by interment at St. Bernard Cemetery in Rockville. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Hospital ( https://www.stjude.org ). For online condolences please visit: www.pietrasfuneralhome.com
Dorothy was born on July 16, 1917 in Astoria, NY. She survived two pandemics. She saw 19 different Presidents and both World Wars. The Empire State Building was completed the same year she entered high school. After graduating from high school, Dorothy worked at FAO Schwartz in Manhattan. On May 10, 1941, she married August J. Loehr, Jr. of Tolland, CT, just months before the United States entered World War II. August built their home on the family farm where she lived for the rest of her life. The move from New York City to the wilds of Tolland required some adjustment. The road was gravel, winters harsh, hot water a luxury, and the toilet was outside. Devotion to her family, her children and grandchildren brought her great satisfaction and joy throughout her life.
Dorothy was an active member of her community. She volunteered for over 40 years at the Rockville Hospital Gift Shop. She was a member of the St. Bernard’s Lady’s Guild, the Red Hat Society, and the Tolland Hill-Toppers. She was often seen at the Tolland Senior Center, where she met friends, enjoyed lunch, weekly card games, and celebrated monthly birthday parties.
She is survived by her five children: William Loehr and his wife Sherry of Ojai, CA; Ellen Johnson and her husband Chris of Parker, CO; Richard Loehr and his wife Jacqueline of Paris, France; Louise Witzgall and her husband Robert of Edmonds, WA; and Catherine Schulman and her husband Eric of Avon, CT. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Thomas Witzgall, Jennifer Witzgall Machuga, Allison Schulman, and Andrew Schulman; and three great grandchildren: Sage Witzgall, Hadley Machuga, and Graham Machuga.
The family would like to extend a very special thanks to Dora Tampuri for her loving care and support during the last 18 months of Dorothy’s life.
Dorothy and August Loehr lived and worked together side by side for almost 60 years, and in death they will again be side by side. Calling hours will be at Burke Fortin Funeral Home in Rockville on Friday, March 11th from 4:00pm – 6:00pm. Her funeral mass will be at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Tolland on Saturday, March 12th at 10:00am, followed by interment at St. Bernard Cemetery in Rockville. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Hospital ( https://www.stjude.org ). For online condolences please visit: www.pietrasfuneralhome.com