Carla Dennis

Dennis, Carla Opitz.
Carla Opitz Dennis died peacefully at home in her sleep on Sunday, June 15, 2014 in Norwalk, CT. Born in Pittsfield Massachusetts on March 11, 1930 Carla was a sixty year resident of Westport where she was a 1948 graduate of Staples High School. The daughter of the late Karl and Anne Opitz, she was predeceased by her former husband, Frank Nagy, who was the Father of their daughter Patricia Anne, and was the widow of Robert James Dennis who became the adoptive parent to Carla's daughter. Carla was also predeceased by her brother Arthur Lohman of Westport. She is survived by her daughter Patricia, nieces and nephews, Arthur, Cindy, Laurie and Grand niece and nephew, Lisa and Art.
Carla was a lifetime learner and enjoyed the interaction of working with interesting people during her employment with various Westport businesses. These included; the Martin Greenberg Real Estate Co, Coastwise Marine and The North Light Publishers. A graduate of the "TPAC" Counseling Program, Carla subsequently worked at Norwalk Hospital, and Southwest Community Center as a substance abuse counselor. In addition, she also volunteered over one thousand hours at the hospital.
A lifelong member of the Saugatuck Congregational Church, she also enjoyed numerous adventure travels on her own and with her daughter both here and abroad. In recent years Carla took great pleasure in visiting her friends and the supportive Staff at the Sherwood Diner, watching the dogs and people run at Compo Beach.
As a single mother, Carla met the challenges of providing a loving and nurturing home life head on. She enjoyed art, gardening outdoors, singing in the choir and played the piano for many years. As an inquisitive adult, she took numerous language and humanities courses by attending classes at Norwalk Community College, The Senior Center and visiting the Westport Library. She is survived by her daughter Patty, their faithful canine companion "Freddie" and a sizable stack of new books yet to be read.
Services will be held at Greens Farm Congregational Church July 12 at 10 am. Arrangements are through The Harding Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saugatuck Congregational Church PO box 5186, Westport, CT 06880