Dorothy Bradford Wendler

Dorothy Bradford Wendler passed away peacefully Saturday, June 1st, 2024 at the age of 102.  Born in Shirley, MA, the daughter of Lewis Herman Bradford and Margaret Longley, she spent her early academic years in the Shirley area before graduating from Bryant & Stratton Commercial School in Boston in 1941. Dorothy married John Wendler on February 22nd, 1947. 

Dorothy and John moved to West Springfield in 1948. They owned and operated Peterson’s Opticians in Holyoke for many years. John passed away March 17, 2003.

Dorothy’s devotion to her family was her greatest pleasure and greatest gift.  Dorothy loved music and was a talented piano and organ player.  She was a member of the Lutheran Church and enjoyed singing in the choir, the Sounds of Music Club, the Red Hat Society at the Holyoke Soldiers Home and the Shirley Historical Society. She loved socializing with friends, including a weekly meeting of her Luncheon Group. 

Dorothy is survived by her children, Philip and Helen Edwards Wendler, Paul and Rebecca Rich Wendler and Karen Wendler; two grandchildren, Leila (Charles Dunnigan) and John; and two great-grandchildren, Caleb and Haley Dunnigan. 

All services are private. (Curran Jones Funeral Home) In lieu of flowers donations may be made to JGS Lifecare-Sosin Center, 770 Converse St., Longmeadow, MA 01106, the Shirley Historical Society or to the charity of your choice.