Dorothy Strauss

1916 - 2014

Dorothy Ann (Horan) Strauss of West Hartford, CT passed away peacefully on on January 19, 2014. She was predeceased by her husband, Robert Gerald Strauss.

Dorothy was born on July 26, 1916 in Hartford, CT to William Aloysius Horan and Teresa (Clark) Horan. She graduated salutatorian and Yearbook Editor-in-Chief of the Hartford High School, Class of 1934. She went on to graduate from St. Joseph College, Class of 1938 with a B.A. degree. After college she taught nursery school in Hartford and in Pennsylvania where she met her spouse, to whom she was married for over sixty-two years. She lived through many epic events of the 20th century in which her generation participated, including WWII during which she married Robert G. Strauss, Lieutenant in the United States Navy. During WWII they lived all over the United States from FL to CA. After the war, she and Robert made their home in the West Hartford area.



Her classmates at Hartford High School and St. Joseph College remained her bridge partners and friends for life. Her high school yearbook was quoted as saying: "Dorothy is a girl possessing both beauty and brains. Although her crimson blush attracts much attention, her popularity is due to her good nature, her pleasing personality and her very keen sense of humor."

Dorothy had a wonderful life, full of friends and family. She and Robert travelled extensively throughout the world. She was an excellent bridge player and had several Master's Points. She loved gourmet cooking, animals, literature and she played piano for many years. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother who especially enjoyed making her special homemade desserts for her family, including: Baked Alaska, chocolate ice cream pie and pound cake.

She had a great love of books and was very proud of being elected to the position of librarian of the McCauley Independent Retirement Community. She and Robert were McCauley volunteers, serving as Welcoming Committee members. She was also an avid fan of the UConn Huskies men's and women's basketball teams.

Dorothy is survived by her son, Robert and wife Karoline of The Woodlands, TX; their children Robert, Bryan, Peter, Lauren, Ryan and Kelly; son Paul and wife Mary of Cheshire, CT; their children Hailey and Kira, and eight great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Dorothy's companion and friend, Patricia Crigh, for her loving care.



Her memorial service will take place on Saturday, January 25, 2014, 10:00a.m. at St. Timothy's Church, 1116 North Main Street, West Hartford, CT. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 2075 Silas Deane Highway, Suite 100, Rocky Hill, CT, 06067 or to the University of St. Joseph, 1678 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06067