Dixie Louise Mastrandrea

Dixie Louise (Burns)Mastrandrea born July 12, 1935 in Columbus, Kansas died peacefully on May 30, 2014 surrounded by her entire family. She is survived by John, her devoted husband of 60 years. Their marriage was a passionate love affair. They built a home full of joy, warmth and laughter. She was the beloved heart of our family that includes her children Karen DeBari and husband Brien of Farmington, Diane Fishman and husband Jim of West Hartford, Barbara Schulz and husband Bill of Burlington, Frank Mastrandrea and wife Joan of Shrewsbury, Mass. and John Mastrandrea and wife Beth of New York, NY. Dixie's 11 grandchildren adored her; Brett, Drew (wife Sarah), Tyler, and Shannon DeBari; Julianne (husband Austin Slitt), Christina, and Ross Fishman; Greg and Daniel Schulz; Jake Mastrandrea; Mikaila Mastrandrea. She is survived by her loving brother Robert E. Burns and predeceased by her brother Maurice McConnell. She was a Korean War Veteran who proudly served in the U.S. Navy (WAVES). She met the love of her life at Naval Base San Diego. John and Dixie married in Arizona on February 28, 1954 and moved to Hartford to live with Nona and Papa. She spent many happy years working at the dental office of Sorokin and Berman. Dixie became a Life Master bridge player in 1987. At the Hartford Bridge Club her expertise and patient instruction were deeply appreciated. We will all miss her warm embrace. Calling hours will be Tuesday June 3, from 4-8 pm at the Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Ave., W. Htfd. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday June 4, at 10 am at the Church of St. Timothy, 1116 North Main St., W. Htfd. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her name to the Helen & Harry Gray Cancer Fund, 80 Seymour Street, P.O. Box 5037 Htfd, CT 06102. The family would like to acknowledge the wonderful care she received from the nursing staff at Hartford Hospital.