Dorothy Zonell Burnett Wildenstein

Dorothy Zonell Burnett Wildenstein died April 1, 2002. Mrs. Wildenstein was born in Brownfield, TX on September 10, 1922 to Minnie Lee Riley and Reginald Burnett. She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, Ira Lee Norred, Bessie Burnett, Ray Burnett and Roy Burnett and her husband, Eugene F. Wildenstein. Mrs. Wildenstein was born into a pioneer West Texas ranching family. She herded sheep on horseback and rode in barrel races as a teenager. She attended Tarleton College in Stephenville and graduated from Trinity University. When her husband died, she was left with three young children, whom she reared alone. She was an example of great strength of character, kindness, sharp wit and a great love for family. She taught school at Page and Rogers Junior High Schools before joining USAA in 1962 where she had a very successful career, retiring as an underwriting manager. She obtained her CPCU credential and was a life member of that organization. She was a member and officer of the Insurance Women. After her retirement she was a volunteer at the Brady Green Clinic, working with abused children and their families. She also worked at the food bank and on the Loving Care Committee of the USAA Golden Eagles. After suffering a disability, she moved to the Inn at Los Patios where she was on the Resident Council and a volunteer at the Corner Store. She was a longtime member of Aldersgate Methodist Church. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Dorothy and Bob Le Pere; her daughter, Anna Wildenstein of San Antonio; her son and daughter-in-law, Rudy and Karen Wildenstein of Houston; her sisters-in-law, Anna Burnett of Gilroy, CA and Jeanne Tanner of La Vernia. She is also survived by her much loved grandchildren, Christian Wildenstein Le Pere and Christa Lee Le Pere and her special caregiver, Nellie Williams; in addition, she is survived by one niece and six nephews, several cousins and a host of friends. While the family appreciates the kindness of floral tributes, memorial donations may be made in her name to the Diabetes Association or to the Cancer Therapy and Research Center. Visitation for Mrs. Wildenstein will be Wednesday, April 3, 2002 from 7:00 until 9:00 P.M. Services will be Thursday, April 4, 2002 at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Leighann Brechin presiding and Interment in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Pallbearers are: Bob Le Pere, Christian Le Pere, Richard Le Pere, Douglas Wildenstein, Lloyd Davis and Lee Ward. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at the Methodist SICU, Dr. Martin Wiesenthal and her many caring physicians and nurses and the staff at the Inn at Los Patios. Sunset Funeral Home.