Dorothy Brecunier

1921 - 2025

Dorothy Ann Brecunier died June 15, 2025 at the age of 104 in Thousand Oaks, California.

Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, she was the daughter of Robert J. and Dorothy S. Miller. An excellent student, she attended Mills College in Oakland, California and graduated with distinction from the University of Iowa in April 1943 where she was also an active member of the Delta Gamma sorority.

In December 1943 she and Richard Brecunier of Waterloo, Iowa were married at the First Congregational Church in Cedar Rapids. During most of their 68 years together they lived in Waterloo raising a family of four children-three sons and one daughter. Her community involvement included her membership in the First Congregational Church, serving as trustee and treasurer for the Waterloo YWCA, participating in Junior League and volunteering for numerous organizations including Meals on Wheels, the Red Cross, Friends of the Grout Museum, the Waterloo Symphony and the Waterloo Center for the Arts.

Tirelessly devoted to her family, Dody-as she was known to most friends-generously shared her love of holiday celebrations, gatherings with relatives and friends, cooking, sports, the arts and traveling. Swimming, cross-country skiing, golf and tennis were favorite outdoor activities. With her encouragement and support, participation in sports and music was a normal part of family life. Well-planned annual family camping trips in the late 1950's through the late-1960's to various destinations across the United States each August were highlights of those years. Upon becoming "empty nesters" Dorothy and Richard began to travel internationally, subsequently visiting over 35 countries in the ensuing years. In 2004, they relocated to California.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband Richard and daughter Ann. She is survived by three sons, Rick, John and Chuck, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. A burial service was held on September 6th at 10 a.m. at the Waterloo Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may directed to the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa.