Obituary of Dorothy Brenia

Dorothy “Dottie” (Fetzko) Brenia, Mom, “Baba” and “Teti,” passed into eternal life peacefully Friday August 2, two months shy of her 101^st birthday at River Glen, St Charles, IL with family by her side. Born in her Prospect Street home in Ansonia, CT on October 2, 1918, she was the daughter of the late Hilary and Martha (Patrishian) Fetzko, and resided there until her move to IL in 2011 following a sudden illness with Lyme disease. Raised in Ansonia and a graduate of Ansonia High School Class of 1937, she embraced her Ukrainian heritage with grace and faith by preparing family recipes and hosting many holiday meals.  She will be remembered for her love of her friends and family and kindheartedness she extended to all. The widow of John Brenia since 1960, she raised her three children and worked in the highly classified file department at Sikorsky Aircraft for over 20 years and during her tenure met Charles Lindbergh and Igor Sikorsky. Dottie was a devoted, faithful lifelong parishioner of Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church serving as secretary on the Chairmen’s Board and was always volunteering for bingo, paska, and pirohis for most of her life. She attended many Ukrainian festivals and retreats in CT, PA and NY, usually driving car loads of friends while well into her 80’s. Dottie loved dancing, especially the Polka and was blessed to have traveled extensively later in her life- highlighted by visits to the Holy Land and finding the birth villages of her parents in Poland. She was predeceased by her husband John Brenia, sister Ann (Ernest) Horney, nieces Sandra (Frank) Scangarello, Ruthie (Jim) Wittmer and brothers Steven (Ann) Fetzko and John (Lacy) Fetzko. She will be missed dearly by her devoted children, Peter (Lori) Brenia of IL, Steven (Leslie) Brenia of IN, Melanie (David) Sokoloski of FL; five grandchildren, Sarah (Mike) Tosick, Katherine (Luke) Woltering, Liz (Tim) Bragg, John Brenia and Taylor Brenia; eight great grandchildren, Liam Bragg, George Tosick, Greta Bragg, Ben Woltering, Owen Tosick, Ray Tosick, Grace Bragg and Sophia Woltering, and was joyfully anticipating her ninth (Woltering) great grandchild in September- nieces and nephews, Larry (Nelda) Fetzko, Martie (Tommy) Williams, Ernie (Roe) Horney, and Barbara (Kevin) Wright; and many grand nieces, grand nephews and cousins. Our family recognizes with love and gratitude the dedicated and tireless caregiving professionals and assistants at River Glen of St Charles, and Solace Hospice. Their commitment to superior love, care, and quality of life is unparalleled and very much appreciated. Family and friends may call at the funeral home Monday August 12, from 4:00-7:00PM. Panikhida at 6:30 PM. Tuesday August 13, following a short service at the funeral home 9:AM, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, in Sts. Peter and Paul Church, 105 Clifton Avenue, Ansonia.  Interment will follow in St. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Derby. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to: Saints Peter and Paul Parish Preservation Fund;  105 Clifton Ave. Ansonia, CT 06401.

Online condolences may be made www.wakeleememorial.com.