Dorothy K. Guiliotis, 77, of Orange passed away at home Monday December 29, 2014.
She was the wife of George Guiliotis. Mother of Marcy Guiliotis (Jim) Winkel and Gregg Kledaras (Barbra) Guiliotis of Orange. Sister of Harriet K. (the late Walter) Kral and Patricia K. (Richard) Pacelle of Orange, Thomas C. (Joann) Kledaras of Hamden, Cally K. (Joseph) Angeletti of North Haven.
Grandmother of Christopher James and Patrick George Winkel. She also is survived by her sisters-in-law Beverly Kledaras and Marina Nerris, brother-in-law Stratos Guiliotis, her nieces and nephews Richard, Kim, Wendy, Wayne, Joanne, Jay, Betsy, Maribeth, Danika, Virginia, Cally, Emma, Desi, Steven and Dean, her godchildren Kim, Marcia, Helen, Rebecca and Jennifer and her good friend Dr. Howard Pearson.
She was predeceased by her parents George and Mary Papatheofrastou Kledaras, brother Stanley Kledaras and sister Georgene Kledaras.
From eighth grade through her college graduation, Dorothy volunteered at the New Haven Public Library. Dorothy was a 1955 graduate of Hillhouse High School.
In 1959, she graduated from Southern CT. State University with a BA in education and library science. Upon graduation, she taught elementary school in the New Haven Public School System until her retirement in 1997. During that time, she was the media specialist from 1973-1997. From 1963 until 1965 she was the Director of Higher Horizons, a Ford Foundation program.
Dorothy was President and Founder of the Connecticut Campaign Against Cooley’s Anemia, running the organization from her home for 40 years. She dedicated those years to improving the quality of life of those affected by the disease. She was also co-author of multiple news and journal articles and educational pamphlets about Cooley’s Anemia.
She was a co-chair of the Orange Nativity Fund that raised monies that were used to purchase a nativity that has been displayed at the Orange Fair Grounds for the past several years.
A lifetime member of St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, she served as chapter president and grand treasurer of Maids of Athena, Sunday School teacher from 1955-1963 and was supervisor of the Sunday School from 1963-1967, Junior Goya Advisor from 1959-1963, supervisor of the Greek School and a member of the Ladies Philoptochos for 50 years.
One of her proudest accomplishments was creating and editing, with other members of the church, a history book entitled “A History….Greek Orthodox Community of Saint Barbara.”
The Guiliotis family would like to extend a thank you to Homecare Plus for the exceptional care they provided Dotty while she was at home, special thanks to Fran Spagone, her aide and thank you also to Golden Hill Health Care Center, Dr. Veronica Marer and Milford Hospital for their wonderful care.
The hours for visitation will take place Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the West Haven Funeral Home at the Green.
On Saturday morning all are asked to meet directly at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church for funeral services at 10 o’clock.
Interment will follow in Orange Center Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church Building Fund, 480 Racebrook Road, Orange, CT. 06477.
For online condolences please visit www.westhavenfuneral.com.