Worcester/Rutland: With heavy hearts and hope in the resurrection the family of Dorothy E. "Dot" Lederer announces her death. Widow of her beloved husband Frank C. Lederer since 1965, she is survived by her cherished children Frank A. Lederer of Rutland and Lynda A. Wasilewski, along with her husband Alfred, of Worcester. She was adored by her grandchildren Stephen C. Tangney and Jennifer L. Kibbe, and the apple of her eye, great-granddaughter Giuliana Marie Kibbe.
Born July 16, 1921 in Worcester to William and Lena (Culhane) Jessie, she was the youngest of 5 children, all who have pre-deceased her- Lillian Benoit, Harold Jessie, William Jessie, and Edward Jessie, who left us just this past December. She also leaves several nieces and nephews, step-grandchildren Jeffrey, Daniel, Lauren, Janel, and Brooke, and her loving caregivers at St. Francis Nursing Center, for whom the family is deeply grateful for their stellar care. We also thank Notre Dame Hospice for their partnership and support at the most trying time.
Dot, a survivor of the depression and unexpected death of her father when she was 6, graduated Commerce High School in 1940, and was a gifted stenographer and Executive Secretary for Norton Company during the 1940's and 50's. She returned to the workplace when newly-widowed as a single mom of 2 small children, serving as Secretary for Guardian Life Insurance, Assistant Postal Administrator for Assumption College, retiring as Cashier of Agency Accounting for Hanover Insurance at the age of 70. She spent her retirement years traveling to Cape Cod and Florida, enjoying community with lifelong friends Doris, Maritza, Pearl, Torchy, Viola, and Ann. She walked regularly to mitigate the painful consequences of arthritis, a practice which likely aided in her longevity. We honor and give thanks for her legacy as a committed and courageously persevering and brave mom, grandmother, aunt and friend. She will be missed in this life and we rejoice that she has joined dear departed loved ones with the Lord in the Larger Life.
Please join the family in celebrating her life. Calling hours will be from 5-7 P.M. on Tuesday ,April 10th at Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln St., Worcester, MA. A Mass will be held at 10 A.M. on Wednesday, April 11th at St. Patrick's Church with burial to follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton, MA. Donations can be made to “St. Francis Rehab Activity Fund” at the St. Francis Home, 101 Plantation St., Worcester, MA, 01604. For directions or to leave an online condolence message, please click link.