Dorothy L. Marie

Ryegate, VT: Dorothy L. Marie, age 96, of Hall Road, passed away peacefully at her home early Saturday morning, September 10, 2022, with her family by her side.

Dorothy was born in Chicago, IL, to the late Adam and Marie (Balinskas) Letek.  She was raised and educated there, graduating from Maria High School and continuing on to the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts.  After college, Dorothy worked as a commercial artist designing and drawing fashion illustrations for department stores and newspapers. 

She married in 1947 and went on to raise six children. Being a Navy wife, she was adept at moving and travel.  She continued her art, becoming an accomplished, award-winning artist creating landscapes and portraits in oils, acrylics, and pastel.  She loved to read and listen to music.  Dorothy was a member of the Palm Harbor United Methodist Church of Palm Harbor, Florida and in Vermont, where she has been since 2015, attended Third Church in East St. Johnsbury for the last three years.

She is survived by her six children (in birth order): Daughter Regina Hazel and husband Paul of Ryegate; son Gregory Bruce and wife, Elsa, of Pitiquito, Mexico; daughter Cassandra Bridinger of Toledo, Ohio; son J. Gavin Bruce of Ryegate, VT; daughter Christina Smith and husband Douglas of Sykesville, MD; son Bill Bailey (Bruce) and wife Jan of Branson, MO, 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Services will be private with interment to take place in December at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park in Clearwater, FL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Caledonia Home Health and Hospice, 121  Sherman Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819. 

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.saylesfh.com