Dorothy T. Loper
Dorothy (Testa) Loper, age 99, of Bridgeport, CT passed away peacefully on January 13, 2023 with her family by her side. Born in Bridgeport on March 31, 1923, she was a daughter of the late Aniello and Anna Catullo Testa. Dorothy was a graduate of Central High School in Bridgeport before her enlistment in the U.S. Navy where she served her country honorably during World War II. Dorothy was the loving, devoted mother of Andrea M. Simpson, Marlene Loper (husband Herve Hamon), Debra Perez (partner Juan Lopez), Dawn E. Gonzalez, Anna D. Loper, Clare S. Ferenz (husband Edward Ferenz) and Edward J. Loper, III. She is also survived by her adoring 15 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild, plus several nieces and nephews. Dorothy was predeceased by her brother Nicholas Testa, sisters Mary Paternoster and Jane Ferenz and by her former husband, Edward J. Loper, Jr. For her lifetime, Dorothy embraced learning. While raising seven children on her own, she realized her dream of a college education, earning an undergraduate degree from Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT. Later in life, she went on to obtain a Master of Education from the University of Bridgeport and found her niche teaching in that city, retiring in 2003 at the age of eighty. Dorothy loved travel and sought learning experiences abroad, studying language and cultures. She has and will continue to inspire multiple generations to pursue their dreams regardless of age.
Relatives and friends may greet the family at a memorial gathering celebrating Dorothy’s life on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd, Trumbull, CT. Words of remembrance and prayers will begin at 12:00 p.m. followed by the rendering of military honors. Interment will be held privately at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the charitable organization, National Military Family Association. For online condolences, please visit us at www.abriola.com