Dorothee Helene Funk
Dorothee Helene (Jasen) Funk, age 88, of Redding, CT, passed away on October 20, 2018. She was born the daughter of the late William Jasen and Mary (Palahnuik) Jasen on January 13, 1930 in Manhattan, New York City.
She was the loving wife of the late Frank R. Funk.
Her beautiful, loving smile will never be forgotten. Dorothee graduated from Bayside High School in Queens, NY in 1948 before attending the Julliard School of Music in Manhattan, NY. There she received the Artist Diploma in Opera Studies.
Music, theatre and art were Dorothee’s passion and delight. She was actively engaged in numerous theatrical and musical venues throughout her life. She was renowned for her beautiful high soprano voice. Dorothee was an active member in the American Opera League as well as the Charles Pope Choir.
Dorothee loved to travel the world. She and her husband Frank explored all seven continents, traveling up until their mid-70’s.
Her generosity was obvious to everyone who knew her. As well as being generous with her time in volunteering for the League of Women Voters, Dorothee was a Justice of the Peace in Redding, CT. She was president of the Rosary Altar Society of Sacred Heart Church in Georgetown, CT. She and Frank hosted frequent gatherings and dinner parties at their home for family and friends.
She and her husband belonged to the Cotillion Dance Club where she especially enjoyed the formal venue. Dorothee was past president and an active member of the Redding Garden Club for many years, where she won several awards for her creative floral arrangements.
Dorothee is survived by her children: Merianne (Funk) White and her husband Fritz of Coventry, CT; James Funk of Redding, CT; Matthew Funk of Stratford, CT; Jennifer (Funk) Paredes and her husband Adolfo of Westbrook, CT and Douglas Funk and his wife Abbe of Gilroy, CA. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren: Justin Bechtold of Sherman, CT; Shondra Bechtold of Hebron, CT; Maraiah Bechtold Popeleski of Hebron, CT; Daniel Paredes of Melrose, MA; Sasha Funk of Seattle, WA; Briana Paredes of Branford, CT; and Molly Funk of Stratford, CT as well as her four great-granddaughters: Elle Bechtold, Ximena Bechtold, Julia Popeleski, and Lila Paredes. Dorothee also leaves behind her sister, Phyllis Coop of Coventry, RI.
A memorial service for Dorothee Funk will be planned in the Spring of 2019. To offer online condolences to her family please visit www.boutonfuneralhome.com