Dolores Dolly Ann Maicki Klouda

Waterford CT – Dolores (Dolly) Ann Klouda, 84, of Waterford, Connecticut, passed into eternal life on Friday, June 22, 2012. Dolly was born in Paterson, NJ of Marion [Facas] Maicki and Roman Maicki, who moved shortly after to Crystal Avenue in New London, CT.

Dolly and Albert F. Klouda were joined in holy matrimony in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, on April 22, 1950, just two months after they met. With a strong Christian faith and a lifetime example of love, they raised their four daughters with a deep sense of moral responsibility, respect for others, and a love of life. Dolly lost her Albert after 59 years of marriage on August 2, 2009.

Dolores was the loving center of the family, and welcomed everyone into her warm and imaginative home, which has always been filled with delicious food and with wonderful books. She loved exploring on foot and in cars, and her interests were broad and deep. Dolly cared about very large things (family, oceans, politics, and art) and very small things (flowers, songbirds, ice cream, and cookies). Her inventive approach to gardening and holidays has always gladdened many hearts – she could grow tomatoes or birthdays so lovely it made everyone feel good.

If it is true that 90% of anything is ATTENTION – love, work, play – then that is why Dolly was so good at so many things. She always had a particularly lively style and energy, but most of all, she paid attention to everything important, and made even the most difficult days smooth. Last but not least, she never, ever complained. About anything. Not even multiple myeloma, bone marrow cancer, which is difficult beyond words.

Dolly attended the University of Connecticut at Storrs, majoring in Government, and joined the Women’s Army Corp (WACs), where she met Albert. She worked on early computer systems at Pratt & Whitney in the early 1950’s, and was also employed as a librarian, both at the Connecticut State Library in Hartford and at UConn’s Wilbur Cross Library. Additionally, she volunteered for many important activities, from Sunday School teacher, to Girl Scout leader – and managed to bake homemade desserts daily for her family, too.

Left to survive without their beloved mother, who will be forever and profoundly missed, are four daughters and their families: Joanne F. and her husband Robert F. Dowden of Waterford, CT; Karen J. and her husband Michael D. Watkins of Acton, MA; Marlene A. and her husband Arthur P. McKinney of Stafford Springs, CT; and Carla J. K. and her husband Lucio Ortega of Kissimmee, FL. Losing their wonderful “Ma” are six grandchildren: Robert F. Dowden, Jr. and Joseph C. Dowden, both of Manchester, CT; Christie D. McKinney and Alta L. McKinney, both of Stafford Springs, CT; J.J. Parks and his wife Lan Lan of Norwich, CT: and Jhonathan A. Parks of Bethel, CT. Dolores Klouda also enjoyed the first year of life of her wonderful great-grandson Layton, whose parents J.J. and LanLan often brought him to visit his great-grandmother.

Dolly is also survived by four sisters: Marilyn Brownell of New London, CT: Louise Foutter of Niantic, CT; Regina Mostowy of East Lyme, CT; and Elle Dennis of Boca Raton, FL. The Maicki sisters lost Blanche Parker of Old Lyme, CT in 2010.

A Memorial Service followed by a pot-luck supper will be held Sunday, July 1, 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Klouda family home in Waterford, CT. Please visit www.mem.com for photos and tributes. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the New London Cancer Center; their extraordinary care-giving managed to extend our dear mother’s life for six full years, while remaining in her own home. We are especially grateful for the exceptional care of her oncologist, Dr. Stephen Lattanzi, with his concern both for prolonging life and for ensuring the best possible quality of life meanwhile too.

New London Cancer Center

196 Parkway South, Suite 303, Crossroads Professional Building, Waterford CT 06385 (860) 443-4455

Please write check payable to: “NLCC Guardian Fund”. In memory of Dolores Klouda

Additionally, a brief interment service will be held graveside at Connecticut State Veteran’s Cemetery July 3, Tuesday, at 1:30 p.m. (317 Bow Lane, Middletown CT 06457), where Dolly will be interred with her Albert. All who knew Dolly are welcome at both the memorial service Sunday July 1, and the interment Tuesday July 3.