Dorothy "Dot" Anne Braceland

Dorothy A (Dot) Braceland joined her husband, Bill, in heaven on July 17, 2025 at the age of 96. She passed away in peace at her home, lying next to her window looking out at the lake and surrounded by her family. Throughout her long life, she was blessed with a loving family and many friends; her last breath was equally blessed with family, friends, love, laughter and a few tears surrounding her.

Dot was born in Needham, Massachusetts to the late George and Anna Pfeifer in 1929. She was one of three children raised in a home that she fondly remembered, telling many stories of the happy days of her youth. In 1950, Dot married the love of her life, Bill Braceland, and he was deployed to Africa 2 days later by then US Navy. He served in aircraft squadrons and on aircraft carriers during his Naval career. While he was away, Dot took care of all things at home, raising five children as they traveled across the country on Bill’s different Navy assignments. In her spare time Dot learned cake decorating to add to her long list of talents and sold cakes for every occasion from birthdays to weddings. After Bill retired from the Navy, Dot, Bill and the family settled in Paola, outside of Sanford, Florida. With three children still at home and two in college, Dot remained busy being a loving wife and mother. In 1991, Dot and Bill ventured into what they called the “magic years”. Dot and Bill embarked on an adventure of camping trips that took them to every state in the union and several Canadian provinces. She and Bill participated in countless 5K, 10K and half marathon races.

Dot’s loving husband Bill, her brother and sister and her treasured son, Bill, preceded her in death and welcomed her home with a party!

She is survived by daughters Lynn Yoas of Austin TX, Terri Mynatt and husband Fred of Oviedo FL, Patti Braceland Sikora and husband John of Glenwood Springs, CO, daughter in law, Debbi Braceland of Glassboro, NJ and son Tom Day Braceland and wife Debbie Jo of Blairsville, GA. She was proud grandmother to Peter, Greg, Lauren, Stacey, Kenny, Max, Luke, Billy, Amy, Steven, Kelly and Willy; great grandmother to Sarah, Garrett, Brady, Julia, Zoey, Braceland, Maive, Emmie and Stella; great, great grandmother to Emlynn and Stella Faye and aunt to numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 am on August 12th at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 575 Tuskawilla Rd, Winter Springs, Fl 32708

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bill’s memory may be made to: Alzheimer’s Association, http://www.alz.org/?form=alz_donate or Donate Life America: Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation https://www.donatelife.net/give-to-dla/