Dorothy Margaret Klanica

 Dorothy Margaret Klanica, 98, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on July 3, 2024. She was the wife of the late Andrew Klanica. Peggy, as everyone called her, was born in London, England, on November 4th, 1925, the daughter of the late Harry and Ethel (Howe) Bland. 

 When Peggy was fourteen, Great Britain entered World War II and all children were sent out of London and all schools were closed. She eventually returned to London to be with her mother and enrolled in night school while working days. For entertainment, she and her best friend Betty would go to USO dances at The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. It was at one of these dances that Peggy met Andrew (Andy) Klanica, an American staff sergeant stationed in London. Eventually, Peggy joined the Women’s Land Army and then worked for the Air Ministry in London. She and Andy married in September of 1945, but they endured a nine-month separation until Peggy was able to make the three-week voyage across the Atlantic on the Queen Mary with all the other war brides. 

 Peggy and Andy raised five children together and moved from Pittsburgh, PA to Tonawanda, NY, and finally to Cheshire, CT. Peggy lost her husband Andy when he died in 2002, but now they are together again, in total joy and watching over all of us.

 Peggy was a warm and kind woman who had a wonderful gift of hospitality. She loved spending quality time with her big family and many friends. She found joy in the simple things: a cup of tea, a game of cards, breakfast with her friends after church. She lived in the moment and enjoyed every day with a positive attitude and a great sense of humor. 

 Peggy was a devout Catholic and loved to attend daily Mass. She served as a eucharistic minister and volunteered for many years at the Cheshire Correctional Center, leading prayer services with the inmates and listening to their stories. Her faith in God and in the power of prayer inspired many.

 Peggy is survived by her children: Susan Piqueira and her husband Philip, David Klanica and his wife Bonnie, Barbara Banning, Brian Klanica and his partner Susan Goszewski, Amy Lurz and her husband Louis; her grandchildren Jennifer, Christopher, Kate, Michael, Sarah, Christina, Mary, David, Justin, Ben, Caroline, Elizabeth, and Grace; and thirteen great grandchildren who lovingly referred to her as “Great.” She is also survived by her niece Joan Bland in England. Besides her husband, Peggy is predeceased by her brothers James and Fred Bland, sister Beatrice, daughter-in-law Connie (Sienkowski) Klanica, and her son-in-law Philip Banning. 

 Her family wishes to express a special thank you to Emma Manucharyan, R. N., for being Peggy’s live-in caregiver for the past five years. Emma was Peggy’s own personal angel and the family is forever grateful. 

 A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, July 22, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Bridget of Sweden Parish—St. Bridget Church, 175 Main Street, Cheshire. Friends are asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will follow at St. Bridget Cemetery and there are no calling hours. In remembrance of Peggy’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to The Cheshire Community Food Pantry, Inc. For online condolences, to share a photo or a story, please visit www.fordfh.com.