Obituary of Dorothy Cecelia Samsel

Dorothy Tomasko Samsel, age 90, of Fairfield, beloved wife of Stephen Samsel, passed away peacefully in her home on May 25, 2018.

In addition to Stephen, her devoted husband of 69 years, Dorothy's memory will be embraced by her daughters and their spouses, Marianne and Gary Sawyer of Orange, Andrea Samsel and Bill Mackey of Allston, MA, Patricia and Bruce Humphreys of Clifton, NJ, Laurie and Fred Ross of Huntington Station, NY; her cherished grandchildren, Kathryn and Jaclyn Sawyer and predeceased Joseph Sawyer, Ryan and wife Lyn Humphreys, Steven Humphreys, and Jonathan, Christopher and Stephanie Ross; her sister, Eleanor Martin of Fairfield; her brother, Richard J Tomasko of Milford; very close cousin and her spouse, Anne and John Velky of Stratford; many nieces and nephews. Dorothy was predeceased by her parents, Michael Tomasko and Susan Bobko Tomasko; her siblings, Helen Contolini, Mary Tomasko, Michael Tomasko, George Tomasko, Edward Tomasko, and Joseph Tomasko.

She was born in Bridgeport and raised in Bridgeport and Stratford. In 1952, Dorothy and Stephen bought land in Fairfield, self-built their lovely home over a 3 year period, and had lived there ever since. They joined Our Lady of the Assumption Church and have been lifelong parishioners. Dorothy graduated from St. John Nepomucene Secretarial School and worked in the Engineering Department for General Electric, until she and Stephen started their family. After raising her children, Dorothy rekindled her skills and worked as a Clerk in the Small Claims Court for the State of Connecticut until her retirement in 1992.  

Dorothy was a devoted wife and mother, happiest at home with a life centered around her family. In her rare spare time while bringing up the girls, she also enjoyed bowling, crocheting, and playing Pinocle with their fun-loving friends. Dorothy was known for her welcoming of family and friends to her home and served wonderfully delicious home cooked meals. Dorothy was the ultimate hostess in learning and serving exactly what each guest loved. She was also known for offering just one more serving and making it hard for anyone to say no. She baked wonderful apple pies and cakes, and even made 3-tier wedding cakes. Dorothy loved and embraced her Slovak Catholic heritage, being active with the Slovak Catholic Sokol, Wreath 39, of Stratford, CT She encouraged her children to embrace their Slovak heritage through participating in Track and Field Slets, the Dance Troupe, and bringing the family together each Christmas Eve to celebrate the traditional Slovak “Vilia”.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 4-8 PM in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center. Funeral services will take place on Thursday at 930 AM in the funeral home and 1030 AM in Assumption Church. Her interment will follow in Lawncroft Cemetery.

Her family would prefer memorial contributions to: Assumption Church 545 Stratfield Road, Fairfield, CT 06825, The Alzheimer's Association, 200 Executive Blvd., Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489, or Constellation Hospice 240 Indian River Road, Orange, CT 06477.

For travel directions, or to sign her guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com