Obituary: Dorothee A. Fox-Popovich, 81, Of West Haven

Information via West Haven Funeral Home

Dorothee A. Fox-Popovich, 81, of West Haven, passed away on April 3, 2020. She was born on December 2, 1938, in New Haven, a graduate of Hillhouse High School, c/o 1956; she was the daughter to the late Liberato &Elsie Carlona Santagata.

Dorothee is survived by her beloved husband of 24 years, Joseph Popovich, her children, Tami (Philip) Cogar of Clinton, Amy (Dan) Bothwell of Oxford, Lisa (John) Caruso of Milford, and Usha (Verinder) Kumar, of Middletown; her grandchildren, Robert Christopher Fox, Samantha Cogar, Carisa Caruso, Haley & Max Bothwell, Vishu Salwan, her siblings, Robert (Paula) Santagata, Elaine (Anthony) Tarini, Barbara (Vincent) Vescovi, and William Santagata, as well as nieces , nephews, great nieces and nephews. She will also be missed by her lifelong friends, Sandra Rocco, Amelia & Linda Paralta, Leititia Charles, and Elaine Zandri.

Dorothee, fiercely independent and intelligent, worked for the State of CT, Office of Adult Probation, as a key secretary. She was seen as a vital anchor within the office, because of her boundless determination and passion. She will always be remembered for single-handedly founding and operating the “Sunshine Club.” West Haven, her home of 40 yrs., was the city where she found excitement, new life and sincere friendships.

Dorothee was a warm, loving, and involved grandmother. She spent countless nights sharing folk wisdom, recipes and late-night radio, on her daily phone calls with her beloved grandchildren. At her core, she was ever the excited adventurer, Dorothee truly loved going on long road trips, seeking out fairs, antique markets, and eclectic towns, with her deeply devoted daughter, Tami. When relaxing, she would be found having long talks with her son-in-law Philip, over his summer BBQ’s.

Physically, we have her collectible spoons, teddy bears, and Victorian furniture to remember her vibrant spirit, but what we will never forget is her heart. A strong, determined and warm heart that no one knows better than the man it belonged to; her dedicated husband, Joseph Popovich. After a life of world travel, raising cats, and delicious restaurants, he is grateful for every moment of tender and ardent love they were able to share together in this life. He knows that their bond, like the stars he saw in her eyes, continues into eternity.

All funeral services will be held at a later date. Services are entrusted to West Haven Funeral Home at the Green.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit West Haven Funeral Home here.