Doris May Riedell, 88, formerly of Norwalk, died peacefully on Jan. 4 at the Connecticut Hospice after a long illness.  She was the wife of the late George Dorney Riedell.  Born Doris May Passeck on May 2, 1924 in Norwalk, she was the daughter of the late Martin and Lena Passeck. Doris had lived most of her life in Norwalk and graduated from Norwalk High School in 1941.  She joined the WAVES in 1944 and served almost two years, assigned to a position in the communications area in the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

Doris married George Dorney Riedell in 1946, and she and her husband raised their two sons and daughter in Norwalk.  It was there that many celebrations and get-togethers were greatly enjoyed by extended family and friends, whether they were birthdays, backyard picnics, card games, pool parties, or watching the UCONN women's basketball games.  

Doris was known for her special talent for shopping and would share her shopping skills with her daughter and nieces. While working as a saleswoman in her later years, she thoroughly enjoyed sharing her skills with the shoppers at Cuthbertson's Christmas store.

Doris and her husband also loved traveling the globe after their children had grown.  They had many wonderful travel experiences and made lifelong friends.

Her family thanks Doris’s home-health aides who enabled her to remain at home for four years. They also thank Coachman Square Assisted Living in Woodbridge; Aaron Manor Nursing Home of Chester; and especially the Branford Hospice for their compassionate care and support.

Doris is survived by her sons, Brien Riedell and his partner Douglas Deveny of Essex and Glenn Riedell and his wife Sheila of Fairfield; her daughter Deborah Burlando and her husband Robert of Charlotte, North Carolina; five grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.  She is also survived by her loving sister Mary Hoggson of Norwalk. 

A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Church on Tuesday, Jan. 8, followed by burial in Riverside Cemetery immediately after the service.   Donations in her memory may be made to the Branford Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT   06405.  The Magner Funeral Home, Inc., Norwalk, is in charge of arrangements. To leave an online condolence, please go to magnerfuneralhome.com.