November 17, 2010
Bodenlos, Lela M.
Lela Marie Bodenlos, a resident of Fox Hill Village in Westwood, MA for 10 years and formerly of Arlington, Virginia, died peacefully at her home with her family present on November 11, 2010. Mrs. Bodenlos was born in Gibsonburg, Ohio, and was the daughter of the late Cleveland and Marie (Jenck) Ottney. Her late husband Leonard J. Bodenlos was a Commander in the United States Navy and Lela had the opportunity to travel throughout the United Kingdom and Canada with him. She was a world traveler with her sister Selma. They took many Holland America cruises from the Baltic to Italy. She worked for many years as a manager of the trade books department of the Connecticut College Bookstore. Mrs. Bodenlos spent over 15 years as a volunteer researcher and executive assistant of Dr. Sylvio Bedini, famous author and historian, at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC. She continued her love of books by volunteering at the Fox Hill Village library: she also was the Duplicate Bridge Coordinator there. Lela was an outstanding quilter, seamstress, and gourmet cook. She is survived by her son Stephen R. and his wife Eugenia D. Bodenlos of Dedham, Massachusetts and her daughter Charlotte M. and her husband S. Dev Seth of Roanoke, Virginia, her brother Mervin A. Ottney of Beverly Hills, Michigan and her grandchildren Anjeli, Anita, Gregory and Kimberly. She was preceded in death by two of her children. Funeral services and burial will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 12:45 pm . In lieu of flowers, donations in Lela’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice.
Comments(13)
From my point-of-view (I’m the daughter) this is wonderful. I can’t wait to see who signs the Guestbook after the obituary appears on Sunday Nov. 21st. -Charlotte Bodenlos Seth
She sounded like such a great spirit. It was wonderful she was able to have her wish granted to die at home. Steve gave her a great gift.
My condolences to all.
Charlotte’s friend,
Pam Fisher
Charlotte and family, so sorry for your loss. Hold dear memories close to your heart and know that time, family and friends will help heal you. She had a long, rich and beautiful life… we should all be so lucky. Blessings be with you now and always.
Dear Steve, Eugenia, Charlotte, Dev, and families,
You have my deepest sympathy for your loss. Now our moms are looking down on us from above.
Sincerely,
Terrence Jinks
Dear Steve, Eugenia, Charlotte
I am so sorry that Lela has passed away but I am happy that she is at peace and is with Leonard and their children. Lela and I were always far apart because of Leonards naval career and my own which put us on the opposite sides of the earth. She and I communicated the old way – by writing letters. I will miss her but I will rejoin with her in the not too distant future.
Dear Charlotte,
Through the years I’ve watched as your love and appreciation of your mother has grown. Mother-daughter relationships always seem to become so much more precious after the daughter is an adult. I’m glad you had so many years of those adult years together. I know how pleased you were for her accomplishments, and I’m grateful that you know her presence in your life will not end. Peace and blessings through Christ be with you and Steve and your families.
Love,
MK
Steve and Eugenia,
So sorry about your loss. I never met her but we spoke of her often.
Ed and Leslie
We will miss mom very much, but are so thankful for all the wonderful memories and special times we had together. She was not only a self-less and most giving mother, but also a wonderful grandmother to our children, providing them with her invaluable wisdom and advice.
All our love, Eugenia & Steve
I was caregiver at Fox Hill and Lela was one of my favorite
residents. She was modest and unassumising…a true woman
of dignity and respect. It was always a pleasure to serve her and her independence was always respected. She was a
survivor and extremely classy and intellectual lady. She will be dearly missed
Dear Charlotte,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Your many wonderful memories will heal your heart in time. What exciting work and travel experiences she had. Donna Haley put it so eloquently, “we should all be so lucky!” What a wonderful life she had with her children, grandchildren and life experiences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dear Charlotte,
I don’t recall your mother from HCA days, but I certainly remember you, and I extend my deep sympathy on losing your vibrant, engaged, talent, and loving mother. A life well lived and love well spent.
It has already been a year since my mom has died. I still miss her very much and hope she is “at peace” and reunited in eternity with my dad.
Sorry for not commenting earlier. I have directed a
bridge game at Fox Hill Village on Thursday mornings for
which Lela was the organizer/contact person. She
performed her tasks flawlessly and with great tact.
That she could continue at her post until she finally went
to Clark House was a wonderment to me. I miss her much