Corinne Elizabeth (Straka) Warder

Corinne “Connie” Elizabeth (Straka) Warder, 91, died Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in the company of her daughter, Bernadette. She was born in New York City to Frank and Maria Straka, who emigrated from Budapest, Hungary, via Ellis Island.

She was the youngest of six children, all of whom predecease her. She graduated from Plattsburg State Teachers’ College (SUNY) in 1943, and she received her master’s degree from the University of Maryland in 1967.

On June 11, 1942, she married Bernard “Bunny” Alexander Warder, who predeceased her. They had four children, two of whom, Lloyd Stephen and Jenine Cecilia, predecease her.

She taught home economics for 34 years, primarily in southern Maryland, at Lackey and Oxon Hill high schools. She was active in the Women’s Democratic Club, Toastmistresses International, Business and Professional Women’s Foundation, the VFW Auxiliary and the DAV Auxiliary.

Following the death of her husband, she became active in Widowed Persons’ Service (AARP). When she moved to Lehigh Acres in 1980, she became Florida’s first state coordinator for Widowed Persons Service. She was also active in the Retired Teachers’ Association, NARFE and a host of local organizations.

She enjoyed gardening, cooking, flower arranging, theater and reading. She also enjoyed the company of many new friends and developed a special friendship with Wentworth W. Linebarger, a Washingtonian who had also relocated to Lehigh Acres. He predeceases her.

A highlight for her three daughters was a 1996 trip to Budapest, Vienna and Prague, planned and provided by her. In recent years, her physical limitations necessitated that she give up much of her volunteer work. However, she remained acutely aware of and interested in current events, particularly politics and local happenings.

She was fortunate to live in her own home, even in advancing years. In large part, this was made possible by the steady gift of time and friendship from two dear friends, Mary Akers and Ann Dunn, both of Lehigh Acres.

She is survived by two daughters, Diana M. Anderson and Bernadette L. Linebarger; sons-in-law, David A. Anderson and Philip V. Linebarger; grandchildren, K. David Anderson, Jessica H. (Andre) Barnes, Luke V. Linebarger, Matthew B. Anderson and Dylan W. Linebarger; great-grandchildren, Kyle A. Anderson, Elliott C. Barnes and Shelby C. Anderson; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 19, 2012, at Arehart-Echols Funeral Home in LaPlata, Md. Interment will follow at St. Charles Cemetery in Indian Head, Md.

In lieu of flowers and in memory of her beloved pet, Babe Ruth, contributions can be made to the Florida Dachshund Rescue, Maria Lachney, Treasurer, 4115 Ione Court, Auburndale, FL 33823.