Elizabeth (Osterloh) Todd passed away Monday, February 11, 2013. She resided in the Mystic area for over 50 years, most of which on River Road and more recently at StoneRidge.
She is survived by her nieces and nephew, Lynne Osterloh of Neptune Beach, FL, Jackie Osterloh of Dublin, CA, and Judy and Robert Osterloh of Los Osos, CA. She is also survived by her step-daughter Judith Schmid-Bielenberg (Viktor) of Laudon, TN, her sister-in-law Joyce Osterloh of Wexford, PA, niece Lucy Stephany of Manassas, VA, nephews Stanley and Robert (Molly) Stephany and great nephews Oliver, Eliott, and Max Stephany of Pittsburgh, PA.
Elizabeth was born March 9, 1915. She grew up in Pittsburgh, PA where she was the lead soprano for the Pittsburgh Opera. In the late 1940’s she moved to New York City to study voice where she met and married Willis H. Todd. She was a long standing member and past president of the Mystic Garden Club and was known as “the orchid lady.” Elizabeth taught voice lessons in Mystic, directed the choir at FUMC Mystic, and was a vocal advocate for the preservation of nature and indigenous animals in her area. She was also instrumental in having River Road designated as a scenic road.
Elizabeth’s family will greet friends at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic on Wednesday, February 20, from 3 to 5pm. A private burial will precede the visitation.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, the Mystic Seaport, or FUMC of Mystic.
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