Dorothy Naughton

Waukesha-Dorothy Mae Naughton, 87, of Waukesha died Sunday, Feb. 25, 2007, at Waukesha Memorial Hospital. She was born Oct. 26, 1919, to Raymond and Mildred (Wood) Naughton in Sioux City, Iowa, and moved to Waukesha in 1975. Dorothy was active in community, church, and philanthropic organizations all of her life. She was the Director of the Waukesha Public Library from June 1975 until September 1984. As the director, in the early 1980s Dorothy planned for a new library building with an automated checkout system and on-line catalog. She stood up for intellectual freedom and defended the customer's right to confidentiality, for which she was awarded a Special Service Award from the Wisconsin Library Association. She was a lifetime member of the Friends of the Waukesha Public Library. After she retired, Dorothy continued to be active in Waukesha. She volunteered her time and financial support to the Literacy Council of Greater Waukesha and the Waukesha Civic Theatre. She was involved in the DL Chapter of PEO. She served in many capacities at Salem United Methodist Church. Dorothy graduated in 1941 from Briar Cliff College in Sioux City, Iowa. She also received a bachelor of science in library sciences from the University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana). She worked at the Des Moines public library before becoming Director of the Lake Geneva (Wis.) Public Library, prior to moving to Waukesha. She was the former treasurer of the Sioux City branch, American Association of University Women, a former president of Alpha Theta chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority, a member of the Briar Cliff College Alumnae Association board, a member of the Sioux City Woman's Club and Chapter HZ, PEO, and a board member of her church in Iowa. Dorothy is survived by her brother Gerald (Jean) Naughton of Omaha, Neb.; her sister Julie (Laurence) Lassen of Ogden, Utah; nieces, nephews, and many grandnieces and nephews also survive. Dorothy loved opera, theatre, travel, and books. She was a friend to many, of all ages and backgrounds. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 1, 2007 from 10:00 A.M. until the 11:00 A.M. Memorial Service all at Salem United Methodist Church, 541 State Hwy 59. A private family burial will be held. If desired memorials are suggested to the Waukesha Public Library. 321 Wisconsin Avenue, Waukesha, WI 53186. For more information or directions please call Randle-Dable Funeral Home at 547-4035 or go online to leave a tribute at randledable.com.