SOUTHBURY- Mrs. Shirley (Guthart) Ditkoff, 82, of Heritage Village, died Thursday, February 11, 2010 at Danbury Hospital after a long illness. She was the wife of Leo Ditkoff.

Mrs. Ditkoff was born July 31, 1927 in Manhattan, daughter of the late Morris and Ettie (Schiller) Guthart. Orphaned at 13, she was raised by her older twin siblings, Bernard and Hannah, along with a younger sister, Frances, all of whom predeceased her. She will be greatly missed by her cherished husband of 60 years, Leo, her beloved sons, Michael, Larry and Andrew, treasured daughter in-law, Beth, her adored grandchildren Sarah and Matthew, numerous nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews as well as a host of friends and relatives. She was selfless and tireless in helping others. She attended Adelphi U, receiving a MSW at age 51 and achieved her CSW.

Mrs. Ditkoff spent 11 years counseling patients at New York State institutions. After her retirement in 1988, she continued her many charitable undertakings in Connecticut, including the Volunteer Ambulance, Hospice, Americare and counseling inmates at Garner Correctional Facility. She became deeply involved in facilitating understanding between different peoples through her work in the local Interfaith Committee and made friends from every background and persuasion. There is a great loss to her family and all who knew and loved this extraordinary woman.

Location: Munson-Lovetere Southbury

Services: A memorial service will be held in the near future.

Visitation: There are no calling hours.