In Memoriam
Ernest Dieterich: 1923-2010
The League of Women Voters has lost a dear friend. Ernie Dieterich, longtime member of the Winchester League, died of a heart attack on Wednesday, January 20.
Before coming to Winchester in the early 1950s, Ernie and his wife Harriet had been politically active in Cambridge. As their children grew up and Ernie built his career, Harriet served on the School Committee and became president of the Winchester League. After her death, Ernie joined the Winchester League in tribute to Harriet and urged others to join, saying “The League of Women Voters is not just for women voters, you know”.
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Ernie Dieterich addresses the meeting at Brainstorm Brunch 2006
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Ernie contributed immensely to the growth and improvement of the local and state Leagues through generous financial support and tireless work as editor on the local and state Bulletins. He brought his teaching skills to statewide and local workshops about voting systems, a topic that eluded many, including this writer. Under Ernie's tutelage, a very complex subject was suddenly clear!
Ernie demanded a great deal of himself. Retirement meant only that he would engage in a different kind of activity—giving back. With this in mind, Ernie devoted hundreds of hours consulting for United Way, sang in his church choir, visited the sick, and delivered Meals on Wheels.
Ernie was devoted to his children—Ann, Charlie, and Henry—and his grandchildren. He was so fortunate in having a wonderful friend and companion, Hazel Rich*, whose great-grandchildren knew him as Uncle Ernie, a beloved playmate who participated in their tea parties.
- Dotty Burstein
