Mildred Ottilie Schleinkofer White Bulakites passed away on October 26, 2024, at the age of 97. “Ottilie” was born on June 12, 1927, in Stamford, Connecticut to Otto William and Mildred Emma (Cook) Schleinkofer. She was the elder sister of Otto W. Schleinkofer, Jr. [Gloria].

Ottilie was known for her sociability, drive, and spirit of fun and adventure. A member of the “Greatest Generation,” she experienced the Great Depression and World War II, which profoundly shaped her positive outlook and steadfast work ethic. She also displayed a remarkable adaptability, which was critical to her long and productive life.

Ottilie married Earle William White on September 18, 1954. They had two daughters, Sidnie White (Dan D.) Crawford and Deborah Ottilie White (Gary S. Spenik), and two grandchildren, Theo Edward, and Nicholas William White-Spenik. Earle preceded her in death on April 7, 1975. She later married William G. (“Bill”) Bulakites on October 26, 1991. He passed away on July 2, 2013.

A 1945 graduate of Stamford High School and a 1948 graduate of the Stamford Hospital School of Nursing, Ottilie dedicated over 40 years to a career as an obstetrics and gynecology nurse, first at Greenwich Hospital and later as an office nurse for J. Brooks Hoffman, M.D., of Greenwich.

After spending most of her life in Stamford, Ottilie moved to Westport in 1991 with her second husband Bill, and in 2007 to Ashlar Village, a Masonicare Retirement community in Wallingford. At Masonicare, she was an active volunteer, participating in numerous activities, volunteering at Ashlar enterprises, and supporting The Masonic Charities Foundation. Ottilie and Bill were featured in a 2009 Masonicare promotional video as exemplary residents.

Ottilie enjoyed traveling with Bill and her daughters, visiting several countries in Europe, Asia, North America, and many locations in the United States. Ottilie had a special affection for Cape Cod, which Earle introduced her to in 1954. She passed this fondness on to her daughters. A life-long Episcopalian, Ottilie believed in truth, integrity, and personal and social responsibility. She was baptized, confirmed, and (twice) married at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Stamford, where she filled multiple roles, including reader, usher, chorister (girls’ and adult), and Guild member. After moving to Ashlar Village, Ottilie attended St. John the Evangelist Church in Yalesville, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister, Lector, and Altar Guild member. She was a respected church leader in both parishes.

Ottilie was also a dedicated and enthusiastic participant in several Masonic service organizations. She held various leadership moles, including Worthy Advisor, Mother Advisor, and recipient of the Grand Cross of Color in the International Order of Rainbow for Girls; a 75 year-member, Grand Officer, three-time Grand Representative, multiple term Worthy Matron, and founding member of the Ashlar Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star; and a three-time Grand Officer, multiple-term Grand Representative, and multiple-term Royal Matron in the Order of the Amaranth.

Ottilie is survived by her daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren, as well as her brother Otto and sister-in-law Gloria, her niece Susan [Jim Petersen], her nephew Otto [Amy] Schleinkofer III and their children Preston and Emma, her Crawford stepfamily, and a wide circle of friends and loved ones.

A service for Ottilie will be held at Masonicare at Ashlar Village on November 16 at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to the Masonic Charity Foundation of Connecticut, Midstate Medical Center, or The Episcopal Church in Connecticut.

“Well done, good and trustworthy [daughter]… enter into the joy of your master." Matthew 25:23

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