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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother and friend, Bernice (Kimmich) Wiedmann of Madison, on May 24 at the age of 90.

Bunny was the beloved wife of the late F.W. Zeke Westerson and the late George A. Wiedmann. Born in Norwalk on Aug. 22, 1928, Bunny was the daughter of the late William L. Kimmich, Sr., and Katherine (Thieme) Kimmich. She grew up in the Westville section of New Haven and spent many summer days at the family cottage on Black Hall Pond in Old Lyme. Bunny graduated from Hillhouse High School in New Haven and Larson College (now Quinnipiac University) and began her work life as a medical secretary in New Haven. She, with Zeke, pioneered in the recreational boating industry in Connecticut, starting Yacht Distributors, Inc. in 1958. The boat dealership later became Yacht Distributors, Inc. and Marina and the Quarterdeck Cafe in Old Saybrook.

She and George retired to New Hampshire, where they built their dream home on Lake Winnipesaukee and cruised in a 1927 Hackercraft, Auntie Mame. For almost 30 years Bunny was an active volunteer serving on several boards and as a caregiver for people and animals in need. In 2013 she returned to Connecticut to be near family and friends. Bunny was a wonderful, lively person. She lived a long and happy life filled by family and friends, love and joy, Scrabble and cartwheels, and all animals great and small.

Surviving to mourn her are her children Grant W. (Joanne) Westerson of Old Saybrook, Jean W. (Mark) Ferris of Madison, and Susan L. Wiedmann of Clinton; her granddaughter Lisa B. Westerson of Norfolk; her niece Pat (Rick) Blaney of Live Oak, Florida; her nephew Bruce (Lynne) Kimmich of Grass Valley, California; her grand-nephews Peter and Daniel Kimmich and their families in California; and her best friend Andra Read of Niantic.

Besides her parents and husbands, she was predeceased by her brother William L. Kimmich, Jr., sister-in-law Jean Kimmich, her daughter-in-law Sporty Norrie, and her lifelong friend Burt Paulson. We will miss Bunny every day until we meet again.

There are no calling hours and burial will be private. A celebration of Bunny’s life will be held on a future date. Memorial donations in Bunny’s name may be made to The Connecticut Hospice Inc., Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405, or the Valley Shore Animal Welfare League, 647 Horse Hill Rd., Westbrook, CT 06498, or to an organization of your choice that supports animal rescue and adoption.

A very special thank you to her caregivers who gave her so much love and support, Mary, Margaret, Rose, and Paula.

Swan Funeral Home in Old Saybrook is in charge of arrangements.