Dorothy was born in Hastings, Nebraska, on October 26, 1926. In 1944, she met her future husband Joe, who was stationed there during World War II. They were married and moved to Brooklyn in 1946, and then to Hicksville, NY, where she raised four children. A wonderful full-time mom, she was a creative person -- an artist and a lover of nature, especially birds and flowers. A gifted vocalist, she sang in her church choir until she was 90. She also taught preschool and volunteered for many local organizations. She was predeceased by her husband of 72 years and her sons, David and Joseph. She is survived by her daughter Patti, her son Jim, and grandchildren Jake, Katie and Joseph. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Nature Conservancy.