Dorothy Jean Smith

Dorothy Jean Smith, age 93, of Glendale, Arizona passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. She was the youngest of two girls, born on June 16, 1931, to Baxter Brewer Rushing and Lillian Gertrude Bailey. Her older sister was Helen.

Dorothy worked as a telephone operator for over 30 years while raising her three boys, Joe, Tony and Mark. During the macrame craze of the 1970s, she thrived. Starting a small business where she designed beautiful plant hangers for friends, family and selling at craft fairs. Her passion for creativity could not be quenched and so it spilled over into other areas, including painting.

And oh, how she loved the beach! In fact, at one point Dorothy and her husband, Vick, owned a trailer on the beach in Mexico where they spent quality time soaking in the sea and sun.

Dorothy leaves behind her son Mark Cacciatore, spouse Vick Smith, her grandchildren Sarah Shoulders, Joey Cacciatore, Luca Cacciatore and Isabella Cacciatore, and nieces June Rains Daniels and Kay Rains Neufeld. She is preceded in death by her sons Tony and Joe Cacciatore and first husband Al Cacciatore. A small gathering of friends and family was held over dinner to share and celebrate Dorothy's life.