Dorothy "Dottie" Anna Kulick Meares

Pre-deceased by her beloved husband Jim ( BoBo) Meares in 2005. Dottie is survived by her six children and nine grandchildren. Her three sons, John Meares (Carol) of Indian Rocks Beach, Brett Meares (Ann) of Atlanta, GA, Adam Meares of Seminole. Her Three daughters, Laura Meares ODonoghue of Largo, Lisa Meares Moran ( Jake) of Largo, Melanie Meares Bush (Patrick) of Indian Rocks Beach. Her precious grandchildren, Daeja Lynn O’Donoghue ( Armando) of Miami, Karra Moran of Largo, Olivia-Savannah-Brett Bush of Indian Rocks Beach, Benjamin and Luke Meares of Sabina OH, Allison and Katherine Meares of Atlanta, GA. Dottie resided with her daughter Laura since her husband's death in 2005.

Dottie was a loving, devoted and extraordinary mother and wife who cherished her family- including all the extra additions over the years. Their home on Indian Rocks Beach was a main hub for all her children’s friends- many made it their second home and called her Mom. They always said they had 30 kids- not 6. Especially on grocery day.. They also always took in lost wayward souls and those in need. Not to forget their love of all animals over the years including our pet raccoon, a crazy monkey, dogs and cats. Then came the horses- lots of them. Dottie learned to ride the hard way and enjoyed many a family rides running through the woods. Even after many a tumble- she always laughed and got right back on.

Dottie and Jim’s love of the water, adventures and spur of the moment Scuba diving Trips were a standard in their home. An hours notice was considered sufficient to pack up boats, friends, pets and more boats for an 8 hour caravan drive to the Keys. Her children were raised in the water, learn to dive at early ages, flying airplanes, race cars, race boats, dive boats, water skiing were the everyday norm. Not to mention the millions of mishaps and endless pranks. Dottie also dearly loved her coffee and burnt toast- which has carried on to her daughters and grandchildren.

When Dottie was 18 she answered an ad in a newspaper in Wauchula, Fl for “ mermaids” at Weeki Wachee Springs. She made the journey and instantly fell in love. She stayed for years until she met Jim “BoBo” Meares. He even landed his airplane on US19 in front of the springs to impress her. She had him thrown out. After many failed attempts- he eventually succeeded and they eloped to California. They made their way back to Indian Rocks Beach and raised their family. After many years, and in her 60’s- she was asked to return to Weeki Wachee as part of a reunion swim. It was so successful it lasted another 20 years with weekly shows and practices . Like she said “ Once a mermaid, always a mermaid” She was and still is- Weeki Wachee’s oldest mermaid and swam with ease, grace and beauty. She couldn’t wait to shimmy into her “tail” and dive into her underwater paradise. She finally retired at the age of 80.

Dottie dearly loved her children and grandchildren and always had a kind smile, loving words and endless spaghetti dinners... Being the true legends Dottie and Jim were- she always said when it was her time to go that she and her honey would fly through the universe- dive all the springs and oceans and travel through all the portals in space til we were all together again - and we believe that’s just where they are.

Safe travels mom and dad.... We love you.