Dorothy M. London

Dorothy May London, age 93, of Melbourne Beach, FL passed away on January 31, 2019. She was born on October 19, 1925 in Greenwich, CT, and came to Brevard County in 1992. Dorothy had various jobs over her lifetime and was retired from DeSherbiden Lamp Products.

Dorothy is survived by family members, Diane Gravenhorst (Art), John London (Marianne) and Ed London (Judy). She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Kelly, Mary Liz, Julianne, Katt, Maureen, Mandi, Eddie, Robbie, Danny and nine great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, John London, and grandson, John London III.

Dorothy May London was the youngest of three children, born October 19, 1925 to Charles and Edna Bedient. When her father left the family in 1930, the Great Depression was in full swing. Pressure was placed on her mother to give Dorothy and her brother Charlie (the 2 youngest) up for adoption, but her mother was adamant about keeping the family together at all costs. Their struggles and life events help cement her commitment to family ties and shape her into the wonderful woman she was to become.

Dorothy met John (“Jack”) London when they were in high school and married him in 1946 when he came home from WWII. At that time Dorothy was almost 21 years old, and Jack almost 20. They loved and supported each other for over 65 years, until Jack’s death in 2011. During this time, they had 3 children; Diane, John, and Edward, 10 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren.

In 1959, Dorothy and family made their home in Bethel, Connecticut. This was a time when people didn’t lock their doors. Children could ride bikes and roam free as long as they came home for dinner when the 6 o’clock whistle blew. Although it was a modest life style, routinely there was plenty to eat, and guests were always welcomed. Her children used to joke, “Our father is a butcher, our mother cooks the meat, and we are little hot dogs that run around the street.”

During her lifetime, Dorothy supplemented the family income by working at various jobs, eventually retiring from De Sherbiden Lamp Products in 1988. She was always willing to try something new and learned to knit, do ceramics, and square dance regularly with Jack. Other pastimes included playing cards, bingo, and bowling with friends. Dorothy and Jack also took several cruises and had some great adventures traveling with their pop-up camper.

In 1992, Dorothy and her husband moved to Melbourne, Florida and said goodbye to the cold winter months. They became members of the health club and senior center and enjoyed watching their grandsons compete in sporting events.

Toward the final phase of her life, Dorothy faced the many challenges of having macular degeneration with dignity. She was forever grateful for those individuals that might have told her a story or a joke, taken her to breakfast, shared a glass of wine or cup of coffee, telephoned her, included her in a gathering, sent her a card, remembered her at Christmas, or interacted with her in any way.

It is a comfort to know that Dorothy and her husband are at peace and united in Heaven, however they will be sorely missed by their loving family and friends.