Dorothy F. Simke

Dorothy, who was also known as Dottie, Miss Dorothy and Grandma Dorothy by those who knew and loved her, was born in Chicago on February 13, 1928, to Peter and Clara Dundon. She grew up in the Mayfair Community of the city with her younger brother Ron, where her family formed lifelong friendships with their neighbors.

Dorothy developed a love of music at an early age, and she became an accomplished accordion player. She was 15 years old when she joined The Accordionettes, a group of young ladies who played for wounded soldiers during World War II as part of the USO. By the war’s end, Dorothy had graduated from Taft High School and had become a highly regarded accordion teacher for the Wilkins School of Music.

At the Wilkins School, Dorothy met music store manager Richard (Dick) Simke, also an accordion player. They fell in love, and in 1949 began a marriage which lasted nearly 40 years. After welcoming their first child Roger, the family moved to the Chicago suburb of Park Ridge, where their son Jeff and daughter Sharon were born, and where the family lived for 21 years. Dorothy was an active member of the community, enhancing the annual 4th of July Kiddie Parades with beautiful floats she and Dick built, supporting the local elementary school by creating delightful Fun Fairs, and entertaining family and friends in her home with delicious food and of course, live music! Dick and Dorothy were a wonderful pair working together on these projects.

Then in 1972, Florida became home for the Simke family. With the children in high school and college, Dorothy returned to the workforce and continued to work until the age of 83. She brought her creativity and excellence to her various positions over the years as a receptionist in real estate offices and later as an executive assistant for Atlantic Filter Corporation in West Palm Beach, a job she loved. Dorothy’s final workplace in the Accounting Office of the Fountains Country Club in Lake Worth provided not only a wonderful job, but also a place to live in a townhouse where she was happy for more than 30 years.

But the pinnacle of Dorothy’s creativity was reached in her retirement. Dorothy honed her crafting skills in the area of miniatures. Whether a doll house, room box or empty pint milk bottle, Dorothy created beautiful and intricate scenes which captured the imagination and each told its own story. A blue ribbon winner at the South Florida Fair, Dorothy’s work was featured in newspaper and magazine articles.

Dorothy’s creations were sold at the Buckler Craft Fairs in West Palm Beach, where she developed wonderful relationships with many customers. In 2012, Dorothy began donating all proceeds from her sales to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and was able to make a sizeable contribution to breast cancer research efforts. In her retirement Dorothy also enjoyed volunteering at Wellington Regional Medical Center, and at Florida Gardens Baptist Church, where she formed treasured friendships, and grew in the knowledge of her Savior, Jesus Christ. It is in Him that her family members, though she will be missed, rest their hope.

Dorothy Simke led a rich, full, and long life. To quote Dorothy, “I’ve had a beautiful life.”

Dorothy is survived by her son Jeff (Pat) Simke, daughter Sharon (Ray) Dolly, daughter-in-law Rita Simke, grandchildren Derek (Christina) Simke, Kevin (Ashley) Simke, Craig Simke, Jordan Simke, Richard (Shelby) Dolly, Steven (Becca) Dolly, Claire Dolly, Elaine Dolly, and great-grandchildren Aiden, Lillian, Kensley, Owen, and Monroe.

A celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held on Friday, February 13, 11:00 a.m., at Faith Coast Church, 365 Jog Road, West Palm Beach, Florida, 33415.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and to Big Bend Hospice.

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life; the one who believes in Me will live, even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”

John 11:25