Dorothy Elizabeth Fletcher

After a lifetime of service to others, Dr. Dorothy E. Fletcher, 59, of North Laurel, MD, died peacefully on July 11, 2014, of a heart attack. She is survived by her devoted husband of 30 years, Doug Lee, and their daughter, Michelle Lee. Dorothy received her Bachelor’s degree in General Science from the University of Maryland at College Park and a Doctorate in Education from The Johns Hopkins University, with a dual major in Special Education/Rehabilitative Technology and Certification in Educational Administration and Supervision. Her dedication to helping others was evident in college, where she was an active volunteer, trainer and leader at the campus hotline, the HELP Center. Dorothy began her forty-year career in education as a Reading Instructional Assistant with Prince Georges County Public Schools in 1974. After receiving teacher certification, she served as a Special Education Teacher with Howard County Public Schools (HCPS) from 1984 to 1995, working with students at Centennial High, Cedar Lane School, Atholton High, Long Reach High and River Hill High. From 1999- 2014, she was a CTE Community Liaison for the HCPS and worked at the Applied Research Lab, placing high school students in technology, healthcare and business fields. Dorothy worked with a wide range of students, and her determination and dedication changed many lives. She saw beyond labels and inspired every student and teacher to improve. Dorothy was also an Adjunct Professor at Howard Community College, teaching Special Education courses from 2000-2014. A consummate and highly respected professional, she inspired her students at Howard County Community College, as well as her HCPS colleagues. She also served on the Board of Directors of the Helping Hands Enrichment and Leadership Foundation. She had planned to devote her retired years to teaching the Common Core to disadvantaged children in Howard County and was just starting a summer camp. Dorothy’s family and friends benefitted from her creativity and passion for cooking, baking, gardening, and crafts. She had a deep love of nature and a genuine appreciation for people and cultures. Dorothy will be remembered for her commitment to quietly changing the world with acts of love, beauty and kindness. She believed each new day brings “another opportunity to do better.”

A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday 2--5 pm, July 27, 2014 at the Ten Oaks Ballroom and Conference Center at 5000 Signal Bell Lane, Clarksville, Maryland 21029. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Helping Hands Enrichment and Leadership Foundation, Inc., PO Box 1200 Columbia, MD 21044.

There are many ways you can participate in celebrating the remarkable woman that Dorothy was: write about a memory, how she touched your life, what you loved most, what you’ll miss most, how she made a difference, etc. You can share just the written account or speak; make a craft display, a collage; write or bring a poem to display; or read aloud; bring digital pictures (thumb drive & laptop to display if possible); photo albums, pictures and other memorabilia; sing a song, play a song. Please don’t let this list limit how you want to honor Dorothy. Most importantly, celebrate an incredible human being who made a huge difference in her corner of the world.

If you want to make a tribute (1-2 min), please email Sheree at [email protected]" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[email protected] (include your name and what your relationship to Dorothy is, i.e. colleague HCPS, neighbor, family, Help Center, my friend, etc.) so we have a rough idea on the number. In addition to the formal time for sharing about Dorothy, there will also be space for smaller groups to gather and share separately and more intimately. Also email Sheree Mullen [email protected] if you will bring any other memorabilia to be displayed and what it is.

Please dress casually and comfortably – this is a celebration, NOT a funeral!