Dorothy Irene Schweikart

Dorothy Irene Schweikart, 87, passed away peacefully from cancer on November 11th, 2018. In her last days she shared how she looked forward to joining husband, Bob, in the afterlife, to dance together again.

The first of 4 kids, Dot was born June 27th, 1931 to Irene and Lada Bienerth in Cleveland, Ohio. Growing up, helping care for her brothers wasn't Dot's idea of fun, nor was helping at her Dad's hardware store. She preferred the arts, reading, and cats.

In her early 20's, she sent herself to The Ohio State University to study fine art, working 3 jobs to cover expenses. On campus she met Robert B. Schweikart, a grad student in theater and communications. Sparks flew between Dot and Bob as they took part in Iocal theater and WOSU radio productions. Bob was smitten with Dot's peppiness and independent spirit. Dot was swept off her feet with Bob's charm and musical talents. Bob and Dot didn't always see eye-to-eye but partnered shoulder-to-shoulder in all things through 54 years of marriage.

Dot and Bob poured unfailing love into all their children: Heidi, John, daughter-in-law, Cheryl, and son-in-law, Leif; and Anne and Rafael, our family's beloved exchange students. A true mother bear, Dot was nurturing, involved with, and fiercely protective of all her kids. School was a 'job', cultural arts participation was cultivated, and having a few close friends was more important than being popular, as was savoring long stretches of unscheduled time in the summer to play, dream, and rest.

Dot worked as a children's librarian at the Upper Arlington Public Library, leading children's storytime, marching as the library's reading mascot, Glow Worm, in Arlington's Fourth of July parade, and brought home stacks of books for the family to read. A voracious reader and life-long learner, Dot was passionate about good food for good health. Long before it became popular, Dot insisted upon humane animal treatment and organic, fresh ingredients.

Upon becoming an empty nester, Dot channeled her irrepressible creativity and love for all who are young at heart into children's entertainment, teaching herself balloon sculpture, magic, face painting, puppetry, and stage presence. She concepted and shared her original characters, Bea Happy, Corny Cobb, L'Artiste, Mrs. Kris Kringle, Rosy Hues, and Granny Goose at children's parties, corporate picnics and holiday events for over 30 years. Her motto was live, love, laugh and be happy.

In retirement, Dot and Bob turned their attention to learning together, listening to public radio and TV programs, leading Sunday scripture discussions, and travelling with Elderhostel across Europe. One of their favorite excursions was studying Impressionist art while eating and drinking their way through France by river barge.

At age 85, following caretaking of Bob in his final years, Dot returned to the arts. This time, at Ohio Living Westminster-Thurber, Dot performed in plays and, with eight fellow Thurber residents, scripted and acted in an original short film "Moonshine and Kafka". Dot devised the magic scene where her real pet cat, Kit2, is conjured out of an empty box.

Dot's boundless energy, sparkling smile, and kindness for all beings great and small brought joy to all who knew her. She is survived by her children, Heidi and Leif Johnson, John and Cheryl Schweikart; brothers, Al (Sheran) Benerth, Bob Bienerth, and Ted Bienerth; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to thank the Ohio Living retirement staff and residents for their caring and kindness and hospice care which enabled Dot to author her final chapter with the dignity and independence she so valued.

Following Dot's wishes, a graveside service will be held in Alliance, Ohio with close friends and immediate family when nature is in bloom and she can be laid to rest at Bob's side. Arrangements by SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL.

Please, no flowers. The best tribute to Dot will be to cherish your loved ones and, if desired, donate in her memory to Ohio Living Westminster-Thurber (reference Eden Animal Fund) 717 Neil Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43215 or the charity of your choosing. To share memories or condolences, visit www.schoedinger.com.