Dorothy Alice Fisher

Dorothy Alice (Merkle, Francis) Fisher was born on January 4, 1923, in Bronx, New York. She was the oldest of four children to William and Mary Merkle. She and her two brothers and sister grew up during the Great Depression in New York.

After graduation from high school and at the start of World War II, she worked as a telephone operator in Manhattan and often told many stories about her experiences. In April 1943, she married Second Lieutenant John E. Francis. When he returned from duty in the Western Pacific during the War, she lived in New York and in several other states when John was recalled on active duty during the Korean War. After that service, Dorothy and John settled in Philadelphia where she raised two sons, sending them both to college and service in the Navy. She worked for many years in the business administration department of a neighborhood hospital.

John passed away in 1972. In 1979, Dorothy married Raymond Fisher and remained in her home in Philadelphia. She and Raymond took many trips to Canada and upstate Pennsylvania for fishing and hunting as well as visiting grandchildren and socializing in a senior citizens’ club.

Raymond passed away in 2009, and after several years, Dorothy moved to Arlington, Virginia to be closer to family. She maintained a close friendship with a home care giver, apartment neighbors, and volunteers from Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Crystal City.

Dorothy passed away on February 3, 2023. She is survived by her sister, two sons, a daughter in law, five grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces who live all over the United States. She was very much loved by all. Her devotion to her family and her many stories of life will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent for her remembrance to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 830 23rd St. South, Arlington VA 22202.