Dorothy Jeanne Smith

Fiercely independent and private, Dorothy lead the kind of life she wanted without concern for what others thought. She was always optimistic, had a strong sense of morality, and believed integrity was a person’s most important attribute. Although she didn’t have much, she was generous and regularly donated to many causes like the American Lung Association, Easter Seals, and the Red Cross. She enjoyed crafting in all its forms, including Tri-Chem (earning an instructor badge), mosaic tile, creating latch hook rugs, making Christmas ornaments, working with plastic canvas kits and patterns, macramé, crochet and knitting. On a loom she knitted hundreds of hats and scarves for the homeless. She was an avid stamp collector. She loved playing games like Scrabble and putting together jigsaw puzzles. She read voraciously, watched PBS, and listened to music of all kinds. Dorothy’s love for chocolate was insatiable. Her favorite chocolates were Hershey kisses and See’s Candies.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Audrey A. Malone, Sacramento, CA; her father, William Gerald Waidlich, Hershey, PA; and her grandson Nathan A. Foster, Colorado Springs, CO.

Dorothy will be remembered by her family: her sister Betty A. Clement (Tom Morris), Carlsbad, CA; three children: Dale K. Kutsch (Maryanne K. Harrison-Kutsch), Oceanside, CA; Michelle R. Foster (Brian L. Foster), Sultan, WA; and Michael S. Smith (Gregory A. Stegall), Indio, CA; three grandchildren: Cassandra L. DeBellis (Anthony DeBellis), Carlsbad, CA , Sarah B. Spina (Shea S. Spina), Monroe, WA, and Jonathan D. Kutsch, Las Vegas, NV; and six great grandchildren: Juliana, Francesca, Angela, Michael, and Vivian DeBellis, and Sophia Kutsch.

Family and friends are invited to her graveside memorial service on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, at Mount Vernon Memorial Park 8201 Greenback Ln Fair Oaks, CA 95628.