Dottie met Pat while still in high school. Dottie was a licensed beautician until she married Pat following his return from service in the Marine Corps on Okinawa. Dottie’s pride and joy were her daughters Donna and Theresa, both of whom she always referred to as her babies no matter what their ages.
Following the family’s move to Florida, Dottie was offered a three-month position with the State of Florida’s Unemployment Compensation Department. This temporary job turned into a thirty-year career as an adjudicator. Dottie was a wonderful entertainer and a great cook. She and Pat threw some unforgettable parties and family celebrations. Dottie loved Christmas and enjoyed collecting ornaments, Santas and snowmen. She was very artsy-crafty and did all the painting and clothing for Pat’s wood working projects.
Dottie was a kind, compassionate and generous woman. First and foremost, she was a dedicated mother. She loved her girls unconditionally and she would do anything for them. She especially loved her role as Nanny to her grandchildren. She believed in looking out for others. She loved being with Pat on the scenic deck at Northfork, their vacation retreat in Franklin, North Carolina. Her favorite time there was early morning no matter how cold it was, enjoying a cup of coffee on the deck. She enjoyed having family and friends visit Northfork and hosted many happy hours there. She and Pat were at their best and happiest at Northfork.
Dottie was preceded in death by Pat, her husband of 60 years. She is survived by daughters, Donna Mainguth (Carl) and Theresa Dary (Greg); four grandchildren, Ana, Alex, Patrick and Madison; sister, Jean (Bill) Flandreau; sister-in-law, Jo McKiernan (Matt) as well as nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Junior League of St. Petersburg’s Care Fair event or the Children’s Cancer Center.
Arrangements were made under the direction of Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home 7950 131st street N., Seminole, FL 33776 / 727-391-0121.
