Dorothy T. Grotos

Dorothy Tappe Grotos, 88, of Great Falls, Virginia passed away peacefully in her home on Thursday, April 25, 2019 after living a full and productive life. Dorothy’s story is impressive by any measure as she blazed both literal and metaphorical trails throughout her life. Dorothy was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut and often in her later years would share stories of life during the Great Depression. Like many of her generation, this had a profound impact and shaped her life. Dorothy’s humor and sharp wit started at an early age, resulting in many funny incidents and occasionally a trip to the principal’s office and call home to her parents. She persevered and went on to graduate from New Haven Teaching College and then was one of the first women to earn a Master’s degree in Botany from Cornell University.

Dorothy’s passion for the outdoors and calling to serve found a perfect fit with the Girls Scout of America. Throughout her life, she served in many positions such as Camp Director and on the National Governance Board. Her humor and caring nature impacted thousands of young ladies. Dorothy moved to Arlington, Virginia shortly after marrying the man of her dreams in 1955. Her commitment to community called her to enter politics in the early 1970s, culminating in her successful election to the Arlington County Board in 1976 and 1980 and service as the County Board Chair in 1979. Her lasting impacts are many, to include nature centers, outdoor lab, regional parks, metro, and lower taxes. She served on the Washington Metro Authority and Regional Park Authority plus many other committees and boards.

While Dorothy was an achiever in every sense of the word, her true mission was being the best wife and mother. As the matriarch of the family, she shaped the lives of all us through her steadfast love, Christian teachings, and nurturing spirit. We are all better people and owe so much to her examples and the life she lived.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Lillie Tappe, and brothers Lawrence, Richard, and Edward. Dorothy is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Gunnar, sister Florence, four children Sigrid Vollmecke (Eric), Karl (Hillary), Erik (Lorie), and Leif (Elizabeth), 18 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and countless nieces and nephews. Her garden is growing.

Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 pm on Friday, May 3, 2019 at Murphy’s Funeral Home, 4510 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, May 4 2019 at 2:00pm at Clarendon United Methodist Church, 606 North Irving Street, Arlington, Virginia, followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request donations be made to: