Dorothy Mae Earthman

Preceded in death by her brother Charles and sister Caroline Monroe. Dorothy was born in Los Angeles, California and moved to Texas at the age of 2. She was raised on the island of Galveston and Houston. Dorothy attended Incarnate Word Academy where her strong Catholic faith began. Her mother, Evelyn, was always proud that she raised a strong woman of never-ending faith.

Dorothy’s children will miss their mom dearly: James Bradshaw Earthman IV, Sissy Earthman Lappin and son-in-law Mark Louis Lappin, and William Joseph Earthman. Dorothy was fiercely loyal to her family and her sister Florence Baca, six nieces and nephews: Lynda Kouba Cushing, Jim Henry, Michael Henry, Brenda Lake, Debbie McLaughlin, and Richard Klein.

Dorothy was a strong Southern woman whose Catholic faith was a rich part of her history. For most of her life, Dorothy and Barbara Cashiola, her best friend from childhood, attended church together; then the two had lunch at Carrabbas, always ordering their favorite dish Shrimp Stefano.

The love and light of Dorothy’s life were her six grandchildren. When Dorothy was diagnosed with cancer and asked what she wanted more than anything--she did not hesitate to answer: “I want to spend time with my grandchildren.” Each grandchild spent precious time with their grandmother, and according to “Grand Dot,” the grandchildren were perfect--Garrett Earthman, Kyle Earthman, Leah Lappin, Nick Lappin, Liam Earthman, and Bradshaw Earthman. Grand Dot was the kind of grandmother, who called her grandchildren regularly—just to check up on them. She is also fondly remembered for making gallons of Thanksgiving dressing and Chicken Noodle Soup!

There were many angels in Dorothy’s life. The family would especially like to thank her niece, Lynda Kouba Cushing, for her invaluable knowledge and never-ending love and support; her friends Fran and Mary Ann; her care givers, Paula and Regina; her Heights neighbors; and finally the angels from Hospice Plus, Patty, Julie, and Ginny.

A celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m., with the Rosary beginning at 9:30 a.m., Friday, February 14, 2014, at All Saints Catholic Church, 215 E. 10th Street, Houston, Texas, 77008. The Rite of Committal will follow at 2:00 p.m., St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Fayetteville, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests consideration of a donation in Dorothy’s name to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston or the charity of your choice.