Dr. Dorothy M. Roels

Dr. Dorothy, or “Momma Congo”, as she was affectionately referred to by the loving caregivers on Ivy Lane at Southminster Retirement Community, passed peacefully in her sleep to her well-earned reward on December 2, 2013. She greatly appreciated their loving care.

Dorothy was born to Harold and Phyllis Rhodes Broadhurst on June 18, 1925 in Liverpool, England. Having a great mind for science and a fantastic work ethic, Dorothy originally planned a career as a veterinarian, but due to the war, was convinced to become a physician. She graduated from the University of Liverpool, and after her internship in Obstetrics and Gynecology, switched her interests to Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and became one of the first female physicians to obtain her Certification from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

During her career, she was an accomplished clinician and published research physician, with contributions to the literature in nutrition and infectious diseases. She practiced first in Belgium, and then the Belgian Congo. In New York City she served as Director of the ED at St. Luke's Hospital in Harlem. During her last 20 years of practice she served as the Director of Public Health Region 10 in South Texas, where she had one of the largest leprosy and tuberculosis patient populations in the United States. She also served actively as a physician on the South Texas Board of the March of Dimes.

She is predeceased by her husband, Dr. Oswald A. Roels and two sisters. She is survived by her loving daughter, Ann Talarico and her devoted son-in-law, Dr. Carmen Talarico of Charlotte; her grandchildren, Leslie and Matthew and their spouses; and her recently born great-grandson, Cypress Oliver Talarico-Karmol. She will also be missed by her remaining family scattered throughout the world.

Dorothy has donated her body for scientific study to Duke University. Private family services will be held upon her return. Dorothy requested that any donations in her memory be made to local Humane Societies or Doctors Without Borders.