Dorothy "Dottie" Ann Kiellach

Dottie Kiellach, 83, of Clearwater, Florida, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 9, 2026. She will be remembered as a woman of strength, humor, and unwavering love for her family and friends. Her life was marked by resilience, generosity, and an enduring belief that attitude shapes everything.

Dottie was born in Albion, NY on December 4, 1942. She was raised in a structured household and, as the middle child, learned early to navigate both expectations and independence. She loved roller skating and baseball, and she often shared stories about taking the bus to Silver Stadium to watch the Red Wings play. When her family moved to Rochester, it was the beginning of a lifelong friendship with Ken, who she married at the age of 19. They always joked that they might as well get married since they had so many shared interests and, quite frankly, she wanted to stay up late enough to watch Johnny Carson. Although they were excellent bowling and euchre partners, they learned that marriage did not suit them. Their union did produce four extraordinary children who were her greatest joy and legacy. She bragged about her children to anyone who would listen and even those who wouldn’t. In true Dottie-fashion, she remained good friends with Ken and his wife Sharon throughout her lifetime.

Dottie was the most loving and supportive grandmother. Known affectionately as “G-DOT,” she brought joy, laughter, and fun into her seven grandchildren’s lives. From Florida vacations to planning Christmas games for the family that would forever divide the men and women, she built traditions and core memories that marked each of their childhoods. She always supported and encouraged them, celebrating their accomplishments and believing in them wholeheartedly. A role model for this generation, she embodied strength, kindness, humor, perseverance, and unconditional love—and she was immensely proud of each of them. Dottie also cherished her role as a great-grandmother and loved spending quality time with her six great-grandchildren. These moments brought her immense happiness and were a true highlight of her later years.

Dottie shared many words of wisdom that her family will carry with them always: Happiness is a choice. It’s all about attitude. It’s not what happens to you - it’s how you respond. And, of course, a favorite practical reminder at the card table: Never trump your partner’s ace. Dottie believed that one could do anything they put their mind to and always encouraged those around her to follow their dreams.

Dottie loved to quip that she wasn’t fond of people, yet she quietly built an extraordinary web of deep and loving relationships. To her friends, she was a mentor, an encourager, and a mother figure. She loved spending quality time with friends—playing games, going out to eat, and sharing stories filled with laughter and memories. Her many hobbies included euchre, bowling, word games, Mahjong, and poker. These games weren’t just pastimes - they were opportunities for connection, fun, and friendly competition.

Professionally, she built a successful career as a highly skilled real estate agent, taking great pride in her work. Her dedication, intelligence, and strong work ethic earned her both respect and recognition within the field. Although she received multiple awards for her achievements, her greatest fulfillment came from helping her clients plant roots and know the joy of homeownership.

Dottie’s faith was a steady foundation in her life. She believed deeply in Jesus and the power of prayer, turning to her faith for strength, comfort, and guidance. When Dottie was 54, she was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and given a prognosis of three to six months. Between her positive attitude, her faith in God, and her sister Judy’s sacrificial caregiving, Dottie overcame all odds and defied every doctors’ expectations. That was Dottie - strong, faithful, and a tad bit stubborn.

Dottie’s life was one of purpose, love, and resilience. Her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, dear friends, and all those whose lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Dottie was preceded in death by her son-in-law Joe Merry; parents Ralph and Helen (Hungerford) Tiffany; mother-in-law Delora Kiellach; sisters Judy Jorgenson and Peggy Isbell; and sister-in-law Barbara Kiellach.

She is survived by her children Chris (Karen) Kiellach, Kim Merry, Cheryl Perry, and Jennifer Kiellach; ex-husband Ken (Sharon) Kiellach; brothers-in-law Andy Jorgenson and David Kiellach; grandchildren Jordan (Sierra) Kiellach, Dustin (Morgan) Kiellach, Nathan (Lilly) Kiellach, Ciara Kiellach, Jaymie (Kurt) Stavdal, Steven Merry, and Joe Perry; great-grandchildren Brooke and Jayce Stavdal, Kendall and Kira Kiellach, and Kinsely and Nash Kiellach; beloved nieces and nephews, Jeff (Julie) Leonard, Mike (Connie) Leonard, Mary Beth (Brian) Doty, Tim (Kathy) Leonard, and Amy (Martin) Wilbert; and many dear friends.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at one of Dottie’s favorite restaurants, Salad Station, located at 13811 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33635 from 3:30-5:30 pm.

There will be a Celebration of Life in her hometown of Rochester, NY on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to please consider making a donation to your favorite charity in Dottie’s name.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered at www.sylvanabbey.com