Dorothy Dezzani Michelotti

Dorothy J. Michelotti was born on April 2, 1927, in New Britain, Connecticut. She passed away at home on Sunday, July 4, 2010, at the age of 83. Dorothy's life was characterized by her love of family and of God.

Dorothy grew up in Kensington, Connecticut and attended Berlin High School graduating in 1945 and serving as Valedictorian of her class. After high school, she attended Moody's Secretarial School with the goal of becoming a legal secretary. Moving to Fresno, California following her training, the rest of her family soon followed. Beginning her career as the legal secretary for the attorney of the city of Fresno, she made significant contributions to the companies and organizations she worked for eventually finishing her career as an Administrative Assistant in the early 1970's to the Dean of Business at Fresno City College. During this time, she attended classes at FCC earning her AS Degree in Business Administration and once again serving as Valedictorian of her class. Eventually Dorothy was able to pursue her dream of teaching classes in the Business Division at FCC and retired in April 1987 after many years of dedicated service.

In May 1952, the Dezzani family attended the Italian Catholic Federation dinner in Sanger where Dorothy met the love of her life Robert Michelotti. They were married at the Shrine of Saint Therese in Fresno on August 23, 1952. Serving as Robert's best man was Dorothy's brother, Peter Dezzani. On January 18, 1962, Robert and Dorothy were blessed with their daughter Ann Marie.

The family would also like to express appreciation to Dr. Steven Chooljian and nurses Di and Ashley as well as Right At Home and their wonderful care givers. In addition, special thanks to St. Agnes Hospice who cared for Dorothy in her final hours. Heartfelt thanks given to Doris Arce who lovingly cared for Dorothy since April of 2008, rarely leaving her side, devotedly providing for her needs as her fulltime caregiver and companion.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Rose Dezzani, who were born in Northern Italy and met and married in Manchester, Connecticut. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Robert Michelotti on December 8, 2008.

She is survived by her daughter, Ann Marie Cardoso; and grandson, Matthew Cardoso; her brother, Peter Dezzani and his wife Evelyn; her sister-in-law, Lida Helman; and many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors also survive her.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Thursday, July 8, 2010, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church on Friday, July 9, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at St. Peter's Cemetery.

Remembrances may be made to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 5770 N. Maroa, Fresno, Ca. 93710; or San Joaquin Memorial High School, 1406 North Fresno Street, Fresno, Ca. 93703-3789.