Dorothy Gabbett

Dorothy Gabbett, (Dot), passed away on August 1st at the age of 80. Dorothy was born on Staten Island to the late Helen and Arthur Gundersen. She graduated with honors from New Dorp High School and attended Staten Island Community College. Following school, she was employed at Bayley Seton Hospital. Eventually, she worked as a social worker for the New York City Department of Social Services. Dorothy continued her career as a social worker in New Jersey at Richard Hall Community Mental Health

Services-Project Outreach, helping mentally ill and homeless adults. Dorothy’s passion for volunteerism began at a young age when she was a Girl Scout and then a troop leader. She went on to help establish a walk in center for women experiencing domestic violence. Dorothy became an active member and lay eucharistic minister at All Saints Episcopal Church and was a founder of their preschool program, Kiddie Kampus. She enjoyed participating in the clown ministry, which helped to spread the teachings of the church through clowning and skits. It was not unusual to see her donning a red nose and face paint. She was a strong advocate for the ordination of women in the Episcopal church. While residing in East Brunswick, NJ Dorothy joined St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Spotswood, where she sang in the choir, helped to expand their food pantry, was a member of the Board of Directors of Community of Hope Ministries, and a Cursillo team member. Upon moving to Toms River, she joined Christ Episcopal Church. She was co-president of the local East Brunswick AARP chapter and a member of the East Brunswick Women’s Club.

In addition to spending time with family and friends, Dorothy enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles, going to the beach, attending concerts and shows, shopping, and traveling. She was especially thrilled about having attended The Rose Parade in California, a childhood dream. She was a talented seamstress and had made many beautiful prom dresses, doll outfits, and Halloween costumes, seemingly out of whatever materials she had on hand. She was a lover of animals and had a menagerie

of pets over the years including dogs(her favorite), cats, fish, frogs, gerbils, and even a duck. Dorothy is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Keith Gabbett: three children and their spouses, Jeanmarie Burroughs-Teitler, Howie Teitler, Sandra Caruso, Peter Caruso, Glenn Burroughs, Debbie Burroughs; two stepdaughters Beth Gabbett, Mary Gabbett; one grandson Alexei Teitler, and four granddaughters Julianna Teitler, Samantha Caruso, Laura Caruso, and Ashley Burroughs; her brother Arthur Gundersen and his wife Carol of Peach Tree City, Georgia, along with many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Evelyn and Doug Stratton of Brick. Dorothy will be memorialized in a small service that was coordinated by the D'Elia Funeral Home of Lakewood, NJ (732)363-1987. Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Peter’s Episcopal Church 505 Main Street, Spotswood, NJ 08884. Please indicate Food Pantry in the check memo section of your check.