Dorothy Rose Anthes passed away on Feb. 14, 2023 at the age of 98 in Kentfield, CA, with her daughter, Roberta, by her side. She was born on July 11, 1924 at her home in Woodside, New York to Rose and Robert Smerz. She was predeceased by her parents and beloved husband, Gerald Bradley Anthes, and her sister, Joan Caravella. She is survived and cherished by her daughter, Roberta Anthes, her partner, Wil Levine, and his daughter, Zoe; her sister, Roberta Kral; and eleven nieces and nephews: Nancy Scileppi, Thomas Scileppi, Diane Stacy, Vincent Kral, Robert Kral, Michael Schell, John Schell, Mary Kelly, Joseph Schell, Robert Schell, Ann Sidoti, and their families.
Dorothy earned a Master’s Degree in organic chemistry from Fordham University in 1948. She also holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Queens College in chemistry and biology. A trailblazer, she was one of only two women in the chemistry department at the time. In the Fordham chemistry lab, she met Gerald Anthes, a Navy pilot, who would become her husband on June 26, 1948. They had 45 years of happy marriage and one daughter, Roberta.
Dorothy held a number of scientific positions that were unusual for women in those days. She was an organic research chemist for Schering Corporation in Bloomfield, NJ where she synthesized pharmaceuticals, including antihistamines, analgesics, and anti-tuberculosis drugs. One of the antihistamines she helped produce is still widely used today. As a research librarian for Standard Oil in Linden, NJ, she abstracted and translated scientific literature from German to English and prepared a weekly Patent Abstract Publication. She was later employed by the Celanese Corporation in Summit, NJ as an organic research chemist and then as an analytic chemist at the United States Testing Corporation in Hoboken, NJ, where she ran government tests on various products.
After she retired to have a family, she became active in her respective communities. A 58-year resident of Old Tappan, NJ, she led several Girl Scout troops and worked at the St. Pius X soup kitchen where she was a parishioner. When she moved to Fairfax, CA in 2010 to be near her daughter, she volunteered at the local food bank and homeless shelters. Her last community was at Windchime of Marin in Kentfield, CA, where she spent her final 8 years. Her family thanks the lovely caregivers there.
She was the best mom, wife, relative, and friend anyone could hope for. She lovingly supported all of her husband’s and daughter’s endeavors. And, although she had only one child, her home was always filled with kids. She helped with homework, threw pool parties and sleep-overs, and made the best snacks. She was an excellent cook, gardener, crochet artist, cross-stitcher, and seamstress—and a pretty good carpenter and car mechanic, too. Her warm spirit extended to family and neighbors alike. She never failed to offer care and comfort to those suffering illness or hardship. We will all miss her dearly and hold her in our hearts forever.
A celebration of her life will be held at St. Pius X Church in Old Tappan, NJ on March 14, 2023. Visiting from 10-11AM at church followed by Mass at 11AM. The service will be live-streamed at http://www.youtube.com/@stpiusxoldtappannj1889
The family requests that visitors wear masks.
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