Meet the Original Dorothy

You know that we had our beloved Dorothy, the goldfish in the Molly Lou house. He was so cute swimming around his tank, but I would like to introduce you to the original Dorothy.

Dorothy was born in 1924 on a small farm in Illinois. Her mother died when she was just six months old from typhoid fever and she was raised by her father on this farm where she lived until she was a young woman and moved to the "big city."

Dorothy's grandparents really helped raise her as did two aunts and an uncle. Talk about supportive extended family. Her stepmother, whom her father married when she was 12 was a wonderful and loving woman.

Dorothy has a brother and a sister, 16 and 19 years younger than she. She loved them so much and had such a close relationship with them.

Dorothy had the same best friend from the time she was 8 years old and did everything with this woman including living across the street from each other in small condos after they sold their homes later in life. They would gossip about neighbors from Dorothy's kitchen table over coffee and breakfast in the mornings.

Dorothy's first job was in the OPA rations office during World War II.

Dorothy and her best friend lived in John Deere's home before they married and lived a glamorous life and one that was very different from the life on the farm.

Dorothy was the mother to two beautiful children, a boy and a girl. Her husband died in 1965 unexpectedly and she raised two children alone. She was so strong and did such a wonderful job.

Dorothy was a teacher and eventually retired from John Deere Co. corporate office as a legal secretary in 1982.

Dorothy was a traveler and has been all over this world and has stories from each place.

Dorothy was a fast driver and even in to her 80's was she a "speed demon" on the road.

Dorothy was funny, sensitive, honest, loving, and so fun to be with. One never quite knew what she would say or do when you were in her company.

Dorothy was my dear, sweet grandmother who passed away last night at the age of 85. She waited for her entire family to arrive and died just minutes after my sister and her sister arrived. I love this woman so much and know that the world has lost a very special woman. I am so fortunate and blessed that my children were able to be with this woman, even for such a short time.

For years, she yearned to see her mother who she never got to know and to be reunited with her husband, my grandfather. Recently, she would have vivid dreams of things she would do with my grandfather and I so hope she is loving being reunited with these people.