Obituary of Mary Catherine Dotterweich

Mary Catherine Dotterweich, age 92, wife of the late August George Dotterweich and beloved first child of the late George & Marion (Hicks) Reider, passed away at the Hopkins Care Center in Hopkins, MN on 03/10/10 after a long, patient, and courageous fight against Alzheimer's disease. Formerly of Wayne, NJ and Owego, NY, she is survived by her sister and best friend, Helen Holmquist of FL, her beloved sister-in-law, Christina (Dotterweich) Cousins of NY, her loving children August John (Alecia) of MN and Lois Mary of TN; (6) grandchildren, Christina Parker (Kevin), Andrew Jaye (Corrie), Jeffrey Dotterweich, Carolyn Dotterweich, Mary Jaye, and David Dotterweich, 9 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and their children. She was predeceased by her brothers John & George. Born in Mahwah, NJ, Mary moved to Wayne in1939 upon marrying "Gus", who was a life-long resident of Wayne where they lived on Garside Avenue and raised their family in a home Gus built next to the Dotterweich family homestead where he was born. She was a seamstress in her early years and was head waitress at the Robin-Hood Inn in Montclair for many years until her retirement. Mary also was an officer in the Preakness #4 Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary where Gus was a volunteer firefighter and former Fire Chief. She was a member of the Preakness Reformed Church until her retirement to Owego, NY in 1977, where many new friends shall also miss her. Mary was unassuming, a tireless worker with a quiet strength of character who without hesitation gave selflessly to her family, neighbors and community. Within the family she was a blessing as our protector, our heart, our foundation, our champion, and our ideal, as she made a difference in all our lives and was admired and loved by all those she touched. Mary and her love, which had no limit, will be terribly missed but never forgotten. We pray that the grace of our Lord will allow Mary to finally rest in the arms of His Angels. The funeral will be Monday March 15, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Visiting hours will be Sunday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Interment will be in Laurel Grove Memorial Park, Totowa. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you please make memorial donations in her honor to the Preakness Reformed Church, 131 Church Lane, Wayne, NJ 07470.