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Dorothy Gerhardt Obituary
Dorothy Jean "Dottie" Gerhardt, 81, died Fri., March 4, 2011 after a long battle with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Dottie was born and raised in Ely, MN. After high school she moved to Detroit, MI where she met and married the love of her life, Bill in 1952. They have three children: Sandy Chilese (Fred), Bill, Jr. (Sandra), and Cheryl James (Martin); four grandchildren: William III (Ashleigh), Shane (Britney), Ashley James & Matthew Chilese and a great granddaughter, Addison. Dottie and Bill moved to Arizona in 1959 and raised their family on Phoenix's west side. After the kids were all settled in school, Dottie resumed her career and eventually retired from the Arizona Attorney General's Office as a legal secretary. She and Bill moved to the north Peoria area where she took up line dancing, performing for years with the Westbrook Boot Scooters. Dottie & Bill were active in their church and founding members of the congregation of St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church in north Glendale. She loved music, dancing, baking and helping others. Visitation will be at St. Thomas More, 6180 W. Utopia in Glendale, Thurs., March 10, 6pm, with a Rosary at 7pm. The funeral mass is scheduled for Fri., March 11, 10am, at the church as well, followed by a luncheon in the parish hall. Graveside services are planned for a later date. Donations in lieu of flowers are requested to one of the following organizations: Alzheimer's Association SW Chapter, 1028 E McDowell Rd, Phx 85006; Arizona Parkinson's Association at www.azapda.org or Hospice Inspiris at www.hospiceinspiris.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Dorothy Gerhardt
5 Entries
Mary Jane Gregory
March 11, 2011
To Dot's family,
Dot and I worked together when she was at the Attorney General's Office. She was the greatest, and we all loved her! We missed her after she retired, but we were so glad that she had an opportunity to have lots of years to do fun things after she left our office. All of us who worked with Dot will remember her fondly, and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
March 10, 2011
Dear Bill & Sandra & family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Your Mom was a beautiful bright light in this world and will be dearly missed. What a wonderful testimate to you all that she raised such wonderful children and now has beautiful grandchildren to carry on for her.
Much Love,
Ernie, Lorri, Cianna, Alicia and Payton Lizarraga
Carrie Gerhardt
March 9, 2011
Bill and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. I will always cherish the fond memories of Dorothy, she was a warm and wonderful lady. God bless.
Judy Nelson
March 9, 2011
What a special lady Dottie was and we were just beginning to get to know her, our dear Forest Lakes neighbor. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you feel her loss. May you feel God's comfort at this time. Judy and John Nelson
Jan Trulock
March 9, 2011
Bill, Sandy, and family - please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God bring you grace and comfort. Jan and Scott
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