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Dorothy Godlewski Obituary
Dorothy Lanzara Godlewski, of Essex Fells, serenely passed surrounded by her loving children on May 27, 2017. She was 91. She will be remembered by her many friends and loved ones for her beauty and wit, her brilliant and courageous intelligence and her dedication to children. She was a pioneer in education, author, champion of kindness and breaker of all barriers. She combined the careers of teacher, missionary, wife and mother. After Barringer High School and completing undergraduate studies at Newark Teacher's College, she pursued Masters in Education at Montclair State University, Kean and Fordham University. She also attended the Barbizon School of Modeling for fun. In 1952 she toured Europe on the Queen Mary and in 1953, worked with the St. Mary School in St. Croix, Virgin Islands and the Missionary Clinic in San Antonio, Texas as a continuing benefactor. She taught in Newark, Belleville and Rutherford, where she was also principal, Curriculum Coordinator and created the Gifted and Talented Program. She loved Aquasize at the Caldwell Community Center, science, boating, fishing, golf, her many trips to Italy, and her weekend visits to Spring Lake. She loved her home, especially entertaining and bird watching. She enjoyed life with her beloved late companion Albert Melok. Dorothy is survived by her loving children, son Frank , daughter Lisa G. and her husband Bill Westheimer and also her nephew Robert Gill. She formerly lived in Berkeley Heights Park, Bloomfield, Rutherford and Montclair.
Dorothy was born in on Newark, NJ, across the street from Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00am Friday, June 2, 2017 89 Ridge St. Newark. She was the beloved daughter of Frank Vincent Lanzara and Nancy Gerard and sister of the late Susan Gialanella of Spring Lake. She was wed to the late Leon Joseph Godlewski.
Viewing: Thursday June 1, 4pm-8pm at Dangler Funeral Home, 340 Main St., West Orange.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Dorothy's memory may be made to Clara Maass Medical Center Foundation at www.barnabashealth.org/cmmcmail and to the Montclair Art Museum Summer Art Camp c/o Montclair Art Museum 3 South Mountain Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07042
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dorothy Godlewski
Sponsored by Dangler Funeral Home of West Orange.
Joan Kimball
July 12, 2017
To Frank and Lisa,
Having just heard of your mother's passing I felt compelled to write a message to you. I am so sorry to learn of Dorothy's passing. I worked with her as the secretary in the Gifted & Talented program in Pierrepont School for 13 years and believe me when I tell you she was one in a million. She was so dedicated to her "job" and to all children. Following her retirement from Pierrepont School we would occasionally get together for lunch. This was a wonderful experience for me because she always told me so many stories which I truly enjoyed hearing from her. I am just sorry I wasn't told of her passing before now because I most certainly would have attended her viewing and her funeral. I know she is now resting peacefully in the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God bless her and you.
Mark Sells
June 3, 2017
Frank and Lisa,
My condolences on the loss of your mom. She was part of many of the happiest memories of my life and she will always be Aunt Dorothy to me. Her joy and happiness were infectious and I'm sure she and my mom are enjoying a reunion in heaven.
I hope we get the chance to see each other some time soon.
With Love, Mark.
Richard Sells
June 2, 2017
Frank Lisa
We send our truely heartfelt condolences to you both. I have fond memories of Aunt Dorothy. She was always an inspiration to me as we grew up. Many fond memories of Silver Beach and other great times in her company. She and mom are surely rejoicing in the grace of god reliving memories of their youth in the streets of New York.
Love and blessings
Richard and Christine Sells
June 2, 2017
Dear Frank and Lisa,
I have such great memories of my times with Aunt Dorothy and all of you. A huge virtual hug to you both.
Richard + Anne Cummings
June 1, 2017
Dear Frank and Lisa
Anne and I share your sorry on the loss
of your dear mother. She was truly a very special person. Regretfully we cannot touch
you personally. Anne's recent injury keeps us home bound.Our prayers are with you.
Dick and Anne Cummings
Linda Cranston
June 1, 2017
Frank. I so surprised and sorry to hear of your Mom. Im also glad I had the privilege of enjoying a lunch with her just in February. She was so interesting, sharp and such fun to be with.
Linda Cranston
Ruth ann & Len Carparelli
May 31, 2017
Your mother celebrated so many holidays at Jamie's house and we will always remember her warm smile. May she Rest In Peace
Love LENNY & Ruthann
Miss Nicky
May 31, 2017
Franco,
So, so sorry! The soiree's just won't be the same without her wit and hospitality. I will miss that laugh, and her beautiful spirit will live on. Unfortunately, I won't be back prior to the viewing/funeral.
God Bless, and see you soon.
-xoMonCher.
Charles Talbert
May 31, 2017
My prayers and love are with her children. She was a wonderful person - now a beautiful angel.
-Charles Talbert
Anna De Luca
May 31, 2017
Rest in Peace.
John Cotner
May 31, 2017
My deepest sympathy Frank. So glad I was able to meet her in Venice.
Regina Kolbe
May 31, 2017
I only met Dorothy twice, but both times she radiated joy. She also was an amazing conversationalist! An inspiration who we wish could have gone on forever.
Regina
Joan Bianchi
May 31, 2017
Dear Dorothy, Rest in Peace. I will fondly remember all the wonderful days we worked together in the Rutherford School system. You and your wit will be greatly missed. You were a treasure. Our condolences to you family.
Msgr. Timothy Shugrue
May 31, 2017
I am sorry to learn of Dorothy's death, and I offer prayerful condolences to her family. I knew Dorothy at Immaculate Conception Church, Montclair, where she attended faithfully and had a ready smile and encouraging word. May she Rest In Peace.
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Dangler Funeral Home of West Orange340 Main Street, West Orange, NJ 07052
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Dangler Funeral Home of West Orange340 Main Street, West Orange, NJ 07052
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