Dr. Dorothy DeRose

KENOSHA - Dr. Dorothy (nee: Rizzo) DeRose, 91, passed away Saturday, February 24, 2007. Dorothy was born in Kenosha on April 28, 1915, to Maria and Bruno Rizzo. She married Dr. Michael DeRose on March 21, 1950. He preceded her in death in 1983. She graduated from Kenosha High School and worked as a Dental Assistant for Dr. Amadeo DeRose. She earned a degree in dental hygiene from Northwestern University and worked as a Civilian Hygienist at Fort Custer in Michigan during World War II. She attended Kalamazoo College, where she was the School Nurse and obtained her pre-dental requirements. She graduated from Northwestern University School of Dentistry and was asked by the Dean to enter the pediatric dental specialty. She earned her Masters Degree in Pediatric Dentistry two years later. She and her husband enjoyed practicing together, first in Chicago, Ill. and then in Racine. She retired after 35 years to devote herself to her grandchildren. Dr. DeRose had many accomplishments, including being the first woman Pediatric Dentist in Wisconsin. She was a pioneer and enjoyed a life of learning. She was an inspiration to many, including her daughters, who followed in her footsteps. She is survived by her daughters, Dr. Nicolet DeRose and Dr. Francesca (David Barnes) DeRose, both of Kenosha; and grandchildren, Talia, Michael, Sam, Rosa, Maria, and Michael. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Anna Torcaso, Jenny Romano, Rose Berg, Viola Tagliavia, and Stella Russo; and brothers, Michael Rizzo, Joseph Rizzo, and Frank Rizzo. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church on Wednesday, February 28, 2007, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at St. George Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Dr. Dorothy DeRose Scholarship Fund at Marquette University School of Dentistry, P.O. Box 1881, Milwaukee, Wis. 53201, have been suggested. PROKO FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY 5111 - 60th Street Kenosha 262-654-3533 www.prokofuneralhome.com