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Dorothy Stinnette Obituary
May 22, 1928 - October 23, 2023
New York City, New York - Dorothy C. Stinnette, born in Wichita, KS, May 22, 1928, passed away in her Manhattan apartment October 23, 2023. A private graveside prayer at White Chapel Memorial Gardens in Wichita was her final request. Raised in Kansas on a street called Broadway and with the name Dorothy, it seems early in life her destiny would be 'the yellow brick road'. Indeed, she excelled in theatrics at Wichita East High, pursued her bachelor's degree at Northwestern University, and began her acting career with a move to NYC in the early 1950's. Always proud of being a 'working actress', she loved the stage and the many roles she played across the country. Early in her career she had a part in Murder, Inc., served as a back up to Ginger Rogers in Hello Dolly, and was a permanent cast member in such television programs as The Edge of Night, Loving, and Somerset. She was hardnosed Mrs. Hatcher in the nostalgic McDonald's commercial of the late 1980's. Dorothy always gave generously of herself to her career and to her friends and family. Preceded in death by parents Owen and Stella (Smith) Stinnett; siblings Grace (Atherton), Owen Jr., Helen (Watson), and Paul; and beloved nephew Larry Watson and a niece Cherie Branson. She is survived by nephews Mike Stinnett and Danny Stinnett and his wife Cheri; Great nieces Deidra Branson and Emily Stinnett (Cruz) and Great nephew Graham Stinnett (Melica); and Great-Great niece and nephew Ruthie and Lionel Stinnett. Our thanks to the medical staff at Bellevue and NYU Langone Hospitals and Riverside Premier Rehab Center for the months of care needed so that she could return to her apartment. Caregivers from Home Instead watched over her 24/7 during her final month and Calvary Home Hospice provided additional support the final week of her life. We thank them for the compassionate care that fulfilled her wish to reach the end of that yellow brick road while in her apartment. Dorothy was well known for her love of animals. The ashes of her last two dogs will be placed in her casket before burial. Donations in her name would be welcomed at North Shore Animal League America, Port Washington, NY, a no kill shelter that she supported.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dorothy Stinnette
Teresa C Grimm
October 23, 2025
Dorothy, you were always larger than life! Your life was exciting and glamourous but you were always down to earthy and an amazing woman.
My mother spoke of you and to you often on weekly call etc. Your visits either to WA of ID were always so much fun!
You are now in heaven with both my mom and dad and I'm sure having a ball. Family together. You are missed and thought of often.
Love, Teresa
Paul Sheehan
May 29, 2025
I remember Dorothy Stinnette for Highway Patrol, she was a good actress and will be missed.
Marie T Fornilda
March 12, 2025
I will miss you Dorothy and your friendship. Mally is happy that you are with her.
Enjoy eternal happiness.
Kate Scordino
May 22, 2024
Happy Birthday in Heaven Dorothy. Miss you so. Love, Katie
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Greg Northam
May 22, 2024
Happy Heavenly Birthday sweet friend...you are missed by so many...
Michelle Murphy
May 3, 2024
Michelle Murphy
May 3, 2024
Michelle Murphy
May 3, 2024
Missing Dorothys Conversations on the phone and letters to my mom..She was dear friend to us.This photo is from 1970 in Hull MA and the other in NYC with her living dogs .I know your watching over us all Dotty..You were a blessing to us all
Kevin
March 4, 2024
Dorothy´s rendition of "Mrs. Hatcher", the third-grade teacher in the 1990 McDonald´s commercial still brings tears to my eyes decades later. R.I.P., Dorothy.
DeeDrá
December 16, 2023
Thank you for mentioning me in the obituary. I'm so sorry to hear Auntie Do has passed. I Wish I could have attended the service. I have so many fond memories of her, and the rest of my family. Miss each of you, and hope you are well.
Sincerely,
DeeDrá
Teresa Chaffos
November 30, 2023
Dorothy, your wonderful spirit and kind heart will be sorely missed. I know that you are in heaven visiting with your family, your Aunt Minnie Reddick and your cousin, my mom Doris Reddick Chaffos. She treasured you more than you ever knew. So many years we have talked on the phone and gathered on occasion for family reunions and an occasional visit to NY. It was such a highlight of our lives when you came to WA State for a visit. Doris treasured that time so much with you even though she was struggling with Cancer.
I remember every holiday and Christmas we would call you and send cards and various gifts that were given from our hearts and we looked forward to your cards and gifts you would send along as well. It kept us connected through all the years.
Today I tried calling you but didn't get an answer so I checked online to make sure your were ok and found this obituary. I know you are at peace now and I'm so happy to hear that you were able to return to your apartment with your familiar things and friends surrounding you. Rest in peace my cousin, you lived your life to the fullest!
Holly Edwards Putman
October 30, 2023
My family bought Dorothy´s baby grand piano from her back in the `80s. I remember her being a warm, gracious, and very interesting person! May she rest in peace.
Mary Ann Vanterpool
October 30, 2023
Being her neighbor for many years was so much fun and Never a dull moment! She used to whistle in my window if she needed me for something. Truly a one of a kind Lady. I admired her work ethic and I loved her like family. Feel blessed to have known her.
Harry Simpson
October 29, 2023
Godspeed Dorothy. A long life well lived, and a kind, caring and loving soul that will be dearly missed, and lovingly remembered. Now eternally on "The Yellow Brick Road" in the Ultimate Venue and eternally reunited with her loving parents, siblings, and other family, friends and loved ones gone before.
My sympathies to Dorothy's family, friends and loved ones.
Jean
October 29, 2023
I was blessed to have her as a friend for many years. She was funny, generous, loving and a good teacher. I will miss her and never forget her.
Janet Carter
October 28, 2023
Cheri and Dan,
Aunt Dorothy loved you and your family so much; I know you'll smile when you think of all the special gifts she frequently sent. What a blessing it was that you got to spend some time with her during her final weeks. May she rest in peace.
Love,
Jan and Bob
Greg Northam
October 27, 2023
A beautiful, sweet precious friend...you were my angel & now you are one of God´s angels. I love you...
Travis Brivett
October 27, 2023
My name is Travis Brivett. I saw the late Ms. Stinnette's work on the daytime serial "Another Life", where she played Katherine Ann "Kate" Phillips-Carothers, in 1983. Several years ago, I had the honor of interviewing the late Ms. Stinnette, who was very gracious with her time! A few months ago, I was informed that Ms. Stinnette had been battling dementia. On a few occasions, I called her home, to ask how the late actress was. One of the Aides informed me that even in the late Ms. Stinnette's state of mind, she always mentioned God's name. Ms. Stinnette, thank you for the time you took to reminisce with me regarding your tenure on soap operas. I hope you rest in peace!
Kate, Nuccio and Nico Scordino
October 27, 2023
Danny, Cheri, Graham and Family and Friends: I am truly so sorry for the passing of our beloved Dorothy. May the love that we shared with our beloved Dorothy remain forever in our hearts bringing us lasting peace and comfort. I loved Dorothy more than words can say, her sense of humor, her kindness, her generosity, her passion to rescue and love her dogs, her smile and that twinkle in her eye. May she rest in eternal peace. I will miss you forever Dorothy and I love you. Katie
Ivelisse Diaz
October 26, 2023
I wanted to say something that would adequately capture the depth of our loss, but I will just say that you leave a huge void in our hearts and will be missed terribly. Rest with the angels. Ivelisse Diaz
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