Dorothy Kalbach

Dorothy Ann "Dot" Kalbach (née Gilmore)
September 11, 1937 – August 25, 2025
Dorothy Ann Kalbach, affectionately known as "Dot," passed away peacefully on August 25, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on September 11, 1937, in Philadelphia, PA, Dot was the daughter of Mildred and Joseph Gilmore, and sister of Mildred Gilmore.
Dot grew up in the heart of Philadelphia and graduated from West Catholic High School in 1955. She met the love of her life, Stan Kalbach, in 1958 at the Chez Vous roller rink in the 69th Street area of Philly, where their shared love of skating blossomed into a lifelong partnership. Together, they skated throughout the greater Philadelphia area, earning individual bronze and silver medals in competition.
Though she initially turned down Stan's request to "go steady," Dot surprised him by later accepting his proposal of marriage. They were married in 1962, and after welcoming twins in both 1963 and 1964, Dot embraced motherhood wholeheartedly, becoming a full-time mom. Over the following decades, she raised 13 children of her own and fostered an additional 48 children, caring for them for anywhere from a few weeks to several years.
Before dedicating herself fully to her family, Dot spent a short time as a second-grade teacher and later worked several years at the Army Quartermasters Office in Philadelphia. In recognition of her many years of motherhood, she was honored with the Daily Times "Mother of the Year" award in 2002.
Dot was a lifelong Phillies fan and horse lover. She bought her own horse, Nipper, in high school and spent many happy hours riding with friends in Fairmount Park and along the Wissahickon Creek near Valley Green. As her family grew, the trail became the site of an annual autumn walk with Stan and their children - a cherished tradition commemorated by a plaque near the historic Thomas Mill covered bridge.
Dot's love for horses was reflected throughout her home, adorned with equine sculptures, paintings, and knickknacks and she also had a fondness for Nativity scenes. Over the years, she amassed a collection of 62 different scenes which she proudly displayed each Christmas.
Dot was strong-willed and competitive, as evidenced by her cut-throat games of Parcheesi - a fact her husband Stan knows all too well.
Dot is survived by her devoted husband Stan, 12 children, 30 grandchildren and 48 fostered children. She leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, spirited resilience and an immeasurable impact on so many lives. Her strength and humor, her unwavering dedication to family, and her love of the little things will be greatly missed.
A celebration of Dot's life will be held at St Eugene Catholic Church, 200 S Oak Ave, Primos, PA. Visitation from 9:30am to 11am with a funeral mass at 11am.