Dorothy Palma

Dorothy Isabell Althoff Palma (aka Dottie, Dot, Mom, Mimi, and Hot Dot), formerly of Westmont, N.J., left this world peacefully on April 21, 2025 at the age of 101. She moved from N.J. to spend 5 1/2 years in Kailua-Kona near daughter Janice, and son-in-law Alastair, and spent her last 2 years in Shelton CT near daughter Lynnette (Stratford, CT), grandson Ryan Thompson and wife Kate Thompson, and great grandsons; Merrick, Ronan, and Sam (Wilton CT).
Dorothy was born in 1923 in Baltimore to parents Walter and Louise Althoff. She was a graduate of Collingswood High School and wife of Alfred Palma (Collingswood). Beside her two daughters and Connecticut clan, she is survived by nieces, Barbara Althoff and Joanne Althoff, and nephew, Ray DePaulo (Baltimore).
Second to Dorothy's commitment and adoration of her family was her love of music. She and her husband, Alfred, traveled far and wide (New Orleans, San Francisco, and anywhere in-between) to hear and dance the night away to Dixieland Jazz, Blues, and Big Bands. The stereo was always on in the living room for her and friends of her daughters to squeeze into to lay down their favorite steps. Dorothy was often caught taking a dance break from her daily tasks, using the refrigerator door handle as a jitterbug stand-in partner.
She outlived a team of close, life-long friends. Her love of tennis, golf, travel, beaches, ocean, and sun are a legacy carried on by three following generations.
Dorothy was an expert seamstress, knitter, and a natural in her role as chief cook and bottle washer. Her skill at planning Christmas parties for business associates and complicated family getaways were on the level of professional activity organizer and travel agent. She also took part in formal Bible Study in later years.
Her presence as a loyal, loving, fun, and forgiving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend will be forever cherished and deeply missed.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Graveside Service 11:00AM, Saturday, May 10, 2025 at Locustwood Memorial Park, 1500 Route 70 W, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002. Funeral arrangements under the direction of DuBois Funeral Home, 700 South White Horse Pike, Audubon, NJ 08106. Condolences and memories may be shared at Dubois Funeral Home – Condolences.