Mary Rose Dvorkin

Mary Rose (nee Westphal) Dvorkin was born in Canistota, SD on April 3, 1941 and passed over to the resurrection of our Lord on January 14, 2016. Mary was baptized into Christ on May 18, 1941 at Zion Lutheran Church in Canistota, SD and confirmed on June 12, 1955 at Faith Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, SD.

Mary graduated from Washington High School in 1959 and stayed in Sioux Falls for several years after graduation. During visits in the early 1960's with her sister who was stationed in Dallas, she fell in love with the mild winters and hot summers. In 1974 Mary fulfilled her dream to live in Texas when she moved her young family to Dallas.

She was a devoted mother who for many long periods raised her children, Steve and Sara, as a single mother. The needs of her family always came before her own, and she took great pride in everything they did. She shared generously in her children’s lives, always supporting them as they began their adult lives. Mary is well known to Steve and Sara's friends, and she created lasting relationships with many, who gave her the title of “Mother Mary” and “Grandma Mary”.

Always a doting Grandmother, Mary and her grandchildren, Josephine, Ashley, and Austin, often shared “Grammy Days” – which were days when she would “create memories with them." Mary never missed an opportunity to bring a smile to their faces and a warm memory to their hearts insisting that "what happens at Grammy's stays at Grammy's" .

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In her early years, Mary was a devoted daughter and sister. More recently, she showed that devotion through many visits to Denver to be with that same sister who introduced her to Dallas as her health declined. Mary's love, compassion, and support were a gift.

She adored her dogs George, Jo-Jo, Daisy Mae, and most recently, Bubbles. Mary's neighbors will miss her bright eyes, warm smile and sly sense of humor as she and her furry friends made routine tours of the neighborhood, stopping for a conversation and a quick check in with friends.

As committed as she was to family, Mary was industrious, hard-working, and a loyal and faithful employee. She worked diligently for each of her employers for years, even decades, and always made lasting friendships that were treasured long after her employment ended.

She served as a volunteer for the Texas Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital for over 20 years, where she was recognized for her organizational skills, her cheerfulness and her uplifting spirit.

Mary was a member of Faith Lutheran Church (Plano) since 1974, and more recently at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. She actively raised her children in the church, and participated regularly in Bible studies and church activities through her entire life.

Mary was pre-deceased by her parents Glenn and Josephine Westphal, and her sister Glenda and brother-in-law Terrence Gelston. She is survived by her son Stephen Kotsines and partner John Hecht; daughter Sara Jo (Dvorkin) Hill, son-in-law Steven Hill, and grandchildren Josephine, Ashley, and Austin Hill; her older brother Cordell and sister-in-law Kay Westphal; her younger brother Lester and sister-in-law Marjorie; and 11 nieces and nephews, their spouses and families.

A public visitation with the family will be held at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 19 from 5:00 - 8:00pm. The funeral service is at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church on Wednesday, January 20 at 11:30am. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Texas Scottish Rite Children's Hospital.