Dorothy Rose Rottschafer, 98, passed away peacefully in her home on December 18, 2012, with her daughters, Dorothy Kay and Carolyn, holding her hands. Dorothy was born on August 14, 1914 to Minnie and Jerome Squires in Milan, Michigan. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Rottschafer, M.D. on December 18, 1977.
On a blind date while in nursing school, Dorothy met her beloved husband Gerald Rottschafer, a medical student at the University of Michigan. In 1936, she earned her R.N. at St Joseph Mercy Hospital Nursing College in Ann Arbor, Michigan. They married in 1937. She did private duty nursing while he completed his residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. He served as a flight surgeon from 1942 to 1946 in the U. S. Army during World War II and served in Okinawa. They moved to San Diego, California in 1949, where he set up his general surgery practice.
Dorothy was very involved over the years in her children’s activities, at one time holding PTA offices at Grant Elementary, Roosevelt Jr. High, and San Diego High schools. She was an avid bridge player. A frequent social event she enjoyed was an evening with a group of close friends, know as The Galen Club. The Rottschafers were active members of the Mission Hills Congregational Church and resided in Mission Hills until 1976 when they moved to Tierrasanta. Dorothy was a wonderful homemaker, always caring and smiling. Well known for loving the color pink, many of her grandchildren called her “Pink Gaga” and her great-grandchildren called her “Pinky”. We will miss her dearly but will cherish the many happy memories and appreciate her cheerful, loving example she set for all of us. She has gone to walk again with her beloved husband, Jerry.
Dorothy is survived by her brother, Jay B. Squires of Milan, Michigan; five children, Carolyn Rogness of San Diego, CA, Jerry Jay Rottschafer (Teri) of Henderson, NV, Linda Jensen (Ib) of Thousand Oaks, CA, Barbara Mora (Victor) of San Diego, CA, and Dorothy Jester (Michael) of Coronado, CA; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
There will be a private graveside ceremony at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery for the immediate family. To leave an online condolence to the family, please visit the website of www.dignitymemorial.com.
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