Dorothy's parents moved quite often during her early years. She lived in western Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia during this time. Eventually, they settled down in West Virginia. She graduated from Morgantown High School, Morgantown, WV, in 1952. She attended West Virginia University.
She became very proficient in shorthand and typing and excelled as an Executive Secretary. She worked many years at Sterling Faucet, Morgantown, WV. Her last employer was Eckerd Corp., Clearwater, FL. Dorothy and her husband, Harold "Pete" Taylor owned the Tropic-Air Motel on Clearwater Beach, Florida, during the 1970's. Many of the guests would return year after year and stay for several weeks. Dorothy and Pete enjoyed building on the friendships each year, and several families turned into best friends. In 1978, Dorothy moved from Morgantown, WV to Clearwater, FL, where she attended Light of Christ Catholic Church. Dorothy loved Florida and took pride in her home. She loved to decorate and keep a pristine yard. In recognition for sustaining and making significant improvements to their property enhancing the neighborhood and community, Dorothy and Pete received the "Commitment to Excellence: 2009-2010 Home of the Year Award" for Clearwater from the Mayor and City Council. Many times they also received the "Grand Prize" recognition for the neighborhood outdoor Christmas displays. Dorothy loved to entertain and host parties in her home. She was always experimenting with new hors d'oeuvres and desserts. She collected recipes and put together several cookbooks. She also collected Dept. 56 Christmas Village pieces and would create amazing displays encompassing several rooms. Each scene was meticulously designed with incredible attention to detail. Several years she even opened up her home for tours of the displays as a way to share her love of Christmas and the villages.
Dorothy had an interest in the stock market her entire life. She spent time on her computer researching stocks and when she took a break from that, she loved to share cute jokes she found on the internet via email. Dorothy participated in a bowling league with Pete for many years, but later in life her passion was ballroom dancing. She loved to dance to live music. Dorothy and Pete could often be found at the Elks Lodge, the Moose, or the American Legion. Dorothy had a special place in her heart for her dogs. Jody (poodle), Toby (yorkshire terrier), Puffy (poodle) and Macy (bichon frise). After Pete passed, she and Macy were inseparable. Macy was the best little companion and a true gift from God. Dorothy was a loving mother who ensured her daughter Sharon had the opportunity to experience as much as possible in life. She loved her grandchildren and entire family deeply. Dorothy was a tough lady whose body had grown frail. God saw her getting weary and did what he thought best. He put his arms around her and lifed her home to rest. Now she is in a garden of everlasting peace surrounded by loved ones who have gone ahead. Daughter Sharon, and Mike Henkel were by her side during her final hours. They took turns throughout the night holding her hand so she would know she wasn't alone. She passed peacefully at 8:38am with the light of the sun shining on her and showing her the way home. Dorothy is preceded in death by her mother (Anna M. Waldron Stefanick), father (Gus C. Stefanick), husband, (Harold R. "Pete" Taylor), brother (Kenneth R. Stefanick), brother (Melvin Stefanick), niece (Renee' Stefanick) nephew (Kenny Wayne Stefanick), and brother-in-law, (Cecil Overstreet). Dorothy is survived by daughter, (Sharon Taylor Tangney Stevenson of Plano, TX), granddaughters (Rachel Tangney of Aurora Co, and Lauren Tangney of Murphy, TX), grandson (Trevor Tangney of Murphy, TX), sister (Carol Overstreet of Morgantown, WV), brother (Rick Stefanick and wife, Irene of Morgantown, WV), neice (Melanie Stefanick Moore of Morgantown WV), nephew (Stephen Stefanick and wife Ainsley of Eldersburg, MD), nephews (Michael Stefanick, John Stefanick, Melvin Stefanick and wife Shawna), nieces (Kathy of TN and Mary Ellen of CA), sister-in-laws (Brenda and Anne), great nephews (Colton and Jaxson Moore of WV) and great nieces (Camryn and Avery Stefanick of MD).
A visitation for Dorothy will be held Monday, March 9, 2020 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, 2853 Sunset Point Rd., Clearwater, Florida 33759. A funeral service will occur Monday, March 9, 2020 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 2853 Sunset Point Rd., Clearwater, Florida 33759. A committal service will occur Monday, March 9, 2020 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park, 2860 Sunset Point Rd., Clearwater, Florida 33759. A burial will occur at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park, 2860 Sunset Point Rd., Clearwater, Florida 33759.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sylvanabbey.com for the Taylor family.
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