Dorothy R. Smith, 87, who friends and family knew as Dottie, passed away peacefully on October 9th surrounded by her family. Dottie was the beloved daughter of Jacob and Ruth Matheis and was born in Trenton, New Jersey on December 24, 1932.
She attended college and achieved a nursing degree and enjoyed a long career as a Registered Nurse.
She moved to Maine and married Clarence Lewis who served in the military from 1951 to 1971. During the time they were married they traveled the world as Clarence’s military assignments changed. Their son Larry, the first of five children was born in 1954.
In 1963 the couple separated, and Dottie moved to Hollywood, Florida to accept a nursing position at Hollywood Memorial Hospital and later to Doctor’s Hospital until her retirement from nursing in the mid-eighties.
She remarried in 1974 to Richard Smith, a retired military officer and together they raised her five children to adulthood. Dottie and Dick enjoyed socializing with friends and shared a love of dancing. Dick passed away in 2002.
Dottie spent her later years attending Church, reading novels and working crossword puzzles. Her first passion was her love of her cats and attending to their needs. Her other passion was a love all things Elvis and enjoyed listening to the songs of the iconic performer and watching his movies.
She was predeceased by her sons James and Larry. She is survived by three of her children, Albert, Kathleen and John Lewis and her stepson Timothy Smith.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home, 51 Children’s Way, Enterprise, FL 32725. Donations may be made on line at https://www.fumch.org/making-a-difference/donate/
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Deltona Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens, Orange City Florida.
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