Dorothy R. Fromhercz
Dorothy R. Fromhercz, age 93, of Chester Township, passed away on Dec. 26, 2024, at Maplewood of Chardon Assisted Living.
She was born on Sept. 28, 1931, in Cleveland, to the late Maria (nee Szabo) and Paul Szasz.
Dorothy was extremely proud of and lived unselfishly for her family. She was a Girl Scout Leader for eight years at St Ann’s School. She donated 13 gallons of blood through the Red Cross and provided hot meals for the Red Cross Volunteers.
For many years, she was the treasurer of the Geauga County Women’s Republican Party. She was elected and served as a Republican Party committee member.
She also belonged to many area garden clubs and enjoyed tending her many beautiful gardens with pride. She took ceramic classes at the senior center in Chesterland until her eyes failed her.
Dorothy was proud of her Hungarian heritage. She volunteered at St Elizabeth’s Church on Buckeye Road as part of the cleanup crew. She also served as treasurer and later the president of the alumni association.
She continued her volunteer efforts at St Anselm’s on the grief team, providing meals after funerals. She was a devout Catholic.
Dorothy was a graduate of John Hay High School, in 1950, and was employed by the May Company from 1950-1952 in the accounting department. Following a hiatus raising her children, she returned to work and was employed at General Electric Nela Park in the Finance Department, where she remained until her retirement in 1993.
Dorothy will be remembered foremost as a loving mother and grandmother, and as a wonderful cook. The entire extended family enjoyed her stuffed cabbage, chicken paprikash and Dobosh torte. She took cake decorating classes and made beautiful cakes for all occasions. Dorothy was best known for her Christmas cookies and homemade chocolates, which people looked forward to receiving every year.
Dorothy loved to travel and was always ready for an adventure, whether with her husband or her girlfriends Dal and Venra. She faithfully wrote out cards for birthdays, Christmas and other holidays for her family and friends up until the end.
Dorothy was proceeded in death by Steve, her husband of 70 years; her brother, Paul; and numerous family members whom she outlived.
She is survived by her children, Christine (Richard) Dowling, Cathleen Wilson, Elizabeth (Joseph) Virginia and son, Stephen (Carole Smrdel); grandchildren, Robert (Marla DiFini) Napier, Joseph Dowling and Jessica Virginia; and great-grandchildren, Robert, Margo and John Napier.
She was a loving aunt to Joey Fromhercz, Fred Farkas, Mary Ann Mann, Joann Iafigliola, John Tepfenhart, Roseann Torak, Mary Rupnow and Rev. Fr. Ryan Mann.
She was truly blessed to have many wonderful friends throughout her life.
Family would especially like to thank the wonderful staff and friends at Maplewood at Chardon who were so kind and treated her like family. They were truly amazing and loving during her final couple weeks of her life.
The family would also like to thank the Hospice of the Western Reserve for the loving care they provided to Dorothy and family members during these difficult times.
Family and friends may call at Gattozzi and Son Funeral Home, 12524 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, on Jan. 2, 2025, from 3-5 p.m.
Mass of Christan Burial at 11 a.m. on Jan. 3, 2025, at the Church of Saint Anselm, 12969 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland. Interment at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon Township.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dorothy’s name may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve at www.hospicewr.org
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gattozziandson.com for the Fromhercz family.
