Dorothy Elizabeth Strzelecki, age 91, of the Fairhaven Community in Upper Sandusky and formerly of Marion, was met in Heaven by her recently departed husband, Joe, early Sunday morning, January 8, 2012, as she passed away at Wyandot Memorial Hospital following a brief illness.
On July 5, 1920, Dorothy was born in Marion, Ohio, the daughter of Fird and Jenny McPeek, who died when Dorothy was a young child. She was then adopted and raised by Marion and Ida (Yoder) Warner.
With Independence Day being her favorite holiday, Dorothy always thought as a child that the patriotic fireworks were in celebration of her birthday.
On New Year’s Eve of 1941, Dorothy married the love of her life, Joseph Strzelecki, just as the New Year began and before he went to war. Together they shared over sixty-nine wonderful years of marriage with “time nor distance [leaving them] one moment apart…because [theirs was] but one heart” as written to Dorothy by Joe in one of the many war time letters that crossed the seas to her. He preceded her in death on May 4, 2011.
A loving homemaker, Dorothy made sure her family was always taken care of. Whether by making sure Andes Mints were always on reserve, or filling the family home with comforting laughter especially when Joe brought home that “dreadful” Charlie Brown Christmas Tree.
Having green thumbs, Dorothy and Joseph enjoyed tending to their “beautiful garden” every year with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and beds of stunning flowers. While Dorothy had a fondness for the outdoors, the occasional snake led her running for the house with Joe smiling and shaking his head in the distance.
A sharp woman her entire life, Dorothy enjoyed telling the stories of her life’s experiences. Dorothy was a historian in her own right; her stories always leaving footprints on the hearts who listened to them. She also enjoyed watching Jeopardy, which she says helped her mind stay young, and Little House on the Prairie, which reminded her of the olden days.
Known for being “feisty” and independent, Dorothy was truly a survivor, living to 91 when she wasn’t expected to survive her childhood. She also never complained or felt sorry for herself, no matter the circumstances.
Most important of all to Dorothy were her two grandsons, Kyle and A.J., never missing any school or sporting event they ever participated in, and always saving every little birthday card or precious memento given to her by them. Dorothy was also full of anticipation and joy awaiting the arrival of her precious great-granddaughter, Madolyn Elizabeth Strzelecki, in February of this year. She even loved her grand-dogs: Bosley, Maddux, and Scarlett; who she always had treats for and was affectionately given licks in return.
Dorothy will be dearly missed by her beloved son and daughter-in-law, Marti and Linda Strzelecki; two grandsons: Kyle (Alicia) Strzelecki, and Andrew “A.J.” Strzelecki; and her best friend, Merna Rizor, all of Marion.
Including her husband and parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by her brother, James; and three sisters: Lucille, Alice and Juanita.
The Strzelecki family will observe services privately at the graveside in Grand Prairie Cemetery, with Rev. Daniel Kiger officiating.
Rather than flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, and they may be sent to the care of the funeral home.
The Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Dorothy’s family and condolences may be expressed to them online by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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