Today my heart is with Dorothy’s sisters, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all her friends. Here is a slightly shortened version what I wrote the day after she passed away: Dear Auntie Dorothy, Today is my first day in a world without you in it. You have always been my hero. Many years before ADA or IDEA you marched into school offices and demanded they educate your daughter Nancy, who went on to win prizes and inspire her friends with her generous spirit, her athleticism in the Special Olympics, and her intelligence. It was a gift to me that we were raised together as sisters, and we still talk about the books we are reading almost every week on the phone. At the same time you raised your son Richard, a playful boy who became a wonderful (and still playful) man, you helped raise your little sister (my mother), your nieces (including me), your grandchildren and great grandchildren, and just about anyone in the neighborhood who was neglected. And you flew across the country (even though flying caused you anxiety) to read from the Torah with my daughter at her Bat-Mitzvah. None of us ever figured out exactly what the “curtains” were that you threatened us with when we misbehaved, but because of you we all know lots of comforting bedtime songs, clever jokes, and unconditional love. Rest in Peace with the angels, Auntie Dorothy.

This is a message from Dorothy's daughter, Nancy Lynn Simmer: "My Mom My mom took of my dad. She took care of my grampa and my mom’s friends. She took care of me and my brother. She took me and my cousin everywhere. Me and my cousin are 5 months apart. My mom was born August 31, 1927. She almost made it to 91. She died July 13 on Friday the 13th. She was drinking all her shakes and all her water. And then they said, “she’s doing fine, she’s doing fine.” I love you mom and I miss you. Now you can see my dad and your friends. The end. Nancy Simmer"