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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Dorothy Mae “Dottie Mae” (nee Kalmbacher) DiSabatino

It is with great sadness that the family of Dorothy Mae “Dottie Mae” (nee Kalmbacher) DiSabatino announces her passing on Saturday, June 9, 2018, at the age of 92.

Dorothy was born in Baltimore, MD and her maternal family line can be traced to England, 1612. She lived with her adoring family in Unionville, PA, Rehoboth Beach, DE, Millsboro, DE and Wilmington, DE. Dottie Mae graduated from the University of DE with a degree in Biology. She worked for the ATLAS Chemical Company as executive assistant to the president where she was instrumental in starting the first women’s union. During the 1950’s Dottie Mae was editor of the Wilmington Flower Market Rotogravure/Flower Market Supplement. She served as a School Board Director and president of the Parent-Teacher Association for the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District. Dottie Mae traveled to all 50 states, Puerto Rico and 25 countries in Europe, the Pacific and Central America. She was an avid reader, gourmet cook and expert gardener, and, next to her family, Dottie Mae loved nothing better than hosting a good party.

Dottie Mae will be lovingly remembered by her children Jean Betty (Louise) of Narberth, PA and Clarence E. “Terry” of Wilmington, DE, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by her husband of 46 years Clarence E. “Sabby” and her son, Harry E.

Donations in memory of Dottie Mae can be made to either the Harry E. DiSabatino Scholarship Fund, St. Lawrence University, University Advancement, Vilas Hall, 23 Romoda Drive, Canton, NY 13617 or to the Harry E. DiSabatino Financial Aid Fund, Tower Hill School, 2813 West 17th Street, Wilmington, DE 19806.

Funeral Services

A celebration of Dottie Mae’s life will be held from 10am-11:30am, Wednesday, June 13, at Chandler Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803.

Condolences

    Philip A Robino
    06/11/2018 04:44 pm
    Joseph & Anne Smigielski lit a candle and writes,
    Our sincere sympathy on the passing of your dear mother/grandmother. May she rest in peace. We are very sad about our dear friend's passing. Dottie Mae was such a wonderful & loving person & we were privileged to know her. Our friendship began when our son, Brian, received the Harry Di Sabatino Award at Tower Hill School 20 yrs. ago. We always enjoyed our visits with her. Dottie Mae will always be in our thoughts & prayers. Take care & God bless.
    06/12/2018 07:40 am
    Woodie & Ann Herrin writes,
    Terry and Family, our condolences on the passing of your mother. Our prayers & thoughts are with you and your family Woodie & Ann Herrin
    06/12/2018 08:17 am
    Conry Clemens
    06/12/2018 09:45 am
    Lee Hartman lit a candle and writes,
    Terry & family, So very sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace. Lee & Donita
    06/12/2018 12:27 pm
    Chris and Carl Klemmer lit a candle and writes,
    Dear Jean, Terry, and family, Some of our fondest memories will always be all the wonderful times and “shenanigans” we enjoyed at the farm, Rehobeth, and college with Dottie Mae, Sabby, Harry, and you. Dottie Mae was a wonderful, accomplished woman, and the perfect “straight man” for your father. We will always remember and miss her. With much sadness and sorrow, Love, Chris and Carl
    06/12/2018 12:37 pm
    Lyle C. Boyle writes,
    I am so sorry about Dottie Mae’s passing. She and Sabby were probably the most entertaining and welcoming people I’ve ever known. They were generous and funny and LOVED their children and by extension their children’s friends.(And of course their grandchildren!) I remember picnics on their farm and Dottie Mae managing them so easily. I didn’t get to see either one of them very much after high school because I was always living far away but I kept up with them from my brother and sister-in-law. I see Dottie Mae running towards Sabby and Harry, at peace. All my love to Terry and Jean Betty and their families. Lyle Clemens Boyle
    06/12/2018 02:46 pm
    Jack & Frannie Williams lit a candle and writes,
    Terry, We send our sincere sympathy to you and your family on the death of your mother. She was a strong, independent and delightful lady and will be sorely missed. Frannie and Jack Williams
    06/13/2018 10:04 am
    Leslie Geesaman writes,
    Not too long ago, I was on the bus returning from the Flower Show in Philly talking to Terry about Dottie Mae. Sounds like she not only enjoyed a long life, but an active and meaningful one. I am sure there will be mourning, but I hope that Terry and her family are able to celebrate her long and meaningful life. Leslie
    06/13/2018 03:18 pm
    Eileen Byrne writes,
    Dear Jean Betty and Terry, How sad we were to hear of your mom's passing. We have fond memories of Christmas Mass in Wilmington and parties at your house in Unionville. Your mom was a wonderful, caring person. Please know that your families are in our thoughts and prayers.
    06/14/2018 10:42 am
    Nanette Medina writes,
    Jean Betty, so sorry to read of your mom's passing. I remember her fondly from sleep overs at your house when we were kids. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
    06/15/2018 12:21 pm
    Priscilla Gill writes,
    Jean Betty and Terry ~ My family is saddened to hear of your mother's passing. The DiSabatino family welcomed ours into the Unionville community when we moved from the D.C. area in 1964. It was always a treat to spend time in their home! Priscilla Pearson Gill
    06/15/2018 05:19 pm
    Anna L. Cottom writes,
    I am very sorry to hear about Mrs. DiSabatino's passing. Unfortunately, I was only in her presence a few times, but I was happy to have had a brief time with her.
    06/18/2018 02:27 pm
    Marilyn Mengden lit a candle and writes,
    My sincere sympathy to all Dottie Mae's family and friends.She was a wonderful woman.I was happy to have her as a friend and neighbor.
    06/19/2018 07:56 pm

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