Dorothy Crumm

Dorothy Gilday Crumm transitioned from this world on June 28, 2016 surrounded by her loving family. Dorothy, known to friends as Dot or Dotty, led a happy life full of the love of family and friends and this love was returned by her in full measure. Dorothy was born to Marie and James Gilday on May 26, 1927 and was one of eight children. Dorothy was born and lived much of her life in New Rochelle, New York. She was born during difficult times and lived through the Great Depression and a world war. But Dorothy was a resilient person; she survived rheumatic fever, graduated from Alfred Leonard High School and went on to receive her degree as a registered nurse from St Mary's. Dorothy truly enjoyed her career as a registered nurse, working in pediatrics and at a skilled nursing facility. Caring for others was at the core of all that she did. Dorothy married her lifelong love Bill after the end of the Korean War and focused her attention on raising her large family. She was a great mom, always making sure that all her children had what they needed, through saving, sacrificing and great bargain shopping. She also always made sure that her children had impeccably ironed clothes, delicious food and a great education. Her house was always a gathering place for family, neighbors and friends. In the summer, her home was fragrant with the smell of lilacs and gardenias. In the winter, you opened the door to the smell of homemade soup or clam chowder. Dorothy always made everyone feel welcome to sit, talk for a while and watch a little golf. Dotty taught us all to take joy in making everyday special. Bill and Dot moved to Punta Gorda, Florida in retirement and they loved their little home at Whispering Pines. Dot felt at home in the community she and Bill found there, and the fun they had celebrating holidays with parties and dinners with friends and neighbors. She loved visits with her children and her grandchildren were the light of her life. Although Mom had many medical challenges these past few years, she found strength, love and support from the South Port community. Mom developed some very special and cherished friendships over the past three years. Whether it was a bus trip to Immokalee with her sister Fran, bingo night, Thursday night poker or just dinner with the ladies, she has truly enjoyed living at South Point. Dot is leaving this world a better than she found it. Bye Mom, thanks for staying with us for so long when it was hard, give our love to Dad and JR. Mom you will be forever in our hearts. We love you very much. Dorothy was proceeded in death by Bill her high school sweetheart and husband for more than 60 years. Dorothy is survived by her 6 children: Christine (Dave) Gibian, Kathleen (Dennis) Satriani, William (Cheryl) Crumm, Eileen (Dave) Crumm, Dorothy (Mark) Visco and Robert (Amelia) Crumm and her sister Francis Charters and 12 grandchildren. A service to celebrate Dot's life will be held at 1:00pm, Thursday, June 30, 2016 at Southport Square East Building Dining Hall. Memorial donations may be made to Tidewell Hospice, Inc., 1144 Veronica Street, Port Charlotte, FL 33952.