Today we’ve gathered to celebrate the life of our mother, daughter, sister and friend Dorothy Mathein.  Some people called her Dottie, others called her Mrs. Mathein, but Chris and I knew her as mom

Our mom was a strong and resilient woman who was supportive and caring to all of us.  Growing up we saw her give extra time and support to the student who needed more help to succeed; And no vulnerable person or animal would be left in need, if mom could help in any way, she would. Even an abandoned pet rat that was misidentified as a possum by the neighbor was not left behind. Mom wanted everyone to feel safe and loved. And she wanted you to succeed.  You did not have to be family. 

And that’s how our mom became Mrs. Mathein to hundreds of scouts over the years.  Mom became my Girl Scout leader when I wanted to be a Brownie, but there were too many girls wanting to be scouts and not enough troop leaders.  Mom wasn’t going to let any of us miss the experience of being a Scout so despite being a single parent, mom became our Girl Scout leader. 

And when Chris and his classmates needed a Den leader, mom also became a Cub Scout Den Leader.  Then just as Chris was graduating from Cub Scout to Boy Scout, Cub Scout Pack 177 found itself without a Pack Leader and Assistant Pack Leader and would fold without them.  And just like that mom was the Pack Leader for Pack 177 and I was Assistant Pack Leader because now neither of us would let all those boys lose the opportunity to experience scouting.

Mom was also our moral compass.  She raised us to be strong, independent, honest, caring, respectful, and forthright.  She didn’t just tell us what was right or wrong; mom modeled what she wanted to see in us.  And by us, I don’t mean just Chris and me.  She also expected that from every scout and student that she led. 

She is the piece of me that can’t walk away when someone or something needs to be fixed or helped.  And she is also the part of me that stands up for myself and others and doesn’t take any nonsense.

Mom made all of us better people and the world a better and kinder place than she found it.

Mom, we deeply miss your playful sense of humor, your infectious laugh and those hugs that let us know how much we were loved.

We love you and promise to honor your legacy of service to others.