Dottie was born to Elmer E. Smith and Dorothy Smith (Kutzleb) on March 27, 1952 in Collinsville, Connecticut.  She is preceded in death by both of her parents.  Dottie is survived by her two children and their partners Cheryl Mathein (Sea Nguyen) and Christopher Mathein (Amy Urbanski).  She is also survived by her brother and his wife Thomas (Sandy) Smith.

Dottie graduated Saint Joseph College (now Saint Joseph University) with a BS in Foods and Nutrition.

Over the years, she worked in a variety of fields.  No matter her position, Dottie was always a teacher and supporter whether it was as an instructor for the American Red Cross, special education paraprofessional, or scout leader.  Dottie was an instructor for the American Red Cross for 20 years teaching everything from First Aid/CPR for humans to Pet First Aid/CPR and AED training.  

She was a troop leader for her daughter's Girl Scout Troop from Brownies to Juniors.  She was also the den leader for her son's Cub Scout den. Dottie always made sure that no child was left out.  She became a Girl Scout leader when there were more girls than there were troops and became Cub Scout Pack Master to ensure that Pack 177 could continue on after her son moved up to Boy Scouts.  

Dottie was a lifelong animal lover.  As a child, she had many cats and dogs over the years.  As an adult, her home was filled with a wide variety of pets ranging from cats, dogs, rabbits to rehabbing wildlife and non-releasable opossums that her daughter fostered.  She instilled her deep love for animals in both of her children.  Both of whom worked and volunteered at the Roaring Brook Nature Center and her daughter eventually became a veterinarian and her son a wildlife photographer.

Dottie's caretaking also included providing round the clock care for both of her parents and a family friend Norman Katzung until their deaths.

In her spare time, Dottie was an accomplished baker/ cake decorator and enjoyed knitting and cross stitch.  She also enjoyed hiking and completed 33 of the 48 trails that make up the CT 400.

Dottie's strength, love, mischievousness, and infectious laughter will be dearly missed.

Her family gives special thanks to her caretakers who provided love and care to her throughout her illness.  They would like to give special thanks to Tiffany L. and Makaela B.  for the love and joy that they brought Dottie from assisted living until her death.  

In Lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton, CT or the Girl Scouts of Connecticut. 

Graveside services will be held at Mountain View Cemetery in Bloomfield, CT on Saturday October 5, 2024 at 10:30 AM.

There is also a memorial website for Dottie: www.dorothymatheinmemorial.com