Dorothy Jean “Dottie” Kaufman, age 89, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026, in Dublin, Ohio, under the loving care of her family

A longtime resident of New Philadelphia, Ohio, Dorothy was a faithful member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church for more than 50 years. She actively participated in the church’s Women’s Circle and found great joy in serving her church community and building lifelong friendships.

Dorothy was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Known for her independence, kindness, generosity, and welcoming spirit, her home was always open; her heart, even more so. More than a few times she was heard advising “Don’t lock the door Someone might need to get in.”

Dorothy loved cooking and baking for family and friends. She was especially known for her homemade fudge, buckeyes, pecan tassies, and Ho Ho cake. To her grandchildren, she was the undisputed “Master of Coco Wheats,” a breakfast tradition they fondly remember from their childhood.

Her life was marked by perseverance and determination. Dorothy overcame many obstacles with strength and resilience, attending night school and earning her high school diploma in 1978 from New Philadelphia High School

Dorothy dedicated her professional life to public service. She began working with the Department of Family Services, first in fraud investigation. She later became a caseworker, where she worked tirelessly to help individuals and families access the resources and financial assistance they needed. Her work was not limited to office hours; many evenings at home were spent gathering information needed for case review the next day.

Through both roles, she earned the respect of colleagues and community members alike.

In retirement, Dorothy continued serving others by volunteering for more than 20 years at Hospice Browse and Buy, where she formed many meaningful friendships and contributed countless hours to a cause she deeply valued.

Dorothy is survived by her daughters, Carol Grayson of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and Adrienne (Darrin) Lacheta of Dublin, Ohio; her grandchildren, Sara, Tessa, Misty, Denise, Allison, Alex, and Gracie; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; her sister, Margaret O’Hanlon of East Liverpool, Ohio; numerous nieces and nephews; and her dear friend, Priscilla Hopf Jensen.

She was preceded in death by her children, Helen Marie Stratton, Suanne Gordon, and Dee Jay Wilson; and by her siblings, Jim Van Dyke, Gloria Gamble, and Linda Gbur.

Dorothy’s legacy is one of compassion, perseverance, generosity, and unwavering devotion to family and community. She touched countless lives through her kindness and service and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be held in the Emmanuel Lutheran Church at New Philadelphia on Friday, June 12, 2026  from 11 to 12 noon. Pastor Rob Eller will lead a service in the church beginning at 12 noon.

Memorial contributions can be directed to either Hospice Browse & Buy or the Emmanuel Lutheran Church.