Dorothy Lee DiMolfetto

Dorothy DiMolfetto 1927 - 2020. Dorothy "Dot" "Dottie" DiMolfetto, born December 5, 1927, Luther, OK, passed away on August 21, 2020, in Bakersfield, CA. Dorothy is survived by her children, John (Carolyn) DiMolfetto, Beth (George) Hice, Carla McClain, Gabrielle (Michael) Geherty, Lisa DiMolfetto (Cliff Bennetts), 12 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Loretta McGuire, Kingman, AZ, and numerous nieces and nephews. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Mario; 3 sisters, Helen, Mary, and Virginia; 2 brothers, Leo and Elmer; and granddaughter, Cara Lynn Palmer. Dorothy was raised in El Dorado, Kansas until 14 years old when she moved with her family on June 5, 1942, to Bakersfield, CA because the railroad transferred her father there for work. She attended and graduated from East Bakersfield High School. Dorothy met Mario DiMolfetto when they were both performing in a Bakersfield Community Theater show staged at Jastro Park. He asked her to a dance with him, she accepted, and they continued dating. At age 21, on April 11, 1949, she married the love of her life. Dorothy was a loving and caring mother, instilling in her children the importance of Christian faith, a sterling work ethic, and family togetherness. Mario and Dorothy raised their family in the Catholic faith and to love God and follow Jesus Christ. Her unwavering faith resulted in a passion to share her knowledge and understanding of Christianity through teaching. She became a teacher of the Catholic Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) for several years before God called on her to lead the CCD religious education program at St. Joseph's Church in Bakersfield, CA. It was during her tenure as Director of CCD that Dorothy was nicknamed "La Popessa" by the teachers in the Program, and the tag stuck with students, friends, and family alike. She directed the Program for 30 years until retiring in 1993 Dorothy was a competitor and loved playing sports; she was a formidable opponent at ping pong, bowling, and tennis. And when she wasn't playing herself, she was often and regularly a loyal spectator at her children's and grandchildren's sporting events, enthusiastically cheering them on with heartfelt excitement! Some of her other passions and hobbies were oil canvas painting, playing cards (Gin Rummy, Tom or Crazy Eights), and traveling to Las Vegas or Laughlin to play nickel or even penny slots with sister, Loretta, and other family. She loved traveling, even back in the day with her husband Mario; in more recent years she would never turn down a road trip with any of her kids, She loved watching old movies, and as it was in her blood, she was a frequent patron and supporter of local live theater. Most of all Dorothy enjoyed being with family and friends, whether for holidays, gatherings throughout the year, or just to spend time together. She decorated her home inside and out for every holiday, planned Easter picnics, was never shy about dressing up for Halloween, and would dance and sing along with Christmas carols. She and Mario welcomed all the kids, grand-kids, and great grandkids into their home on Christmas Tree Lane to celebrate holidays and birthdays or really any reason to gather. She was fun loving, a bit of a practical joker and prankster - a feisty soul - but she could take it just as much as she could dish it out. When growing up, friends and family quickly learned that if Dorothy smacked you across the shoulder, it simply meant she liked you. And if you were her friend, you knew it; she was there for her family and friends through thick and thin. Dorothy was, and is, loved and respected by countless people who had the good fortune to know her in her 92 years. A Memorial Mass will be held Friday September 4, 2020 at 10:15 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church (1515 Baker St.) In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association- Bakersfield Chapter

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or Bakersfield Community Theater bakersfieldcommunitytheatre.square.site.

Condolences may be left on Dorothy's online guestbook at www.Bashamfuneralcare.com