Dorothea Bartkus Whelan, age 89, was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1927. Her parents, Michael and Adele, were first generation immigrants from Lithuania. She spent her childhood in Woodhaven, New York, along with her sister Theodora and brothers Michael and George. She attended St. Thomas the Apostle Grammar School, Queen of All Saints and Bishop McDonnell Memorial High Schools and took several classes at Fordham University. After her marriage in 1947, she moved to Valley Stream and Rosedale, New York. She relocated to Fort Pierce, Florida in 1983 and then to Vero Beach where she resided until her death on September 1, 2016.

Dorothea was happily married for 26 years to Warren Whelan who passed away in 1973. Three of her six children pre-deceased her, Francis (1948), Barbara (1958) and Margaret (2009). She is survived by her children, Robert (wife Lesley), Maureen (husband Bill) and Diane (husband Sayed), her 3 grandchildren, Robert (wife Donna), Joseph, and Barbara (husband Steve) and her 2 great grandchildren, Jake (Robert and Donna) and Anthony (Barbara and Steve).

After high school and prior to her marriage, she was a conscientious worker at several companies while also attending courses at Fordham. She then became a stay-at-home mom to raise her children. Dorothea was always involved in various organizations including The Catholic Daughters of America, elected as Grand Regent in 1982. Upon moving to Florida she became an active participant in her homeowner's association as secretary and president. She was also the secretary, treasurer and president of the Women's Club and belonged to various bowling leagues. In 1985 she was one of the first in our family to purchase a home computer somewhat before the PC became a standard household item.

Dot was an amazing woman who faced many challenges in her life. She overcame the loss of
2 infants and lovingly raised her remaining 4 children. Though she was widowed at age 46, she managed to continue to provide for herself and family. She cared for her daughter Margaret who was blind from birth until her passing in 2009. In 1998 Dot suffered a stroke which resulted in right-sided weakness and some handwriting and speech difficulty but was able to manage independently for many years after. In 2010 she began losing her eyesight to macular degeneration which caused her to give up her driving privileges and made activities a further challenge but as always she found ways to adapt to the ever changing events in her life.

Like any parent, she always strived to nurture her children fairly with love and respect. Her children, Robert, Maureen and Diane have become accomplished adults each with their own unique attributes and are a tribute to their parent's principles and upbringing. She was most proud of all of her children.

Through all of her trials and tribulations, you could always find Dot with a laugh and a smile. Her deep devotion to her Catholic faith and her accepting and positive outlook on life served as an inspiration to everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed and we feel extremely privileged to have been part of her life. We are glad that God our Father, Jesus His Son and The Holy Spirit have rewarded her devotion to her faith with eternal life in Heaven.

Many thanks to the staff and volunteers of Hospice and Nurses Touch Healthcare, Inc for their sincere care and concern during her illness.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM, Satruday, September 10th, 2016, at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church, 7550 26th Street, Vero Beach, 32966.

In lieu of flowers or other items, donations may be made to the VNA / Hospice Foundation of the Treasure Coast, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, Fl 32960, www.vnatc.com, or to St. John of the Cross Catholic Church, 7590 26th Street, Vero Beach, Fl 32966