Dorothy “Dotty” Frances Kehlenbeck, 91, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 31st, 2017 in Virginia Beach. Dotty was the daughter of William and Frances Melious, and she was born in Queens, New York. She graduated from Richmond Hill High School in 1944. She married Ralph T. Kehlenbeck on February 3, 1951 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Queens Village, NY. They were married 35 years. Dotty worked as a bookkeeper before becoming a full-time mom. Ralph and Dotty moved to Wantagh, Long Island, to raise their family. They enjoyed taking their children to Jones Beach, Westbury Music Fair, Jolly Rogers Amusement Park, movies at “The Itch” in North Bellmore, and spending time with family at Aunt Madeline’s bungalow in Hampton Bays.
Dotty was a big animal lover and owned several dogs during her life. She was beloved by her family’s friends due to her great sense of humor. Throughout the years, Dotty enjoyed roller skating, rides at Coney Island, dancing, jigsaw puzzles, shopping, playing Michigan Rummy with family, WWE wrestling, and watching comedy and variety TV shows as well as going to the movies. Dotty enjoyed music, especially the Beatles, and also her daily bowl of ice cream while watching TV at night. Dotty was an avid bingo player and enjoyed playing the slot machines in Dover, Delaware and Las Vegas. Upon her first trip to Las Vegas, she fell in love with the white tigers of Siegfried and Roy. She returned to Vegas many times not only for the gambling but for the entertainment as well. She enjoyed many magic shows, Cirque du Soleil shows, and impersonator shows. She also enjoyed eating at The Stage Deli, particularly the cinnamon toast served by our good friend Jack.
We would like to acknowledge the wonderful care our mom received in Sentara Princess Anne Hospital. Her family also wants to thank Dotty’s best friend Mary Shelor for her friendship and support during her time in the hospital.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Kehlenbeck, and their daughter Linda. She is survived by her son, Kevin, and her daughters, Rita and Janet, and cat, Lily Rose. Dotty was an extremely generous person and in lieu of flowers, friends and family may make donations to veterans’ and animal charities; some of her favorite organizations included Disabled Veterans, U.S. Veterans Hospice Committee, Grey2K USA (greyhounds), and Tiger Creek
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Dearest Janet, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I know how close you and your mom were and how much that must have meant to both of you. How blessed you are to have all those special moments and memories. You and your family are in my prayets
My dear Janet. I am so sorry for the loss of your wonderful Mom. I know you are hurting. I am praying for you and your sister & brother.
Dear family, I am so sorry for your loss from such a wonderful lovely lady, we will all miss her beautiful smile.
RIP Aunt Dotty. Thoughts and prayers to you Rita,Janet and Kevin. I am sorry for your loss.
Janet,
Although I never had a chance to meet your Mom, I know she raised a sweet, loving, generous and kind daughter. There are few words to express the sadness of losing a Mom. My deepest sympathies to you and Rita and Kevin. I know it’s going to take a long time to sink in, because your Mom has always been there for you. I’ll always be here if you need to talk about it (or to forget about it for a while!).