Obituary of Dorothy M Fleming

Dorothy Marie Fleming (Vanderhoof) died peacefully at home on Saturday, August 17, 2024, less than 3 months after the passing of her husband, Bill. Born in Elizabeth, NJ on April 21, 1929, she spent her childhood in Morristown, NJ, graduating from Morristown High School. Dotty held secretarial positions at various companies, lastly at Chilcott Laboratories in Morris Plains where she met Bill, the love of her life.  They would have been married 72 years on this past July 13.

The couple raised six children, each of whom Dotty helped nurse through often severe and prolonged illnesses/disabilities. Dotty was a wonderful mother, active in Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts, as well as being involved in many school/church-related activities. Dotty served as President of the Mendham Garden Club, in which she’d been a member since 1965, from 1997 to mid-2003; she carried over her love of flora to art, sketching and painting plants and landscapes, a pursuit admiringly encouraged by her husband. She also served as secretary to the Art Association in Roxbury, NJ,   Dotty and Bill travelled extensively: throughout theUSA, Greece, England, Ireland and Canada.  They had also been members of a neighborhood gourmet dinner group and a cruise-travel group.

Dotty’s thoughtfulness was reflected in her capacity as a Eucharistic Minister for St. Joseph Church in Mendham; as an extension of that role, she brought Communion to housebound parishioners and residents of MASH (Mendham Area Senior Housing) for whom she served as secretary to the governing board.

But for a 3-year job transfer to Ft. Lauderdale, FL, the family resided in Morris County, especially in beloved Mendham for more than 50 years

Dotty was predeceased by her beloved husband William J. Fleming, sons William and John, brother Charles Vanderhoof and his wife Kathleen, and godson James Vanderhoof. In addition to her children Kathleen Stoops (Rich), Mary Cooley (Bob), Theresa and Dan Fleming, Dotty is survived by her granddaughters Dr. Shannon Kelso (John) and Kelsey Rowland (partner Jeremy Kehoe).  Dotty will also be greatly missed by her beloved caregiver, Caroll Chalmers.

A visitation will be held at Bailey Funeral Home  Friday, August 23 from 4-8 pm and a Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph Church Chapel in Mendham on Saturday, August 24 at 10:30 am followed by interment at Hilltop Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made to the following:  MASH One Heritage Manor Drive,Mendham, NJ 07945, AAR (Art Association of Roxbury), 72 Eyland Ave, Succasunna, NJ 07876, Mendham Borough Garden Club 2 West Main Street • Mendham, NJ 07945 or any charitable organizations close to your heart.