Dorothy J. Rechel

Rechel
Dorothy June (Donley) passed away peacefully in her room at Artis Senior Living of Bridgetown. She was 85 at the time of her passing on Wednesday July 25, 2018. Her vascular dementia robbed us of many things the last 6 months, but she never lost that infectious smile and her gift of caring for others. A week before she passed, she was upbeat and had a day of clarity and said, “I think I’m ready to go now. Tell everyone I had a good life, I was able to help a lot of people.” Visitation will be Monday July 30th from 10:00 AM until the time of memorial service at noon at the Radel Funeral Home, 650 Neeb Road, 45233.
She was born May 6, 1933 to Emma (Gerlach) & Hugh Donley, but she became very close to her stepfather “Pete” Peter VanLiere. Her single mother labored at several jobs to raise Dorothy and sister Sarah (Burton) alone, until they were both on their own. She was proceeded in death by husband Howard E. Rechel, as well as her parents and sister. Survived by sons Howard M (Karen), Robert, and Donald (Missy), grandchildren Jen, Bob, Savvy, Maddie, great grandchildren Lucas, Carson, Gabe.
Dorothy was a proud graduate of Walnut Hills High School class of 1951 and The Christ Hospital School of Nursing class of 1954. Growing up, all she ever wanted to be was a nurse. She started her nursing career at General Hospital, with the premature infants. She later worked at Christ Hospital, then spent the last 20 years at nursing homes, retiring from Hillebrand Nursing Home. Her friend said her nursing career was from “the womb to the tomb”. With her husband, for over 50 years she also was known by many customers, friends, and business partners through their Amway distributorship.
Dorothy was always looking out for and helping others, whether family, friends, or strangers. This was prominent in her nursing career and business career, and after Howard’s death in 1995, she became active, and quickly, president for over 20 years, of the Hamilton County Police & Fire Widows & Associates (HCPFWA). She helped many new widows navigate the stressful time of the loss of their spouse. She strived to get them all their benefits by helping them navigate all the survivor’s retirement paperwork. The HCPFWA connection with the Police & Fire Retirees of Ohio (PFRO), led her to be secretary of the organization for over 20 years. She drove to Columbus once a month for the meetings.
She loved gardening, baking cakes & cookies, bowling, reading, doing puzzles, crocheting (and teaching others). She loved to watch the Cincinnati Reds, but most of all she loved her family, including her Grandson-DOG Woody, who misses her immensely.
Dorothy felt strongly about service and charity. If you would prefer to make a donation in lieu of flowers, she would be very happy with that. One charity, Cheering for Charity touched her deeply while she was at Artis. Through music and interaction, they enhance the quality of life for nursing home residents and families affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia. She was also fond of the Cincinnati Fire Museum and the Salvation Army. If you have another charity you wish to support, she would be happy with that too.

Memorials may be sent to

Cheering for Charity Foundation
P.O. Box 53759
Cincinnati, Ohio 45253
CheeringForCharity.org
Cincinnati Fire Museum
315 West Court Street,
Cincinnati, OH 45202
CincinnatiFireMuseum,org

Tributes & Condolences

Posted by Kathy Kleinholz on July 31, 2018 (18:28)
I used to go to church with Dot many years ago and ran into her at Kroger's and other stores on the west side. She always had a big smile and kind words for me. So sorry to read about her passing what a beautiful obit for such a lovely lady. "Death Is Not An End, But A New Beginning..." Here's to your new beginning Dot...

Posted by Linda Pohlgeers on July 29, 2018 (18:09)
What a beautiful tribute to Dot! Her service to others was woven through the fiber of her life. Wonderful woman, this world will miss her. Her work is complete here, may she Rest In Peace.

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