Dorothy Jean Gotway (nee Hain) passed away on March 10, 2022, following an almost 20 year battle with Alzheimer’s.  Dorothy was predeceased by her loving husband of 51 years, Edward O. Gotway (June 10, 2019).  She is survived by her 5 children, Laura (Steve) Savis of Saint Louis, Aimee (Chris) Krummenacher of Saint Louis, Wendy (Scott) Andersen of Cincinnati, Ohio, Katherine (Robert) Markiewicz of Saint Louis, and John (Cindy) Halley Gotway of Longmont, Colorado.  She is also survived by her 12 beloved grandchildren, Emma, Jack, Anna, Luke, Matt, Sam, Bryan, Otis, Steven, Robin, Jane, and Cate.

Dorothy was born October 12, 1941, in Kansas City, MO, to William and Anna Katherine (nee Hadaller) Hain.  She grew up with her older sister, MaryAnne, and younger brother, Bill.  Dorothy attended Loretto Academy and then Avila University, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics.  She was also one of the first women allowed to take classes at Rockhurst University in Kansas City.  She went on to obtain her Masters Degree in Mathematics at the University of Missouri, St. Louis, where she taught mathematics following graduation.

Dorothy was a beloved mother to her 5 children, and she took a 14-year break from teaching to raise them.  She enjoyed making unique and special birthday cakes for each of them, making homemade Halloween costumes, and supporting her children in any way she could.  She returned to teaching mathematics at St. Louis Community College, and later returned to the University of Missouri as a mathematics lecturer and coordinator for the Center for Academic Development.

Dorothy loved spending time with family, especially with her 12 grandchildren.  She enjoyed travel and adventures with her husband, Ed, including bluegrass concerts, Cardinals baseball games, and railway tours.  Travel highlights include a Mediterranean cruise with Ed and her two oldest grandchildren, Emma and Jack, as well as a trip to Switzerland to visit Semsalles, a small town in Ed’s ancestry. Throughout her long battle with Alzheimer’s, Dorothy never lost her true essence – her patience, her constancy, her strength, and her love. 

In accordance with her dedication to lifelong learning, Dorothy donated her body to the Saint Louis University School of Medicine.

Memorial services will be held for Dorothy on Saturday, March 19. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Manchester, MO with a wake at 10:00 am in the Parish Center followed by mass at 11:00 in the church with a reception to follow in the Parish Center.

In lieu of flowers, Dorothy’s family would appreciate that donations be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association of America.  Alzheimer’s Association Website