Obituary: Dorothy Helen (Krapf) Kroha, Of Bethel

Information and Photo Courtesy Hull Funeral Home

BETHEL, CT — Dorothy Helen (Krapf) Kroha, of Bethel, died on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022 at her home. She was 86 years old. Dotty was born on March 27, 1936 in Orange, New Jersey, the daughter of George John Krapf, Jr. and Dorothy Carl. She grew up in West Orange, NJ and lived in New Jersey for much of her early adult years. Dotty has lived in Bethel since 1970.

Dotty was predeceased by her son John Richards and son-in-law Anthony Lombardi and is survived by her daughters, Sandi (Jim) Forman and Tracy Lombardi, and daughter-in-law Barbara Richards. She is also survived by the joy of her life, her grandchildren: Elizabeth (Paul) Sanborn, James (Jennifer) Forman, Amy (Walker) Seaver, Thomas Richards, Katharine Forman (Shaun Fitzgerald), Tyler Lombardi, Elizabeth Lombardi, Isabella Lombardi, and Lauren Lombardi and her great-grandchildren: Eloise, Matilda, Russell, Fiona, Davina, Emelia, Isaac, Jameson, and James.

Dotty was an executive secretary for most of her career, working for New Jersey Bell, Vitro Laboratories, Consolidated Controls, Grolier and Burndy. She spent time working as a runway model at Arnold Constable department store. After retirement, Dotty became active in Bethel politics with the Pro-Bethel Party.

Dotty enjoyed travelling, with most destinations including a beach. She did however especially love New York City, Paris and Hong Kong. She was an avid reader of fiction, Native American folklore, science and ancient world history. She enjoyed nature and the weather and was an avid gardener. Her family lovingly called her Snow White as she always seemed to attract wild animals to live in her yard. She was a lifelong learner and started college at 60. Dotty spent decades as a literacy volunteer in Bethel, and sponsored children each year with St. Labre Indian School.

In addition, Dotty was a lifelong musician, an incredible pianist who could play anything by ear, and a talented composer. She spent time as a church organist. She was a supporter of the arts, enjoying ballet, theater, art exhibits and any school event with her children and grandchildren. She was a finalist in the Ms. Senior Connecticut pageant and won an award for her philosophy on life.

Dotty was fiercely independent, and a DIYer. It was not unusual to walk into a room and find Dotty repairing some appliance or another. She even got in trouble in high school for signing up to take auto mechanics, something females in the 1950s just did not do. She vacuumed her own pool well until her 70s. Her grandkids remember endless pool parties, and Dotty felt like it was her duty to make sure they all knew how to swim.

Dotty’s favorite thing, however, was her family. She had an unparalleled ability to make each child / grandchild feel incredibly special and loved. Her family appreciated her joy of life and her fun-loving character, her dancing and her sense of humor.

The funeral will be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 95 Greenwood Ave., Bethel, Wednesday morning November 30, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery, Bethel. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Labre Indian School or the Alzheimer's Association will be very much appreciated by the family.