Dorothy E. Stotts "Dotty"

Rochester – Dorothy (Dotty) Ellen Stotts, lifelong Rochester area native, passed away on March 29, 2024, at the age of 89, surrounded by her children near and far. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 67 years, James Stotts. Survived by daughters, Debbie Rak and Jody Reynolds; and sons, Darrell and Jimmy and their spouses; 7 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild and many devoted friends. Friends and family will remember Dotty as one of the “kitchen ladies” of Churchville Chili School district, and a kind, and gentle person who was devoted to her husband and family. Dorothy E. Schuyler Stotts was born on September 26, 1934 in Rochester NY to Harold and Marion Schuyler. She was the youngest child and only daughter. She had two older brothers Richard (Bud) and Philip. Mom’s early years were spent on a farm in Greece. During this time her love of horses and animals developed. Following the unexpected death of her brother Phil, she moved to Brighton with her father during her teen years. The family eventually moved to Westside Drive. Mom attended and graduated from Churchville Chili School. She worked as a switch board operator at Rochester Telephone and as member of the cafeteria staff at all the schools within the Churchville Chili School district. She is fondly remembered by many as the lady who served food and ran the cash register. Churchville Chili provided a means of work that allowed Mom to be available for her children when not in school. She was devoted to her family. She met our Dad, a Samson Airport corpsman, at Seabreeze. They married in 1953 and commenced to have 4 children, 16 months apart, the timing of which was a mystery to them. Together they supported their children’s love for animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, quinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils and fish; and encouraged extracurricular activities such as playing instruments, sports, 4 H, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Every summer our parents splurged on trips that took us across, and up and down, the United States. Mom was especially devoted to her husband who was the love of her life, until his passing in 2019. Mom’s passions were gardening both vegetables and flowers. Her hobbies included sewing, knitting, crocheting, and putting together puzzles. Her interests were passed onto her children and anyone who spent time with her. She even taught the aides who attended her how to crochet and knit during her final days. There are many precious memories we have of our mother: her words of encouragement to “just think happy thoughts” when we were sad, her frugal ways ingrained from supporting a household with 4 children, and in her later years, her love for gaming show, the Voice and the Bachelor. She passed with the support of hospice tending to her medical needs, and all 4 children at her side. Calling hours will be 4-6 pm on Friday April 5 at Leo M. Bean and Sons Funeral Home. A Mass will be held at the Church of Epiphany, 3285 Buffalo Rd, Rochester NY 14624 at 11am April 6, 2024 followed by her interment at Grove Place Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the church.