Theodora D. “Dorothy” KELMER, age 90, formerly of Parma, Ohio, passed away at the Otterbein Retirement Community in Lakeside, Ohio on March 11, 2016. Dorothy was born on July 21, 1925, in Toledo, Ohio, to the late Speros and Stavroula (Markopoulos) Porentas. She married Richard S. Kelmer on August 22, 1953, in Toledo. He died January 14, 2015. Dorothy attended the Charles C. Fielbach School and Waite High School in Toledo. She was employed by the DeVilbiss Company before becoming a full-time homemaker. Dorothy enjoyed cooking and baking and was well-known for her cookies. She loved bowling and was active in many leagues. She also enjoyed her garden, sewing crafts, playing cards with friends, and the occasional visit to the casino. She treasured her Greek heritage and enjoyed Parma’s multi-ethnic atmosphere. Active at St. Bridget of Kildare Catholic Church in Parma since 1964, Dorothy was a member of the Women’s Guild, sang in the Resurrection Choir and was a frequent volunteer in the church and community. Dorothy is survived by two sons, Richard (MaryAnn) of Bloomington, Illinois, and Thomas (Denise) of Broadview Heights, Ohio, and one granddaughter, Grace Kelmer, of St. Joseph, Michigan. Other survivors include sisters Cleo Zervos of Toledo, and Fritzie (Richard) Hess of Atlanta, Georgia, sister-in-law Toni Porentas of Oregon, Ohio, many nieces, nephews and “honorary” nieces and nephews, and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by three brothers, George, John and Zack Porentas, one sister, Pota Zimmerman, sister-in-law Helen Myrice, and brothers-in-law Chris Zervos and Ed Zimmerman.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL; WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 10:00 AM AT ST. BRIDGET OF KILDARE CHURCH, 5620 HAUSERMAN RD. PARMA. VISITATION; TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2-4 AND 6-8 PM AT THE ZABOR FUNERAL HOME,5680 PEARL RD. PARMA (betw. Snow & Ridge). Interment: Western Reserve National Cemetery, Rittman, Thurs. 10:45 am.
In lieu of flowers donations to Otterbein North Shore Retirement Community (9400 North Shore Blvd, Lakeside Ohio 43440) and the Alzheimer’s Association. To offer condolences visit www.ZaborFH.com
Messages of Condolence
Rich and Tom, I am very sorry to hear about the passing of your Mom. I was actually looking forward to visiting with her. I’m unable to make the funeral because I have to be in Columbus. My mom had several pictures of your mom and dad that I will put in mail to Rich since I have his address. My deepest sympathy. Jan
Dorothy and Dick were our wonderful neighbors for 15 years. Fond memories of chatting with them on their front porch, delicious cookies, playing cards, and being devout members of our parish community. We miss them both very much!
Dear Family
I am sorry to .hear of your loss
Please accept my sincere condolences. It breaks our hearts when death separates us from the ones we love so much. The Bible assures us that God sees our pain and sorrow. God has promised at Rev. 21-4 that death will be no more. Further at Acts 24-15 we see that there will be a resurrection.. Until then, may the comfort from these two scriptures along with your good memories bring you comfort