September 6, 2024
Atallah, Dorothea
Dorothea Frances Atallah, of Crystal River, Florida, formerly of Westwood and Walpole, Massachusetts, finally rested on September 3, 2024 after 94 energetic years of tending children, orchids, and traveling the world.
Dorothea was born on February 19, 1930 in Easton, Pennsylvania, to John and Helen Shoffner. She was pre-deceased by her older brother, John Shoffner; first husband, Sami Atallah; beloved son, Ameer; “the love of her life” N. Bruce Hanes (whom she married at the young age of 75); and step-son, N. Bruce “Butch” Hanes Jr.
After graduating from Moravian College for Women in Bethlehem, PA, with a Bachelor of Science, Dorothea worked as a Medical Technologist in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. In retirement, she was active with the senior centers of Walpole and Norwood, MA, as well as Citrus County, FL, where she formed many deep and supportive friendships. Dorothea played the piano into her 90’s and took great care with the composition of her annual Christmas newsletter, which always included photos. She especially enjoyed nurturing her beautiful orchids while watching manatees and sunsets from her porch overlooking the Crystal River.
She is mourned by her daughters: Lameece (Patrick) Gregorchik, Nadia (Kevin) Innes, and Mona (John) Johnson; also by her step-family: Cherie Baughman, Vicki Siarnacki, Thomas Hanes, and Gregory Hanes. Dorothea’s close relationship with her brother’s children, Chris and John Shoffner, brought her much joy, as did the accomplishments of numerous other nieces and nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and grand-dogs.
Burial will be in the New Westwood Cemetery, Westwood, MA next to her son, Ameer. She requested there be no service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to your charity of choice.
Comments(17)
My condolences to Dorothea’s family. I knew her when she belonged to The Senior Moments Choral at The Walpole Senior Center years ago. She was a wonderful person and I was pleased to have known her and considered her as a friend to my wife and I. May she rest in peace in paradise.
What a fantastic lady. We were all very fortunate
You will be missed grandma! We love you and your great grandchildren also miss you!
Tim, Veronika, Vanessa and Kevin
Nadia. My deepest sympathy on the passing of your Mom. She lived a full and long happy life. May the many memories you made together help heal the sorrow you now feel. God’s blessing on you and your family.
I met Nadia’s mother shortly after their move to Crystal River at a flower sale. She was a spunky lady and I liked her immediately.
She lived a good life and is now at piece.
My sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Your Mum sounded like a wonderful loving woman.
Over time may your memories heal your sorrow.
I think I was 12, in junior high with Lameece when I met Dorothea. So glad she lived such a long and happy life. She was my orchid idol and I also felt so connected as she lived long after my parents passed. May she rest in peace and Keith and I send much love to the entire family.
XXOO
She was a beautiful woman inside and out. I feel honored to of known her. Peace ☮️ to her family at this time.
So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing, Lameece. She certainly lived a very full life.
Our condolences on your loss. May your memories of her be a comfort to you.
You were a great lady and mother to my friend Mona as well as all your children. You welcomed me into your home in Westwood as we were growing up. I enjoyed your stories of your momentos that you collected. You will be missed not only by your family, but by those who have known you over the years.
I am so fortunate and happy to have known Dorothea, who was married to my dear Uncle Bruce Hanes in the latter part of their lives! Every Christmas I enjoyed her yearly updates and especially witnessing her engagement with life. She is an inspiration to us all. I never look at an orchid without thinking of her.
My love and adoration for Dorothea goes back 45 years. She was one of kind. The kind they do not make anymore. She was smart,gracious,beautiful,spunky,funny and the list goes on. However the one thing she did was love every single person she met and treated them as her own family. (If she liked you) when her granddaughter Julie married in a resort in the keys of Fla I found her climbing into a tree that over looked the bay to get a photo of the sunset, I think at that time she was about 84. She successfully climb in and out of the tree. That is the beautiful woman I love and respected. A life well lived and now she is at peace.
So very sorry for your loss. Sending Prayers & Hugs.
Aunt Dorothea was one of the sweetest persons in the world. I still remember when she visited Bethlehem “Palestine” for the first time. She was so nice to all of us. She never forget me and my family, and we always receive her Xmas letter. She will be missed by all who knew her. Rest in Peace aunt Dorothea, you will be remembered always. My sincere sympathy and condolences to the whole family. We love you Aunt.
Maher and family
Remember meeting your Mother in the elevator of the Newton Wellesley Hospital. Beautiful woman. RIP
We were blessed to know Dorothea & Bruce as part of the congregation of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Norwood. Dorothea always knew how to find the joy in life, and she shared that joy with those around her. A wonderful woman!