12/27/1929 – 1/11/2022
HATTERAS — Dorothy passed away at home with her family on January 11, 2022. She was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Howard C. Whittaker. Also predeceased by her father and mother, Alfonsus and Emma Wholahan, brothers Raymond and John, sisters Ella Miller and Emma Vandergrift.
She is survived by her loving daughter and son-in-law, Donna and C. Michael Ricchuiti; sister, Marie Morrison, and her beach buddy, Jean Lee. Dot is also survived by many loving in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
Though born in Spring City, PA, she lived most of her life in Boothwyn, PA, and both Wilmington and Bear, DE. Five years ago, she moved with her daughter and son-in-law to Hatteras Village, NC. She loved her ocean view and made many friends there in the Hatteras Island Quilters and Purls knitting and crochet group.
She’ll be remembered as someone who always thought of others first and whose goal in life was to feed, clothe and comfort others. To that end, she made many pillowcases for shelters and cancer patients, fleece hats and scarves for shelters, and brightly colored flannel blankets for shelters and nursing facilities. Before the loss of her sight affected her ability to sew them, she made hundreds of Christmas stockings for the Stockings for Soldiers organization.
The family thanks the Adoration Hospice group for their loving help and counsel, especially nurse Heather and social worker Angela.
In lieu of flowers please give in some way to the organization that speaks to your heart and help Dot to feed, clothe and comfort those in need. Services will be held in Delaware by McCrery and Harra Funeral Home. Gallop Funeral Services was entrusted with local arrangements. Expressions of sympathy and comfort are welcome via the online register at www.gallopfuneralservices.com.
