Dorothy Ann ("Dottie") White passed away on April 4, 2024 in St. Louis, MO. Originally from Ebensburg, PA, Dottie moved to St. Louis, MO, as a teenager with her family. Living with Down Syndrome, Dottie defied societal expectations and touched the hearts of everyone around her with unwavering enthusiasm for life. Her journey was marked by numerous challenges and was testament to the power of enthusiasm, inclusivity and resilience.

A true child of the 1980s, Dottie absolutely loved the rock and pop music of that era and the dances that went along with it. The music of the GoGos, Cyndi Lauper, Duran Duran and 80s movies provided the soundtrack to her life. Most of all, Dottie loved soap operas, immersing herself in the drama of "General Hospital", "Days of Our Lives" and eventually "The Young and Restless". Dottie's love for soaps was matched by her flawless memory for characters and the actors who played them. She'd often begin a story or a piece of advice with, "On General Hospital..." then eagerly share a juicy plotline with her friends and family.

As a child, Dottie attended St. Benedict and Central Cambria schools, where she and her classmates were among the first groups of students with intellectual disabilities to be integrated into a typical public school. She loved competing in Special Olympics activities. One of her family's favorite photos is of Dottie with her parents and race officials after she won a medal. She especially loved the "dash" events in track and field, and truly embodied the spirit and motto of the Special Olympics, "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."

After moving to St. Louis and graduating from Ackerman-Northview school, Dottie worked in the cafeteria at Christian Northeast Hospital, taking great personal pride in her clean and well-stocked salad bar. Throughout her life, Dottie was a "cat whisperer" and possessed a unique talent for calming even the craziest feline friend when they were nervous. They knew Dottie's lap was the place to go for unconditional love and care.

Dottie is the cherished sister of Barbara (Scott) Brozek and Katie White, beloved aunt of Annabelle, Erin and Piper Brozek and special cousin and niece of many others. She is preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Grace White.

In celebration of Dottie's life, a remembrance gathering will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral home from 4:00-6:00 p.m. with service to follow. Friends are invited to join us and share stories and memories of a remarkable soul whose enthusiasm for soap operas, cats and music brought joy to all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis; Special Olympics; or 10th Life Rescue, an animal shelter that provides veterinary care, foster homes and adoption placement for stray cats and kittens with special needs.