DOROTHY LAMATRICE

She was truly an angel here on earth. We are comforted in knowing she is reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband, Edward “Eddie” Lamatrice.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her mother-in-law, Josephine Giannamore Lamatrice, who lived with the family; brother, Samuel Posovich; and her sisters, Mary Jones and Francis Czernek.

Dottie was born on January 17, 1937, in New Cumberland, West Virginia, the daughter of the late Samuel and Blanche Madey Posovich. She was a graduate of New Cumberland High School. She was a devout Catholic by faith, a longtime member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, and a current part of the Holy Family Catholic community.

Dottie treasured the most important roles of being a wife, homemaker, and mother of her three children. She was a kind, generous, and joyful person who deeply loved her family and friends. Dottie had a special gift for making people feel welcome and cared for, and she truly never met a stranger. Whether through her warm smile or her thoughtful acts of kindness, she brightened the lives of everyone she met.

She volunteered her time as a homeroom mom for all of her children and was always the first to attend their field trips. She also served as a Bluebird troop leader for her daughters for many years and dedicated her life to her family.

Dottie worked for Weirton Steel, H & R Block, and Newbrough Studios in Steubenville for several years. She also worked as a food demonstrator at local grocery stores, where she enjoyed talking with people and sharing a smile. She loved country music, entering contests, and playing the lottery, always hopeful that luck might strike.

Dottie was the true example of unconditional love and always put family first. Christmas was always magical in our home because of Mom. She made sure Santa visited every year, and we believed it with all our hearts. Long after we were supposed to be asleep, we would quietly creep down the banister steps and peek into the living room, only to see Santa himself stomping around loudly, placing gifts beneath the tree. Grandma Jo would wake us just in time to catch the moment after hearing the reindeer on the rooftop. It wasn’t until years later that we realized Santa had been Mom all along – lovingly creating the wonder and joy that became some of our most treasured childhood memories.

Her greatest joy in life was her family. The love she gave so freely will live on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren, who will continue to carry forward the kindness, warmth, and devotion she showed every day of her life.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Gary and Tom, who lovingly cared for both Mom and Dad over the years. What began as a friendship after Dad met Gary in the hospital grew into a special bond. Gary and Tom quickly became part of our family. Their daily care and kindness meant the world to us, and we will always be deeply thankful for their compassion and support. May God bless you, gentlemen.

She is survived by her daughters, Monica Vok (Michael) of Steubenville and Renita Douthit (Robert) of Louisville, KY; and her son, Mark Lamatrice (Karen) of Cambridge, OH; her siblings, Gloria Posovich, Barbara Rinehart, Sylvia Langfitt and James Posovich (Shirlee); her grandchildren, Jack, Austyn, Abby, Justyn, Nick, Emma Jo, Kaitlynn JosiAnn, Nate, and Ella; and two great- grandchildren, Karter and Walker.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 18, from 2-6 p.m. at Mosti Funeral Home, Sunset Chapel, 4435 Sunset Blvd., Steubenville, OH.

A funeral Liturgy with Mass will be held Thursday, March 19, at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, which is also the birthday of her late mother-in-law, Josephine Giannamore Lamatrice. We know there will be a fabulous reunion and celebration in Heaven. Burial will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that Heaven has welcomed a truly special soul. Dottie’s love, laughter, and the memories she created will remain with us always.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved by all who knew her. Mom’s love was the heart of our family, and that love will continue to guide us always.

Offer condolences, www.mostifuneral home.com.