Dorothea A. Smith

Dorothea Alice Smith, formerly of Quakertown and Levittown, passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2015. She was the beloved wife of the late Philip John Smith for 31 years until his death in 1979. She was 100.

Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late John Isaac P. and Lillian A. (Christine) Troxell. She grew up in the Tacony section of the city, across from the Frankford Arsenal and near her father’s pharmacy, Troxell’s.

Dorothea was a 1933 graduate of Frankford High School and a 1938 graduate of Pierce Business College, Philadelphia, having earned a Stenographic Secretarial degree. She would later receive a degree in Medical Technology from the former Franklin School of Arts and Sciences, Philadelphia.

Married in 1948, the Smiths resided in Levittown for many years.

Mrs. Smith had been employed as an administrative assistant for the former Penn Sanitation, in Bristol, and as an overseas underwriter for Crum and Forester, in Philadelphia. During World War II, she had worked as a clerk for the War Department, in Philadelphia, and as a secretary for the U.S. Post Office, in Santa Monica, CA.

While living in Levittown, Dorothea had also served as an inspector for elections. When her son was young, she had volunteered as a Cub Scout den mother.

A 40 year breast cancer survivor, Dorothea possessed an unequaled passion for life, evidenced by her extensive travel history, beautiful flower gardens, zest for entertaining, and continued delight in her grandchildren. A ‘foodie’ before the term was coined, she maintained a love for salmon and cheesecake her entire life and always had room for one more chocolate éclair.

Remarkably kind, thoughtful, gregarious, and nurturing, Dorothea developed friendships quickly and maintained them for decades.

Mrs. Smith is survived by her son, Philip John Smith II and his wife, Meredith M. Brown, of Perkasie; two grandchildren, Carly J. Smith and Connor J. Smith, both of Perkasie; two nieces, Mimi Abbott Todaro and her husband, Joe, of Folsom; Judy Abbott O’Malley and her husband, Joe; a great-nephew, Keith David, and his wife, Sandy; and a great-niece, Karli O’Malley, all of Loveland, CO.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, Dr. Reuben Troxell; her sister-in-law and best friend of 75 years, Ruth Walker Troxell; and another sister-in-law, Jean Marie Abbott Smith.

Her Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 3, 2015, in the Betty Meier Steeley Funeral Home, 87 North Main Street, Sellersville, PA 18960. There are no calling hours.

Immediately following the service, the family will greet close friends and extended family at the Washington House, 136 North Main Street, Sellersville in a celebration of Dorothea’s 100 years, well-lived and well-loved.

Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 60 East 56th Street, 8th Floor, New York, New York 10022 or at www.bcrfcure.org.