Dorothy Burkholder

Dorothy Steel Burkholder, affectionately known as “Gaggy”, passed away on December 2, 2020, 26 days short of her 105th birthday. Dorothy was born December 28, 1915, in Philadelphia, PA to Florence Elder and William Steel. She graduated from West Philadelphia High School, and attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Education. She was a homemaker, local volunteer, and support to her church and community.
Dorothy met her future husband and love of her life, Russell, at the age of 15 at West Philadelphia HS. They were married in 1936 and would share 67 years together until his death in 2003. Accompanying her husband through his Air Force career took them to Michigan, Georgia, and Ohio. They returned to suburban Philadelphia, and retired to Boynton Beach, FL in 1970. Following her husband’s death, Dorothy moved to Menno Haven in Chambersburg, PA to be near her daughter. She remained there until her death.
Dorothy was blessed with the gift of hospitality. She used this talent while serving as a military spouse, as well as in her housing community, planning events and parties. She loved to entertain, decorate for all holidays, and enjoy the company of friends and family, always impeccably dressed. Dorothy was also a gifted artist, producing beautiful paintings, pen and ink drawings, and writing and illustrating short stories and poems. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, always including an annual trip to Ocean City, NJ to bask in the sun and collect shells.
Surviving is her daughter, Dale Hastings; granddaughters, Wendy Hastings (Yefri Lobo) and Robin Sheedy (Ned); and great-grandchildren, Caitlin and John “JB” Sheedy. In addition to her parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by a sister, Eleanor. May she always be remembered by her smile, laugh, love, and an afternoon cocktail!
A private graveside service will be held for the immediate family at Arlington Cemetery in Drexel Hill, PA. Reverand Scott Bowerman will officiate. Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Homes and Cremation Center, Chambersburg, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to Central Presbyterian Church, 40 LWW, Chambersburg, PA 17201, or to the Menno Haven Benevolent Fund, 2011 Scotland Rd., Chambersburg, PA 17201.