Dorothy Alice Goldfarb, devoted Navy wife
Approximately 65 years ago, on Nov. 18, 1951, Dorothy Alice (Ridush) Goldfarb and I, Alvin Goldfarb, her husband, took our vows in the Blanchard Chapel of the First Presbyterian Church in Passaic, N.J. It was not easy getting there but we overcame the fact that we had a potpourri of religions, four to be exact. Dorothy my dearly beloved took our marriage with great joy until death do us now part.
Dorothy was the second of three sisters, and was born June 25, 1931, to Lottie and John Ridush of Garfield, N.J. Norma (Jack DeWitt), the surviving sister, loved her dearly. Dottie went to school in Garfield, and just happenchance one evening while helping a cousin type some business cards she met the man who was to be her lifetime partner. That would be me, Al Goldfarb, and we went on to have four children, our son David and Patricia. and their wonderful children, Erika Goldfarb (soon to be Mrs. Dan Castro), Lauren Goldfarb, Dani Dieterle, Ellie Mertz and Irene Mertz; our daughter Susan White and our beautiful granddaughter, Kelsey; our son Brian and Luann and very special and loving children Emma and Sam; our daughter, Lori Thomas and more special children Ryan Thomas and Taylor and Chad Thomas and Lexi; a special treat, great-grandchildren, Averie Hunter Thomas and Ava Jade Delazzer, and Mom's favorite granddog Iris, also known as Lotus, Hydrangea and puppy. She was always at Dorothy's side looking for a wheelchair ride; such a comfort.
Soon after being married, Dorothy and Al set up house in Germantown, Pa., while Al finished out his senior year at the Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science. Dorothy worked, helped Al pay his final tuition and hosted many dinners for college mates, many of whom became lifelong friends. After graduation in 1952, Al received his commission in the U.S. Navy and attended Supply Corp School in Bayonne, N.J.
David was born in January, 1953, and soon after, Al received orders to report to Long Beach, Calif., to meet his ship the tanker USS Ashtabula. Dorothy felt that we should not be separated so we took off on a 13-day journey clear across the country in a new Ford wagon, without air conditioning and no disposable diapers. It was an extended honeymoon and a life altering trip for Dorothy. We set up house again in Los Angeles where Dorothy and David remained until Al returned from deployment in Sasebo, Japan and Korea. Dorothy, little beyond a teenager, built up a character and reserve that remained with her for her entire life, and reflected upon her caring and love for all her children and those who came in contact with her. She was quiet, polite and just a classy lady, and she became one of the greatest cooks and baker. (Except when I was traveling and they all played games in what they ate.) Each child has a different feeling and remembrance and love for their mother.. Dorothy's fondest moments were after we built our grand house in Franklin Lakes, N.J., and we joined the new First Presbyterian Church where she sang in the choir. We moved to Rehoboth Beach in 1984, the same day that our first grandchild Erika was born. Dottie designed and help build this last home on the water, and it is impossible to walk anywhere in the house and not see her mark. Our world travels grew even larger once we became wonderful friends with Bill and Barbara Timmons. Bill passed last year and all our travel plans ended, and the golden years started tarnishing quickly. But the memories linger on.
Not to be forgotten, Karin DiCarolis, Dorothy's caregiver for the past five years. Karin helped Dorothy bake and cook again, all from the confines of her wheelchair. Many thanks. You made her life comfortable and bearable. Too many others to thank. To our many friends, her many doctors, neighbors and family members who helped Dorothy through her last struggles, we thank you. Extra special thanks to Delaware Hospice. It is impossible to find the words to express what comfort these people bring. Dorothy loved flowers, but a contribution to Delaware Hospice would be a kind gesture.
A dear friend, Dr. Fran once told us on the passing of Dorothy's sister Jean, "that death comes as a very sad and difficult event. We are all born and all die, and we know that from the day we are able to understand life and that has been so for thousands of years, and yet, we, all of us are not ready for it, the unknown, the permanence the irrevocability, who knows... All we know is it hurts and grief is so difficult." My heart goes out to all of you.
Burial will be private. We invite you all to a Celebration of Her Life with luncheon Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, to be held at the Glade Club House, 16 Glade Farm Road, in Rehoboth Beach at 1 p.m.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com
