Dorothy Josephine Kern

Dorothy Josephine Stefano Kern, passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 3, 2024, in Littleton, Colorado.

She was born at home on March 21, 1931, in Denver, Colorado, in the house her immigrant parents built by hand. Sam Stefano and Bessie Passerelli came from the village of San Fili, Cosenza, Italy as part of the Great Italian wave of immigrants and American Industrial Revolution. Salvatore's name was changed at Elis Island to Sam Stefano from Salvatore Stefanoni as happened to many immigrants.

Dorothy, affectionately known as "Dottie" or "Duck" to some, was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker who raised six children with her husband, Don, a career Air Force NCO. They met at a dance at the Big Band Era; Trocadero Ball Room at Elitche's Gardens in 1951 and they were soon married and had six children within 8 years. The family moved 9 times with the Air Force before settling back in Colorado in 1968. Dorothy then began a long and successful career with the Samsonite Corporation where she worked as a proud member of the United Textile and Rubber Workers Union for 26 years until her retirement. They remained married until Don passed away in 2002 and now, they will be together again in Heaven with their first grandchild Marko.

A devout Catholic, Dorothy instilled the virtues of forgiveness, gratitude, honesty, and compassion in her family and friends. As a child of the Great Depression, she faced many challenges and hardships throughout her life. From working on the family farm to becoming a Candy Striper at St. Joseph's Hospital to help support her family to raising and taking care of her seriously ill mother and raising 6 kids as an Air Force wife working part time decorating cakes and taking in laundry for extra money so they kids could have milk money and decent clothes at school, to bearing the passing of many beloved family members, friends and pets.

Through it all Dorothy always remained a positive force in the lives of all who knew and loved her. She never complained or gossiped and truly believed if you didn't have something nice to say about someone, she didn't want to hear it. She had a great sense of humor and was always happy and looking on the bright side. She was a funny lady!

She was also known for her great cooking skills. While she was a tiny lady and hardly ever ate very much, she could cook like an old country chef. Whether she was cooking for an army of friends and relatives that liked to hang around or a small meal for someone not feeling well, people loved it and she made everything from scratch. Luckily, she passed some of this on to her kids and grandkids.

Dorothy was also well known for her kindness to all, her love for animals, and her sensitivity to the plight of Native Americans. She donated to numerous Catholic Charities, Native American Causes and Animal Care facilities. She was also a devote fan of her Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies and loved music especially Country Music, and was a big fan of Elvis, George Straight, Willy Nelson, Dolly Parton, Blake Shelton, and Charlie Pride.

She was number 7 of ten siblings, six of whom passed before her: Mary, Rocco, Jenny, Rosie, Frank, Clair, and Lucy. She is survived by her two younger sisters, Betty, and Sally, and her six children: Don, Connie, Richard, Vikki, Teresa, and Jim. Her love and legacy continued to grow with each generation, as she became a beloved grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother.

Services will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church 6853 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120 on April 26th at 11:00 AM. A life celebration will follow at Angelo's Restaurant, located at 6885 South Sante Fe Drive, Littleton, Colorado, 80120 at 1:00 PM and an additional memorial at the Lake Dillon Amphitheater, 135 Lodgepole Street, Dillion, Colorado 80435 the next day at 12:00.

Instead of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the following charitable causes Dorothy liked and appreciated any help to them:

Equus Click Here to donate online

Catholic Charities Click Here to donate online.

Denver Dumb Friends: Click Here to donate online

Veterans: Click Here to donate online

Dorothy's spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her. Her kindness, strength, and unwavering love will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Especially by her immediate family and friends.

Donald and Yanina Kern, Samantha Kern and Jackson Boyce, Gabriela Kern, Katerina and Brendan Evans, Leonardo Evans, and Marina Kern.

Richard and Julia Kern, Ryan and Katie Kern, Brittany Kern and Max Kern.

Connie Kern and Brad Howard and Chris Howard.

Victoria and Richard Levinger, Brandon and Elle Ortiz-Levinger, Arthur Ortiz-Levinger and Julia Ortiz-Levinger.

Teresa and Mark DiPaolo, Aundrea and Robert Gessner, Gavyn and Jacey Gessner, Brody Gessner and Gunner Gessner, Hailey and Brittany Singleton Marko's daughter. Ashley DiPaolo. Domonic and Allison DiPaolo, Sloane DiPaolo, Grey DiPaolo. Vincent and Alexandra DiPaolo, Lucciano DiPaolo, Santino DiPaolo, and Giada DiPaolo. Marko's widow Linda DiPaolo.

Jim and Christine Kern, Michael Kern, Anna-Maria Kern, Nicholas Kern, Jeremy Kern.

Bessie DeLong and Family and Sally Fuchino and Family.

Adrienne Kern, Richard Kern, Robert Kern, Taylor Kern, Steffanie Kern, Michael Kern, Kayla Kern, Keean Kern, and Adrienne Kern.

And Many Many Cousins, Nieces, Nephews, Neighbors and Friends.