Dorothea M. Dow
Dorothea Mae Sutter Dow passed away peacefully with her family by her side November 21, 2009, at the age of 75. Her strong spirit and love for family led her to live actively these past two years with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
Born in Wakefield, Michigan in 1934 and living much of her childhood in Degrasse, New York, Dottie was the daughter of the late Fred and Helen Sutter. She graduated from Knox Memorial in 1952. While attending the University of Michigan, she married the love of her life and best friend, Robert Dow, of Russell, New York on June 25, 1955. They lived in Ann Arbor while Dottie finished school, moving back to Russell, New York, to raise their family. After working as night supervisor of nursing at the Canton Hospital in 1956, she taught nursing at the Hepburn School of Nursing in Ogdensburg in 1957. From 1958 through 1963, Dottie was a school nurse teacher for the Edwards School District while attending St. Lawrence University, earning a Masters degree in Education. Her family moved to Potsdam, New York in 1964 when Dottie became the School Nurse Teacher for the Potsdam College Campus School. In 1971, Dottie became an Associate Professor of Health Sciences at SUNY Potsdam, shaping the lives of hundreds of future educators. Retiring in 1989, Dottie and Bob achieved their life-long goal, building a scribe-fitted log cabin on the banks of a quiet pond in Pierrepont, New York, operating their business, Lawg Caybun Artisans, becoming well-known exhibitors at craft fairs, gem shows, carving shows and gift shops throughout the Northeast. In 2000, they remodeled their family home, spending summers on Boyd Pond and continuing to spend winters in Tucson, Arizona.
For many years, Dottie and Bob provided unconditional love and support to college students in need, opening their hearts and home to many students. When asked what she would like to be remembered for, Dottie’s response shows the true nature of her heart: creating Reachout, a small group of dedicated, caring volunteers, committed to helping college students in crisis. It was from her tiny campus office in 1977 that she started an organization that, today, is a corporation serving the entire county as a crisis intervention and information and referral hotline. In recognition of her involvement with Reachout and other community service with the Red Cross and the Cancer Society, she received the Chancellor’s Award for Community Service. As a trusted, respected, and generous woman, Dottie has given hope and inspiration to many. Because she was a lifelong learner, she continued to update her knowledge of medicine, providing support and care to friends and family.
Dottie was the beloved wife of Bob for over 52 years, until his death November 30, 2007. She loved her dogs, Duffy and Murphy, camping, traveling, kayaking, lobster and bird carving. She was well-known for her hand carved and painted birds, winning countless awards for her talent to create realistic replicas, including two best-of-show awards.
The family would like to express a special thank you to Barbara Taylor, a life-long friend and companion, whose selfless caring and comfort helped her live life to her fullest. She is a blessing to our family.
Dottie was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, and her sister, Helen Jane Moller. She is survived by her sister, June Reed, of Mt. Dora, Florida, and her four children: Robin (Dow) Hopper of Chugiak, Alaska, and her husband Bruce; Nancy Dow of Morrisonville, New York, and her companion Bruce Kilgore; Addie (Dow) Smethurst of Bellingham, Washington, and her husband Rob; Andrew Dow of Potsdam, New York, and his wife Debra. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren Caiti and Grady Hopper, Allyson and Joshua Snell, Megan and Aron Smethurst, Deni Anne Dow, and Steven Dow, and his wife Kristie Jo, who are expecting their first child. Many nieces and nephews also survive their Auntie Dot.
In accordance with her wishes, no services are planned. A private family celebration of her life will be held when her ashes are placed with her husband’s. Donations in her memory may be made to Reachout of St. Lawrence County Inc., P.O. Box 5051, Potsdam, New York, 13676-5051. She will be remembered for her compassion, humor, and ability to heal a broken spirit.
