Family was always the heart, compass, and catalyst of Dorothy J. "Dot" Brady's long and loving life. The devoted wife of Gerald Dale Brady, mother of six, grandmother of 19, and great grandmother of 15, Dorothy passed away peacefully in hospice care at Luther Acres on Monday, January 1, 2024 just shy of her 85th birthday as the result of a disabling stroke suffered in November.

Born in Holtwood, PA, she was the daughter of the late Daniel S. Von Nieda and Helen (Chernosky) Von Nieda.

With her husband of 65 years, she delighted in hosting large family gatherings at their Ephrata home, which for decades was filled with frequent cousins' sleepovers, picnics, and celebrations. Dot cherished annual vacations in Rehoboth Beach with their ever expanding family and at their second home in Lewes, DE, where the sand, surf, and company of family and friends brought her immense joy.

Dot reveled in being near water, whether in the pool, along the sandy shores of the beach, the tranquil bay, or the tumbling waterfalls of the creek behind her home. A lover of nature, she enjoyed travel adventures with Dale across the United States, visiting distant friends and family, camping and exploring National Parks, scenic byways, and discovering roads less traveled. She enjoyed their annual visits to Colonial Williamsburg, especially around the Christmas Holidays.

Dorothy loved gathering around the table for card games such as Oh Shaw and 5 Crowns, and was regularly engaged playing Words with Friends on her iPad. She invested much time maintaining the camaraderie of long held friendships, regularly lunching with friends and her "Red Hat Ladies." Dot was a driving force organizing and often hosting reunions for her large extended family of siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Dot pursued an early career in nursing, training at Lancaster General Hospital, and went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and a Master's in Special Education from Millersville University. Dot was a dedicated educator that touched many lives through her years of teaching at Lincoln Elementary School in the IU13 Learning Support Classroom. In retirement, Dot took on various roles, including substitute teacher, substitute school nurse, nurse at Fairmount Rest Home, and private duty nurse.

In addition to her husband, Dorothy is survived by her children, Gerald D. "Jer" (Cheryl) Brady, Jr., Patrick S. (Judy) Brady, Richard L. (Kathleen) Brady, Karen (James) Weinhold, Jan Burlison, and Dana (Randy) Ritenour; her siblings, Daniel S. Von Nieda, Jr. and George (Ruth Ann) Von Nieda; her 18 grandchildren: Chase (Wendi) Weinhold, Sarah (Eric) Emerson, Eric Brady, Lea (Ricky) Pittman, Colton Weinhold, Meghan Brady (Logan Gleason), Lucas (Megan) Brady, Jeremiah "JC" (Queen) King, Kyle Brady, Logan (Lisa) Brady, Kayla Cosby, Miles Weinhold, Brady Ritenour, Carlton (Cayla Carter) Brady, Melissa (Kyle) Saunders, Duncan Brady, Samantha (Julia) Orloff, and Daytona "DJ" Burlison; and her 15 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Thomas Von Nieda; and her granddaughter, Jessie Ritenour.

Family and friends will be received from 11AM to 12PM on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at Ephrata First Church, 68 N. Church Street, Ephrata, PA 17522. A memorial service will follow beginning at 12PM. Interment will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dot's name to Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park, PO Box 132, Nassau, DE 19969 or through the following link: https://www.friendsofcapehenlopen.org/donate.html .