Dorothy J. Waldowski (nee Misnik), "Dot," 96, of Philadelphia, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2023, at Paul's Run Retirement Community. As her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends mourn her loss, they find inspiration in her life of love. Her husband, Joseph Waldowski, told her every day of their 77-year marriage how beautiful she was. Theirs was a love story for the ages.

Born August 19, 1926, to Joseph and Agnes (nee Lukiewski) Misnik, Dot was a lifelong Philadelphian. A 1944 graduate of Little Flower High School in Hunting Park, she loved wearing fashionable dresses sewed by her mother, who frequently styled her hair. The two were close friends. As a teenager, she met Joseph on a blind date prior to his WWII deployment, and they married upon his return on May 25, 1946, at St. Adalbert's Roman Catholic Church in Port Richmond. They lived in the neighborhood before moving to Torresdale in 1960. Together they lovingly raised four children, teaching them the importance of hard work, community, faith, and family. After starting her career at Heinel Motors then raising her family, Dot returned to the workforce as a registrar at Nazareth Hospital, which remained her career for 21 years. She made friends quite easily, and was always vibrant, smiling, and ready to have fun.

Dot was a devout Catholic, part of St. Katherine's parish in the far Northeast section of Philadelphia for over 60 years, and was an active member of the St. Katherine of Siena Primrose Club. An avid traveler and fun seeker, Dot served the group on its trip planning committee. She was the proud wife of a proud Marine and attended several Marine Corp reunions throughout the years. Together, they could be found tearing up the dance floor and often won jitterbug contests. She also enjoyed bowling, playing cards, spending time with her high school sorority sisters of more than 50 years, and taking trips to the casino.

Dot was deeply devoted to her family, whom she always supported, accepted, and loved. Favorite times included making memories on trips to the Jersey shore and sleepovers with the grandkids. Her door was always open, and the welcome included hugs, a listening ear, a selection of the finest sodas, and games outside on the little "big" hill on Etta Street.

She is survived by her daughter Dorothy (Larry) Gadbois of Jamison; son Paul (Meg) of Yardley; daughter Susan (Edward) Lukiewski of Chalfont; son Joseph of New Milford; and 10 grandchildren, Jennifer Quinn, Michael Quinn, Carolyn Gadbois, Kyle Waldowski, Joseph (Holly) Catrino, Kerri-Allyson (Jacob) Reeves, Daniel (Lisa) Catrino, Thomas (Rachel) Lukiewski, Elizabeth (Jon) Courtney, and Gabe Waldowski. "Babci" will be missed by her 15 great-grandchildren, Pepper, Jaxon, Ava, Ryder, Noah, Ryan, William, Juliet, Alena, Jane, Daniel, Olivia, Kevin, Brynn, and Shay. She is also survived by her dear friend, Helen Galie.

Dot was predeceased by her brother Joseph "Skippy" Misnik, daughter-in-law Robin (nee Kaminski) Waldowski, and friend Carmella (nee Marchionni) Sadowski-Bucci.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Dot's viewing Saturday, August 12, 2023, 9:00 AM to 10:45 AM, St. Katherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church, 9700 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, followed by her Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM.  Interment will be held at St. Dominic Church Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations in her name are welcome to St. Katherine of Siena Church.