Dorothy Helen Voorhis
Dorothy Helen Voorhis of Williamsburg, VA and formerly of Wilton, CT, passed away on December 29, 2013 at the age of 81. She died in her sleep following a long and valiant battle with cancer. She was born April 8, 1932 in Brooklyn, NY, one of three children of Arthur and Charlotte Downey.
She attended Cornell University’s School of Home Economics graduating with a major in child development and family relationships in 1953. There she met her husband of 60 years, Russell C. Voorhis. She started her teaching career as a home economics teacher, later becoming interested in the problem of dyslexia. She returned to school earning a master’s degree from NYU in reading disabilities and established her own practice, teaching numerous children with dyslexia to read. Her teaching skills allowed scores of dyslexic students to overcome their disability and advance to higher education.
Dottie was passionate about expanding her knowledge in many directions: always a book open, a regular at adult learning courses, and traveling to new places. She enjoyed her musical talents playing the piano and singing in local and church choirs wherever she resided. A spirited game of tennis doubles was also high priority for fun. She was a generous person who enjoyed helping others and was active throughout her life in the community and in many organizations. Upon moving to Williamsburg, she recognized the need for a newcomers’ club in her new community and set about forming one, helping many new residents feel welcome. She was also active in the Williamsburg United Methodist Church, including the Clarke Heritage Circle and the choir. During the 20 years Dottie lived in Wilton, she was a member of the Wilton Presbyterian Church as well as many other organizations.
As she raised her three daughters, she taught them many of her acquired skills, passing some of them on to her grandchildren as well. She was a dear wife to and is survived by her husband Russell C. Voorhis; her three daughters, Susan Balloch and husband Hugh Balloch of Darien, CT, Alison Voorhis of Hopkinton, MA and Nancy Voorhis and husband Ted Vansant of Holderness, NH; grandchildren Jonathan, Katie and Rob Balloch; Matthew, Lisa, Will and Emma Relle and Amanda Vansant; and sister Ruth Crone and brother Arthur Downey of Colorado.
A memorial service will be held at Williamsburg United Methodist Church in Williamsburg, VA on Saturday, January 11th at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Dorothy to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 or online.