Dorothea R. Gatchell

Dorothea R. Gatchell, 84 yrs, of North East, MD, passed away peacefully in her home Friday, February 25, 2011, surrounded by family and friends. Born May 13, 1926, in North East, MD, she was the eldest daughter of five siblings to Albert E. and Edith M. Janes. Mrs. Gatchell was an active life-long resident of North East and a graduate of North East High School Class of 1943. At the age of 17 she married Howard Gatchell, Sr., the love of her life for 46 years until his passing. Dorothea dedicated her life to helping others and nurtured the same desire of selfless service in her children and grandchildren. After retiring from 30 years of federal service at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Aberdeen, MD, she committed her time to many civic causes throughout the local community. She was a life long faithful Christian and active member of the North East United Methodist Church, North East, MD, where she was an active member of the Administrative Board and Committee on Race Relations, was trained as a Stephen’s Ministry caregiver, cared for the sick and grieving with Common Ground Ministry, delivered bread to the poor and handicapped, and often assisted with Sunday School. She was active in the preservation of the Turkey Point Light House and the Cecil County Commission on Aging. Dorothea will be forever remembered for her love of food, fascination with flowers, worldly wisdom, devotion to family, selflessness, steadfast faith in God, and her indomitable spirit. Dorothea is survived by her daughter, Gail S. Grace and husband, Michael, of North East, MD; daughter-in-law, Dianna, of North East, MD; four grandsons, Drew W. Caudill and wife, Melissa, of North East, MD, Ryan W. Caudill and wife, Kristen, of Colora, MD, Matthew Kargel and wife, Kara, of Jacksonville, FL, and Kevin H. Grace, of North East, MD; two great-grandchildren, Ariana K. Caudill and Liam M. Caudill; sister, Belly Lou Wilson, of Marshall, MO; and nieces, Linda Janes and Beverly Gatchell, both  of North East, MD. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and cousins. In addition to her parents, Dorothea was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Gatchell, Sr.; son, Howard Gatchell, Jr.; brother, Albert E. Janes, Jr.; and sisters, Carolyn Anne and Rose Marie. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Common Ground Stephen’s Ministries in care of Lee A. Patterson & Son Funeral Home, P.A., P.O. Box 766, Perryville, MD 21903-0766. Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, March 3, 2011, 11 AM, at the North East United Methodist Church, North East, MD.  Visitation for family andfriends will be held Wednesday, March 2, 2011, 7 PM - 9 PM, at the North East United Methodist Church. MD.  Rev. Bert Jicha of the North East United Methodist Church will officiate. Interment will be in North East Methodist Cemetery, North East, MD. Arrangements by Lee A. Patterson & Son Funeral Home, P.A., Perryville, MD.