Klemp, Dorothy Of Polish descent, Dorothy was born on Sept 23, 1926 in Flushing, Queens. She had one younger sister, Adeline, who passed away in 2005.
She went to public grammar school at PS 32 in Flushing Queens; then Bayside High, graduating in 1943; then to Queens College.
In 1944 she considered a position as an “office girl” and took up typing and shorthand. She sold bonds at the Hotel Commodore and Hotel Roosevelt. Worked at a fashion shop called “Dorsay”, and also worked at Grossingers Hotel in the Catskills. She eventually decided to work alongside her dad as a waitress in his restaurant, RKO Bar & Grill in Flushing. Then continued working in local pubs in Flushing, Bayside & Whitestone (Dimaggios, Peter’s Backstreet, Donovans, First Edition) until she retired in her 70’s.
Her Family Life - She met Ed Klemp in 1946 at a dance hall. By October 1948, they were married; celebrated 58 years of marriage when husband passed away in 2007. Raised 4 children, Linda, Don, Nancy and Bill. Bought their first house in Whitestone and in 1955 bought a “handyman’s special” in Flushing, where they lived for over 50 years! Downsized to a condominium in Lake Grove, Long Island in 2006.
Dorothy found pleasure in the simple things and also things that saved the family money. She sewed her daughters’ dresses, made all the curtains in the home, and even had the patience to sew curtains for the garage. She was proud to be a homemaker and a waitress. It’s no wonder that you would always see her with an apron around her waist. She enjoyed cooking and ironing while watching her favorite soap operas “As the World Turns” or “Another World”. She liked to do crossword puzzles in the newspaper and 500-piece puzzles. And she found sketching a relaxing hobby.
She earned the title “Nana Top Banana” when her first grandchild, Brian, was born in 1975, followed by Lauren, Jennifer, Christopher and Tim. And her great grandson, Aiden, entered her life in 2006.
She passed away ever so peacefully at home, supported by a hospice team from Good Shepard Hospice, along with family and friends.
Religious Service was celebrated at Branch Funeral Home
Private Cremation followed
Arrangements entrusted to the professional care of Branch Funeral Home of Smithtown and Vigliante family.
Online guest book at www.branchfh.com