Dorothy R. Keczmerski

Dorothy R. Keczmerski died on March 28, 2024.  She was born on October 16, 1940 in Baltimore, Maryland and named Dorothy Christine Rosendale.  Dorothy was the youngest of four girls born to Magdalen Heil Rosendale and Christopher Leo Rosendale, now deceased.  Her sister, Pat prayed for a little sister.

She is survived by her husband, John Joseph Keczmerski; her children, John Frank Keczmerski and wife, Laura; Mary Keczmerski Lerch and husband, Ken and Karen Keczmerski and husband, Loren LaVoy; her grandchildren, Cynthia Joy, Ann, Emma, Justin, Logan and Kaylon Kai.  She is also survived by her sister, Patricia Anne Rogers.

Dot attended the Institute of Notre Dame from 1st grade through high school. In 1962, she received a Bachelors degree in Sociology from Notre Dame University in Baltimore. She was employed by Catholic Charities, working mostly with dependent and neglected children.

On August 13, 1966, she married John Keczmerski. In 1968, she left Catholic Charities after the birth of her son. She then enrolled in the Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Maryland in Baltimore, earning her degree in 1970.   

Dot and John moved to Columbia in May 1973.  She chose to stay at home to raise her family, being active in Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts.  She enjoyed gardening, crafts and swimming. During this time, she was a Licensed Day Care mom for 7 years. In 1985, she began work for the Howard County Office on Aging as a Volunteer Coordinator, developing a peer support program for older adults. She quickly became a full-time employee, filling the newly created position of Mental Health Coordinator.  In June 2005 she retired from that role.

Along with her husband, Dot was a Eucharistic Minister at the Oakland Mills 8am Mass for many years. She enjoyed singing and was a member of St. John's choir for 35 years, one of her joys. Bible study groups were also a very important part of her life. She and John were very fond of traveling, often with friends.  They took many cruises and had the opportunity to travel with St. John's to Israel and Rome.  

Faith, family and friends (in that order) were most important to Dot.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation could be made to St John's Roman Catholic Church. More details can be found here: https://sjcolumbia.org/give/

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