Dorothy J. Kloppel
98, passed away peacefully Jan. 20, 2017 at Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility in Montour Falls, NY. She had been a resident at Seneca View since late 2004. Dorothy was born on Oct. 29, 1918 and was the eldest child of Clarence and Dorothy James of 7th St. in Watkins Glen. She graduated from Watkins Glen High School in 1936. Having won the Elmira College Key, she started her freshman year at Elmira in September of that year. Later she worked as a secretary at Watkins Salt Company and then at Sampson Naval Training Station.
Dorothy married George O. Kloppel in 1946. They had grown up on the same street in Watkins Glen and were members of the same high school graduation class. They made their first home in the large Queen Anne house that until 1965 occupied the site of the current HSBC bank, across the street from the Mobil station that was operated by George and his father, Ernie Kloppel.
As a resident of Watkins Glen for many years, Dorothy was known by those with whom she was close as a friendly, sensitive person who quietly excelled in music (piano), art, and poetry. She is especially remembered by family for her rendition of “The Moonlight Sonata”, as well as for her skillful sketches and paintings. Her poetry often focused upon life from the woman’s point of view. She loved animals and was particularly fond of the several cats the family had over the years. Having endured long-term health problems, Dorothy also developed a philosophical side. It was perhaps best recognized through her vocalized conviction that love is more important than anything else in life. On the lighter side, her other interests included movies, walks, shopping in downtown Watkins Glen, fashions, good food, the Olympics, and the members of her family. She also had a good sense of humor and loved to laugh!
Dorothy’s last twelve years were spent at Seneca View. The family is forever grateful to the members of the dedicated, loving staff for successfully endeavoring to make those years happy ones. She definitely found a “second family”!
Dorothy is survived by her four sons, Robert (Shelby, NC), Geo (W. Danby, NY), Tom (Sanford, ME), Jon (Interlaken, NY), and her sister-in-law, Helen James (Watkins Glen). She has 3 daughters-in-law, Carol, Patricia, and Cynthia, the spouses of Robert, Geo, and Jon respectively. There are also five grandchildren, Rob Kloppel (Brandon, FL), Ben Kloppel (Shelby, NC), Aaron Kloppel (Ithaca), Rachel Kloppel (Interlaken), and Amber Lia-Kloppel (Ithaca), one great-grandchild (Isabella), another on the way, and ten nephews and nieces.
The family will meet privately at Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home. Dorothy will be laid to rest at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Alpine. You may sign a guestbook or light a “Candle of Remembrance” in her memory online at www.RoyceChedzoy.com. Arrangements by Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.
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