Dorothy Helen Rutkowski, née Ast, 84, wife of Theodore Francis Rutkowski, passed away on June 23, 2020, at Seasons Hospice. She was fond of saying she lived a long and full life.

Dorothy was born September 11, 1935 in Jersey City, NJ. She had early memories of collecting tin cans in a wagon for the war effort during WWII, as well as soda bottles for the deposit money so she could go to the movies. As a child she loved dancing, learned some tap, and later liked to dance the Lindy and Jitterbug to big bands. She would often tell the story of the time she cut high school to go see Frank Sinatra at the Paramount Theater, where she danced in the aisles.

In the early 50s, she met Ted Rutkowski, the love of her life, at her after school job as a bookkeeper. They married in 1956, honeymooned in Miami, and started a family. Ted supported the family while he went to night school, and once he graduated college, his job took them to first Newark, DE, and later to West Chester and Phoenixville, PA. Dorothy was a contented stay at home mother, at times working part time in the school cafeteria, or at various bookkeeping jobs, once her children were in school. She was happiest at home, but would humor Ted when he got the urge to travel -- going on Windjammer cruises in the Caribbean, taking an RV trip with the whole family to the national parks in the Rockies, or flying to California for sightseeing.

Dorothy was a devoted grandmother, and delighted in hosting sleepovers with her grandchildren. She kept various stashes of toys for them, and kept a pool table for the teens in her basement. She enjoyed playing board games and doing puzzles with them, or just lending an ear to their joys and concerns. She diligently kept track of all their achievements and milestones, sending cards and presents regularly. For many years, she invited her family to stay with her for a week each summer in Cape May, NJ, a tradition she, and they, loved and looked forward to.

She was also a devout Catholic, and considered becoming a nun before meeting her husband. She was most recently a member of St. Anne’s Parish in Phoenixville. For many years she was on the altar committee, where she lovingly ironed the linens, and she attended daily mass as long as she was able.

Dorothy is survived by her children: Michael T. Rutkowski (Maureen) of Swarthmore, PA, Christine Rutkowski of Baltimore, MD, Thomas Rutkowski (Mary Anne) of Phoenixville, PA, and James Rutkowski (Karen) of Birdsboro, PA; her grandchildren: Stephen, Mark, Megan, Nicole, Nicholas, Sarah, Christopher, Katharine, Rose, and Thomas; her great grandson, Finn Trinkaus; and her sister, Lillian Zuppa; as well as her many nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, and her brother, Eugene Ast.

Arrangements are being made through Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home. A private burial service is planned for family only. A public memorial will be planned at a future time when it is appropriate.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to:
St. Mary’s Franciscan Shelter for Homeless Families
209 Emmett St.
Phoenixville, PA 19460
610-933-3097
https://stmarysfs.org/donate/

Cards of condolence for the family may be sent to:
Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home
610 S. Main St.
Phoenixville, PA 19460