Dorothy E. Willaman

Dorothy E. Willaman, 98, of Elm Street, Watertown, passed away at her home under the care of Hospice of Jefferson County and her family.

Dorothy was born June 9, 1926, in Fredonia, PA, daughter of Howard and Jess Haas. She graduated valedictorian of her Farrell High School in Pennsylvania in 1944. In 1948, Dorothy graduated from Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA, cum laude, in Music Education majoring in piano. She then taught piano at Pittsburgh Musical Institute (PMI), Pittsburgh, PA.

On August 18, 1948, she married P. Owen Willaman. The couple was married for sixty years before Mr. Willaman passed on January 15, 2009.

Surviving is her oldest son, Dwight Owen Willaman and his wife Florence (Flo), Pittsburgh, PA, one granddaughter, Kathryn, born to Dwight and two step-granddaughters Catherine and Lynda through Dwight’s marriage to Flo Willaman, one grandson, Matthew, born to John and Anne Willaman and one step-granddaughter, Holly through Anne’s prior marriage, six great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.

 A son John Mark Willaman, two sisters Pauline Boyer and Donna Grossman, all died before her.

Dorothy was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Presbyterian Women and PEO sisterhood for over fifty years. She volunteered as a piano accompanist for musical students of J Lee Flynn and Frank Sacci at Watertown High School for five years. Dorothy was an accompanist for Broadway tenor Ted Keegan in both high school and college.

Dorothy had a lifelong love of fine music- particularly classical. In her later life she enjoyed crossword puzzles.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 11 am at First Presbyterian Church with Reverend Dr. Andrew Long officiating.  Contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 403 Washington Street, Watertown, NY 13601.

Arrangements are with D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. Online condolences may be made to www.dlcalarco.com

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