Dottie Nelms passed away Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017 surrounded by her loving family. She was 72 years young.

For the past 387 days, Dot battled cancer with immeasurable courage, incredible strength, unbounded hope, limitless love and support from thousands of people and Catholic faith. Her will to live, her fighting spirit and the deep love she had for her children, grandchildren and her job at Hoover provided endless motivation and drive day after day as she fought with everything she had until her last breath. She was a true warrior and her battle was nothing short of admirable and a true reflection of her character and strength.

Dot was born in Philadelphia to the late George and Florence (Cieslinski) Litz. She was raised in Croydon and was a graduate of Bishop Egan High School. In 1973, she and her husband purchased a home in Hulmeville Borough. It was the perfect place to raise a family and she absolutely loved sitting on the front porch engaging with everyone in the neighborhood. In 1987, Herbert Hoover reopened and Dot was hired as a Cafeteria Aide. It was as if this job was tailored just for her as she adored children and loved being around people. Through the course of her 30 years there she has impacted thousands of children’s lives. The children and staff at Hoover provided her with boundless love, laughter and countless memories. She organized food drives, was the founder of the Sunshine Club and volunteered in any and every capacity that was needed. She truly LOVED that school and those who passed through it. We hope the impact she had on everyone she encountered, the memories she created with those she loved and the “Mrs. Nelms” stories continue to live on in the hearts of everyone she touched. When asked what she wanted people to do in her memory, she simply stated “I want them to just think of me.”

We would simply like to add “and then smile,” as that is what Mom would truly want. Her absolute favorite place to be was at her daughter’s vacation home in Ocean City, N.J. She lovingly called it her “happy place” and it truly was just that. She enjoyed everything related to the beach. She was her happiest sitting by the edge of the ocean, flip flops in the sand, face kissed by the sun and the sound of the waves lulling her to a state of inner peace and joy.

The only thing that could briefly distract her from going to the beach was her love of Christmas. It was her favorite time of year and her love of that holiday will live on with us forever.

She is survived by her husband, Clifford; her sons, Bobby (Diane) and Steven; and her daughter, care giver and best friend, Nadine (Rich), with whom she resided during her entire illness. She was affectionately known as “Omme” to her five beautiful grandsons, Kevin, Sam, RJ, Ryan and Bryce. They filled her heart with absolute and unwavering joy and love. She adored them and loved them with everything she had and they returned that love tenfold. She is also survived by her sisters, Florence Wurtenburg and Anna Litz, both of Croydon; her brother, George Litz of Woodenville, Wash; and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews.

Mom, you were the epitome of strength, hope, courage and unconditional love. Your spirit and personality were one of a kind and you had a larger than life presence. Everyone always knew where they stood with you, and those that stood close to you were the luckiest people in the world as they felt your love and light. We felt your gratitude and love every second you were here, and we still feel it today. We are beyond devastated to lose you, but eternally grateful for the love you have shown us all the years of our lives. You will live on in the hearts of many, especially us. Thank you for being an amazing mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Fly high Mommy, and watch over us all like you promised. We love you.

Family and friends are invited to her viewing from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10, and from 8 to 9 a.m. Saturday, at Faust Funeral Home, 902 Bellevue Ave., Hulmeville, PA 19047. Her funeral Mass will take place immediately following at Our Lady of Grace Church at 9:30 am. Interment will be held at Beechwood Cemetery, Bensalem, Pa.