Dorothy Elizabeth Smith

Dorothy Elizabeth Smith, 93 of Orlando, Florida passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 5, 2018 surrounded by her family. She was born in Duquesne, Pennsylvania on February 23rd, 1925 to Andrej and Anna Jancsik. She was the last survivor of their seven children. Dorothy led a full and wonderful life where she successfully juggled family and career. Typical of her pioneering spirit, she moved from her home in Duquesne at the young age of 17 to attend nurses’ training at the Sacred Heart Nursing School in Pensacola, Florida where she earned her registered nursing degree. While in nurses’ training, she met and married James Windham, a US Navy aviation ensign. They relocated to Orlando after Jim’s naval service and graduation from University of Florida to raise a family of three children: Jim, Jan and Alicia. While raising her family, Dorothy began her rewarding career as a registered nurse at the Florida Hospital where she worked for over ten years. She expanded her career horizons when she accepted a position at Martin Marietta. While working at Martin, she became interested in Occupational Health medicine. After many hours of study, she successfully took the exam and received her license in that discipline. Dorothy then accepted a position with the Orlando Naval Training Center’s occupational health program, which she eventually retired from. Dorothy was never one to shy away from a challenge. After raising her family, at the age of 60, she moved to Bremerhaven and subsequently, Nuremburg, Germany to establish the Army’s first occupational health program there. While in Germany, she traveled much of Europe including the areas where her family was originally from. Dorothy had an infectious laugh and loved spending time with her family. She was extremely proud of her children and their families. She hosted many family gatherings where wonderful memories were made. “Oma,” as she was called by her grandchildren, was their “life cheerleader.” She attended their sporting games and school activities, took them to cultural events and was there for them when they needed her guidance. One granddaughter reminisced that Oma “always reassured me, even in the toughest of times, that I have her genes, and that we are and come from a long line of strong and independent women.” Dorothy is going to be missed very much by family and friends alike. She is survived by her family, Jim Windham (Cindy), Jan Glester (Joe), and Alicia Windham Reid (Jim) including her eight grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and Jack Patterson, her long time companion. Arrangements are entrusted to DeGusipe Funeral Home and Crematory, 9001 N Orlando Avenue, Maitland, Florida 32751, 407-695-CARE(2273)

Dorothy Elizabeth Smith

February 23, 1925 - August 5, 2018