Dorothy Mildred Fortune's Obituary
Dorothy Mildred Fortune (Grandma Dot), passed away December 30, 2023, at home in Farrwest, Utah surrounded by her loving family. The baby of her family, she was born March 28, 1932, in Erie, Pennsylvania to proud polish parents Pete Homicz and Pauline Kaniewski alongside siblings Bernie, Lil, and Jean. She spent all her early years in Erie. Dorothy’s journey took a turn in her teenage years when she survived a serious car accident while out with friends heading to a dance—a tale she shared with resilience and humor throughout her life.
Dorothy Graduated from East High School in 1950. After graduating she traveled with work friends to Bermuda on a girl's trip where she met “Daddy.” It was a whirlwind romance and Ray proposed in late 1953 before he left to serve in England. Dorothy traveled solo on the Queen Mary to wed Ray. She Married Glenn Ray Sturdivant Jan 16, 1954, on Burtonwood AirForce Base in Manchester, England. They welcomed their oldest son Rall in Sept 1954. After traveling back from England, the couple made their home in Arizona. They welcomed sons Steve and Gary, along with a daughter Kim. The couple eventually settled in Mesa and spent many happy years there raising their family. Though life’s path led to a separation and divorce from Ray, her heart remained forever linked to his. Dorothy was heartbroken when Ray passed away in 1977.
She met and later married John Calvin Fortune on December 31, 1975. The couple lived in various states but settled in Wichita, Kansas. They journeyed through life until John passed away in 2002. After which she retired and moved back to Arizona living with her son Gary and then in 2007 moved to Utah with her daughter Kim.
Dorothy held various jobs; as a clerk for the East Mesa Justice Court, as a security guard for Mesa High School. Her most notable as the executive housekeeper for Wichita Hilton East where she would retire from. She made many friends and truly enjoyed her time there.
Dorothy’s vibrant spirit extended to her hobbies, including her love for the thrill of the lottery and the excitement found at the bingo hall. In her later years, she found joy in watching a good show. She loved musicals and anything with history. You could find her watching Perry Mason, a John Wayne movie or The Crown. She was very intrigued with the Royal Family especially Diana. Some of her favorite movies, “Secretariat” and “Monuments Men,” reflected her appreciation for remarkable stories and moments.
As a grandmother, Dorothy brought immeasurable joy to her family. Everyone looked forward to a special delivery, eagerly anticipating the “box” from grandma. She was a spitfire and loved a good story and would usually interrupt with an “Oh hell” and throw her hands up.
She is survived by her sons Rall Sturdivant, Gary (Michelle) Sturdivant and daughter Kim (Pat) Bowman. She had 11 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren with one on the way.
She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings. Her husband John, her son Steve, granddaughter April and her Ray. Also, her special dog Rascal.
Two of her biggest sorrows in life was the passing of Ray and son Steve. She eventually was sealed to the love of her life Glen Ray Sturdivant on June 23, 2010, and also to Steve. Which meant so much to her and she lovingly anticipated her reunion with “Daddy” and her Stevie.
The family extends a special thanks to all the Hospital, Care Center and Hospice staff that cared for Grandma these last few weeks. And a heartfelt thank you to her daughter Kim that loving cared for her in her last years.
A celebration of life will be held this coming summer.
What’s your fondest memory of Dorothy?
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Share a story where Dorothy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dorothy you’ll never forget.
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