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Dorothy J. Smyth, 96, of Janesville, WI passed away on Sunday, October 27, 2013 at Cedar Crest Assisted Living. Dorothy was born August 26, 1917 in Leyden, WI the daughter of Otto and Martha (Elser) Kersten. She attended Leyden School and graduated from Janesville High School in 1934. She married Alan B. Smyth on May 19,1939, he died February 17,1977. Dorothy worked for Parker Pen Company for 29 years, retiring in 1963. After retiring, she took a leap of faith and moved to Florida’s Gold Coast where she purchased and was president/manager of Dee Jay Apartments in Lauderdale by the Sea until 2004. Managing Dee Jay Apartments gave Dorothy the opportunity to meet new friends from all over the world. Her apartments were also rented to many Wisconsin families who returned year after year. In Florida, she was active in the Lions Club and worked 9 years as a member of the Chamber of Commerce as historian of Lauderdale by the Sea. In Wisconsin, Dorothy was a very active member of the Eastern Star, holding the position of Past Matron of Janesville Chapter # 69 in 1953 and was Bethel Guardian of Jobs Daughters and past Grand Guardian of Jobs Daughters state of Wisconsin. She was also a member of White Shrine and Order of the Amaranth Faith Court # 11. Dorothy was a member of St. John Lutheran Church.
She is survived by nieces Jane and Lois Pennycook and Phyllis Pennycook (wife of deceased nephew Warren Pennycook), four great nephews and four great nieces. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, brother, Bill Kersten and sister, Edna Pennycook, nephew Warren Pennycook and niece Ruth Pennycook.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, November 1, 2013 at St. John Lutheran Church, 302 N. Parker Drive, Janesville with Pastor Bond Haldeman officiating. Burial will follow in Bethel Cemetery, Center Township. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at St. John Lutheran Church. Memorials may be made in Dorothy’s name to Order of Eastern Star Chapter # 69. The family is being assisted by Henke-Clarson Funeral Home.
Dorothy

Dorothy J. Smyth, 96, of Janesville, WI passed away on Sunday, October 27, 2013 at Cedar Crest Assisted Living. Dorothy was born August 26, 1917 in Leyden, WI the daughter of Otto and Martha (Elser) Kersten. She attended Leyden School and graduated from Janesville High School in 1934. She married Alan B. Smyth on May 19,1939, he died February 17,1977. Dorothy worked for Parker Pen Company for 29 years, retiring in 1963. After retiring, she took a leap of faith and moved to Florida’s Gold Coast where she purchased and was president/manager of Dee Jay Apartments in Lauderdale by the Sea until 2004. Managing Dee Jay Apartments gave Dorothy the opportunity to meet new friends from all over the world. Her apartments were also rented to many Wisconsin families who returned year after year. In Florida, she was active in the Lions Club and worked 9 years as a member of the Chamber of Commerce as historian of Lauderdale by the Sea. In Wisconsin, Dorothy was a very active member of the Eastern Star, holding the position of Past Matron of Janesville Chapter # 69 in 1953 and was Bethel Guardian of Jobs Daughters and past Grand Guardian of Jobs Daughters state of Wisconsin. She was also a member of White Shrine and Order of the Amaranth Faith Court # 11. Dorothy was a member of St. John Lutheran Church.
She is survived by nieces Jane and Lois Pennycook and Phyllis Pennycook (wife of deceased nephew Warren Pennycook), four great nephews and four great nieces. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, brother, Bill Kersten and sister, Edna Pennycook, nephew Warren Pennycook and niece Ruth Pennycook.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, November 1, 2013 at St. John Lutheran Church, 302 N. Parker Drive, Janesville with Pastor Bond Haldeman officiating. Burial will follow in Bethel Cemetery, Center Township. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at St. John Lutheran Church. Memorials may be made in Dorothy’s name to Order of Eastern Star Chapter # 69. The family is being assisted by Henke-Clarson Funeral Home.
Dorothy