Dorothea M. Blakeslee, 80, of Cherry Valley, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 12, 2024, in Monroe County Hospice House, East Stroudsburg. Born April 13,1944, in Wind Gap, Dorothea, was a daughter to the late Russell and Lillian (Frey) Heckman and grew up surrounded by the bustling energy of nine siblings.

She was the beloved wife of the late Samuel A. Blakeslee Sr., with whom she built and shared a life rich in family values until his passing on September 26, 1997. Dorothea, a farmer's wife, remained a homemaker residing on the family farm throughout her life. The essence of Dorothea's life was her unwavering commitment to her family and her faith.

Dorothea was a member of Cherry Valley United Methodist Church. There she found joy in fellowship and service through participation with the Road Runners, Ladies auxiliary, and Bible study groups.

She truly relished the simple pleasures of life, and her vibrant spirit was reflected in her interests and hobbies. When Dorothea wasn't seated at a BINGO table, she could be found listening to Country music, completing Word Search puzzles, or expressing her creativity through coloring. Earlier, her adventurous spirit led her on many travels with friends, exploring the charm of Amish Country in Lancaster and the serene beaches of Hilton Head Island, SC. She was a collector of memories, treasuring all types of greeting cards from loved ones as symbols of the affection and moments shared throughout the years.

Dorothea's legacy is carried on through her devoted sons, Russell S. Blakeslee, Samuel A. Blakeslee Jr. and his wife Holly, and Mark A. Blakeslee and his wife Barbara. It was within the warmth of the family homestead that she spent her final years, enveloped in the love and care of those she held dearest. Dorothea will be dearly missed by her 2 grandsons, Ryan and Allen Blakeslee and her two bonus grandchildren, Ben and Gillian; 1 great-granddaughter; siblings, Eddie, Ronnie, Terry Heckman, and Marlene Sentkewitz; and numerous nieces and nephews. Dorothea was predeceased by her twin sister, Dorothy Koach, and brothers, Manfred, Marty, and Bobby Heckman, and sister, Loretta Setzer. She will be remembered with smiles and stories, in quiet moments of reflection, and whenever the warmth of a family's love is felt.

Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing, Monday, August 19, 2024 from 9:30 -11 am in the Schmidt Funeral Home, PC, 202 West Street, Wind Gap. Funeral services will begin at 11 am, in the funeral home, with Reverend Dr. Jeff Weber. Interment will follow in Cherry Valley United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Contributions, in Dorothea's memory, may be sent to https://act.alz.org