Dorothy McCreary

Dorothy McCreary

June 12, 1953 - June 16, 2023

Dorothy “Dotti” McCreary, 70, a longtime board member of Animal Friends of Lansdowne known for her love of animals and dancing, died of pancreatic cancer on June 16 at Little Flower Manor in Darby, Pa.

Dotti grew up in Lansdowne, Pa., where she lived most of her life. Dotti managed a branch of the Gwendolyn Bye Dance Center in Philadelphia before working for many years as a dental hygienist. After she retired, Dotti could be seen around Lansdowne as a crossing guard, overseeing the pool at the Wildman Arms apartment complex where she resided, and working at the polls on election day. 

Dotti was perhaps best known for her extensive volunteer work with the animal rescue organization Animal Friends of Lansdowne. She served as volunteer and board member for 15 years and, as the chair of the Education committee, she established an annual public education outreach initiative called “Love Your Pets Month.” She was a force of nature in the rescue, working toward the foster and adoption of numerous cats, and in trapping and neutering of the community’s feral cats. Dotti shared her life with many cats of her own including her last feline companion, Jitterbug. 

As a dance lover, Dotti was involved in several dance groups. Among her activities, Dotti participated in ballroom dancing reenactments set at the mansions of Newport, R.I. Sometimes known as “Spotty Dotti,” she also had a fondness for polka dots, hats, vintage clothing, old Hollywood musicals, and chocolate. 

Dotti surrounded herself with many good friends who mourn her passing. An eternal optimist, Dotti was a kind and loyal friend who would show up to help or celebrate with bells on—sometimes literally. Her friends were very fortunate to help Dotti celebrate her 70th birthday and will dearly miss her wit and enthusiasm.

Details on a planned memorial gathering will be forthcoming at a future date.

Memorial contributions may be made (to assist with Jitterbug’s veterinary care) to the non-profit Animal Friends of Lansdowne, P.O. Box 869, Lansdowne, PA 19050 or www.animalfriendsoflansdowne.org.