Dorothy Gould Wertis

DOROTHY GOULD WERTIS, 81, of Raleigh, NC, was born March 15, 1932, in New York City, NY, and passed away with humility, faith and courage surrounded by family on June 26, 2013. Our most benevolent and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend peacefully left our arms to enter into the Kingdom of God to be united with Christ in eternal life 58 years to the day that she married the love of her life, Bob. Dorothy had the most vibrant personality, gentle spirit and giving heart of anyone on earth. She was a devout Catholic who fortified her family with the example of her life and her love for our good God. Her generosity and empathy to all who had the pleasure of sharing her day-to-day experiences will always be remembered. Dorothy never met a stranger because she was naturally openhearted, energetic, and communicative. Without exception, she developed meaningful relationships with everyone she met, old and young alike. Dorothy was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. In addition to serving as a past member of the Parish Council, Dorothy served as a co-leader with her husband on the first team for the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) program. She was a life-long volunteer with various charities close to her heart, and enjoyed her book clubs. Dorothy was an amazing storyteller with excellent recall about her childhood and historical events from long ago. She was a columnist for The North Carolina Catholic sharing her thoughts and insight with readers for more than 20 years. Without Dorothy, our hearts are broken and our tears endless, but our memories and joys are immeasurable. Dorothy leaves behind a legacy of faith and love for her family. She is survived by her best friend and husband, Robert J. Wertis; her beloved children: Bobby and (Patty) Wertis, Julie and (John) Fox, John Wertis, Liane and (Allen) Watson, Joseph and (Monique) Wertis, Elizabeth and (Miguel) Casas , Frances and (Eddie) Clark, and Dorothy and (Jimmy) Roche; Fifteen grandchildren: Sidney, Andrew, Jay, Caroline, Megan, Bobby, Zachary, Luke, Mary Claire, Meredith, Molly, William, Julia, Carly, and Olivia; four great grandchildren: Sean, Lucy, Jack and Callum; and her siblings: Jay and (Marge) Gould and Eva McGeehan, all of Colorado. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jay T. Gould and Julia Walsh Gould. Visitation will take place Tuesday, July 2, 2013, beginning at 5 p.m., followed by the funeral liturgy at 6 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 11401 Leesville Rd., Raleigh, NC. Interment will be in the St.Francis of Assisi Memorial Garden and Columbarium. Family will receive friends immediately following the Interment. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Hospice of Wake County. Bryan-Lee Funeral Home is handling arrangements.