Dorothea McKenna Obituary

Dorothea McKenna, 86, died peacefully on January 4, 2014, surrounded by her family at her home in Colorado Springs. She showed remarkable strength during the past five years of her illness, never once complaining and always thanking those around her for their help.



She was born on February 7, 1927, in Neu Gatschken, Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic). One of eight children, Dorothea loved nature and the outdoors and had fond childhood memories of picking berries, climbing trees, and the beautiful forests of her Heimat (homeland), Bohemia.



As Germans living in the Sudetenland region, Dorothea's family became refugees following World War II, staying briefly outside of Berlin, and eventually making it over the Iron Curtain into West Germany. While working in Wiesbaden, she met and married an American Airman, Patrick McKenna, and together with their daughter, came to the United States in 1954 aboard the General Maurice Rose. They settled in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and over the years had five more children. This was a time of great happiness with all the relatives together for celebrations and holidays and summers at Lulu Lake. In 1966, Patrick entered Federal Service and the family moved to Germany. For the next seven years, they made many visits to German relatives and traveled extensively throughout Europe. Colorado Springs became home in 1973, where Dorothea formed many life-long friendships. From 1979-'82, the family returned to Germany with their youngest daughter, during which time Dorothea's employment with Lufthansa German Airlines provided wonderful opportunities for family travel.

Dorothea was the most humble, giving, loyal mother, always putting her family's needs before her own. She valued education and supported her children as a Girl Scout leader and Bobby Sox softball coach. Her early training as a beautician inspired her long career as an Avon Lady. She also enjoyed sewing, swimming, gardening, cooking and baking.

Dorothea's unwavering faith in God carried her through great adversity, and she often spoke of the angel that protected and guided her throughout her life. She will always be remembered for her strength of spirit, honesty and willingness to help at all times. Dorothea was deeply loved and will be sorely missed, and will live in our hearts forever.

She is survived by six children, Mary (Owen) Siddals, Patricia, Terence, Christine (Bruce) Spector, Maureen and Carol (Jer Martens); and three grandchildren, Sean, Ashley and Kaylie. She is also survived by a brother, Helmut Eckelt, sisters, Maria Garcia and Emme Mueller, sister-in-law, Irmgard Eckelt; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Martin and Maria; brothers Martin, Kurt, Eddie, and sister Hilde.

The family would like to give special thanks to Jamillah Allen, Peggy Armstrong, Natalie Baran and MJ Pascual for the loving care and support given to our beloved mother during this past year.

A private Graveside Service was held at Evergreen Cemetery.

A Memorial Mass will be held at Holy Apostles Catholic Church, 4925 North Carefree Circle, on Thursday, February 6, 2014, at 11 a.m., followed by a Celebration of LIfe.

Memorial contributions may be made in Dorothea's name to Silver Key Senior Services: 2250 Bott Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80904; https://www.silverkey.org/donate