WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Dorothy Rudolph of Williamstown died at home on Tuesday, Aug 2, 2016, surrounded by family and friends.

 

Mrs. Rudolph, known affectionately as Dottie or DeDe by those close to her, was born Dorothy Dannenbaum on Dec. 2, 1921, in Philadelphia, Penn., to Walter and Dorothy Beach Dannenbaum.  She graduated from The Baldwin School in Bryn Mawr, Penn., in 1939 and from Mt. Holyoke College in 1943. After attending Pierce Business School in Philadelphia, she accepted a secretarial position with the Curtis Publishing Company, one of the country's largest and most influential publishers, quickly working her way to a managerial position at the company's flagship publication, the Ladies Home Journal.



Dottie married Frederick (Fred) Rudolph on June 18, 1949. Fred and Dottie moved to Williamstown in 1950. She took pleasure in cooking for and entertaining family and friends, including hundreds of Williams College students from near and far, at their legendary dinner parties. Dedicated to her community, Dottie served as president of the Williams Faculty Club, president of the Auxiliary Committee of the North Adams Hospital and was head of wreath-making for the Hospital Bazaar. She was on the board of the League of Women Voters and Hotline and was an auditor for The Recording for the Blind.



Dottie was a familiar and beloved figure in the local art world, volunteering her time at the information desk at the Clark Art Institute and on the Visiting Committee of the Williams College Museum of Art. When Fred retired they traveled extensively, going around the world twice. Their favorite destination was Thailand. Fred Rudolph died on June 3, 2013.



Dottie leaves behind her daughters Marta Rudolph and Lisa Rudolph Cushman, as well as Michael Cushman and JB Lowe; six grandchildren, Jessica, Alexa, Payson, Fiona, Avery and Lucia; and 12 great-grandchildren.



Funeral notice: Burial will be private, with a memorial celebration to be announced. For those wishing to pay tribute to Dottie, gifts may be made in her name to Williamsiana of Williams College or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals.