Dorothy (Kashatus) Pawloski, 93, of Audubon, PA, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 7, 2025, at The Meadows at Shannondell. She was the devoted wife of Stanley Pawloski for 70 years.
Born in the small coal-mining town of Glen Lyon, PA, on November 22, 1931, Dorothy was the daughter of the late William and Mary (Matkiewicz) Kashatus. Dorothy's academic prowess earned her the nickname "Speedy" after she skipped the 7th grade, a feat that, while she may have grumbled about the moniker due to her humility, spoke to her sharp intellect. She attended Newport High School, where she won various academic awards, starred in the school play, and was a majorette in the marching band. It was at Newport High School, in shorthand class, that she met Stanley, a star athlete. Their high school romance blossomed into a life together filled with love and devotion.
Dorothy continued her education at Temple University, where she also twirled as a majorette in the university marching band and earned her Pharmacy Degree.
She married Stanley in a small upstate wedding at St. Mary’s, with the reception at Bill’s Café, the local establishment owned by her father.
Dorothy and Stanley's family grew with the surprise arrival of twins, Jim and Ken, followed by Judy and then Amy. A loving and devoted mother, Dorothy generously volunteered her time and talents to various causes, including the Mothers of Twins Club, Maternity BVM, the Catholic Charities appeal, calling the homebound, and making casseroles for St. John’s Hospice.
While Dorothy considered her primary role to be that of wife and mother, her professional career spanned many years, including scientific roles at Merck, Sharp, & Dohme, Smith Kline, and a remarkable 50-year tenure as a pharmacist at Holy Redeemer Hospital, where she was loved by all who worked with her.
A devout Catholic, Dorothy lived her faith through unselfishness and quiet strength. She often prayed the rosary and was a pillar of faith for her family, seen each night kneeling at her bedside praying for a long list of those she held dear.
Her cherished grandchildren knew her affectionately as “Mom-Mom P.” She was so proud of each of them. Dorothy found joy in life's simple pleasures: walks on the beach or to Hoy's 5&10 in Avalon, leisurely strolls through her northeast Philadelphia neighborhood, cherished family vacations, a good corny joke, the daily drama of "Days of Our Lives," the humor of "Barney Miller," and staying informed with KYW News Radio. Her delicious meatballs were a family favorite, and her chocolate Easter eggs, lamb cake, pineapple stuffing, and cranberry relish were eagerly anticipated at holidays. Above all, Dorothy treasured time spent with her loving family. She often said, “I have the best times when we are together as a family.”
Dorothy is survived by her husband, Stanley Pawloski; her children, Jim (Barb) Pawloski, Ken (Angela) Pawloski, Judy (Tom) Beck, and Amy (Jim) Dykie; her twelve grandchildren, Nicole, Jamie, Danny, Kyle, Lauren, Ally, Emily, Kevin, Jack, Jessica, Matthew, and Kaitlyn; her great-grandchild, Mayla; and her sister, Maryann Benner. She was predeceased by her brother, William Kashatus.
Funeral services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dorothy’s memory to the "Employee Appreciation Fund – Avondale" at The Meadows at Shannondell, in grateful appreciation for the kind and compassionate care she received. Checks should be made payable to Meadows Management, Inc., and mailed to 5000 Shannondell Drive, Audubon, PA 19403, Attn: Carol.