Dorothy "Dottie" Frances Chabin

Dorothy “Dottie” Frances Chabin, age 89, of Centennial passed away peacefully on November 27, 2023. She is survived by her husband, John, their daughters, Christine (Doug) and Ellen (Brian), their sons, John (Kathleen) and Steve (Debbie), their ten grandchildren, their one great-grandchild, and Dottie’s sister Mary Cecere. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Pauline Frank, five brothers, and one sister.

Dottie was born March 4, 1934 in Jersey City, New Jersey. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1952, where she served as class secretary and captain of the twirling team. After graduation, Dottie worked as an executive secretary for Westinghouse’s Elevator Division in Jersey City. On November 5, 1955, Dottie married John at St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church in Jersey City. Dottie and John had grown up across the street from each other and were named “Best Dancers in the School” their senior year in high school. After their wedding, they spent the next 68 years together, moving with their children from New Jersey to Colorado in 1977.

Whether it was in New Jersey or Colorado, Dottie was always active in the Byzantine Catholic church and her strong faith was a pillar of her life. She sang in the choir, served as Ladies Guild president, spent many hours baking nut rolls and communion bread, created beautiful floral arrangements for altar decorations, and helped plan many church events.

Dottie’s family was the center of her life and she was the center of her family. She cared for everyone, and her children believe she was the hardest working person they know. She was a gourmet cook, and whether it was eggplant parmesan, stuffed cabbage, pierogis, Italian wedding soup—or seemingly any other type of food—her family was always well fed. She was an avid cookbook collector and was always looking for a new recipe or skill to teach herself.

Dottie was also a great baker, and whether it was her mouth-watering cream puffs, or the numerous wedding cakes she made for friends, no occasion was complete without one of her delicious creations. And when the meals were over, Dottie loved just spending her time with her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Family was everything to her and she was always eager to babysit or help out in other ways when her own children were grown. None of us ever left her home without a warm hug and a “have a happy” send off. Everyone loved being around her, and her passing has left a hole that cannot be filled.

A viewing and Panachida will take place at Horan & McConaty, 5303 East County Line Road in Centennial on December 7 from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on December 8 at 9:30 a.m., also at Horan & McConaty. Following the funeral, guests are invited to John and Kathleen Chabin’s home at 6978 E. Long Avenue in Centennial for a luncheon and to greet family. The burial will take place at Fort Logan National Cemetery following the luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Protection of the Mother of God Byzantine Catholic Church, 1201 S. Elizabeth St., Denver, Colorado 80210.