Dorothy Allene Kessler Kinzey, age 94, passed away surrounded by loved ones in Colorado Springs, CO, on June 15, 2021. Dorothy was born in Bedford, PA, on May 2, 1927 to Albert James Kinzey and Freda Pearl Knisely. In 1966 she earned her Bachelor’s Degree from University of Maryland.
In 1976, she earned her Master’s Degree from Antioch College, and in 1988 she earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology from Saybrook Institute.
She worked for, and retired from, the National Institute of Mental Health as a Clinical Psychologist. She was a volunteer on the first AIDS hotline, and a Suicide Hotline for several years. She volunteered at the Holocaust Museum for over 15 years and was very interested in the psychological impacts of WWII on various European populations.
She authored publications on sexual stereotyping in the film industry, substance abuse in women, physiological impacts of divorce, energy and consciousness, the impacts of specific stimuli in monkeys, and many more. She traveled extensively to Russia, China, Egypt, Greece, Ireland, England, France, Germany, Israel, and India.
Dorothy was blessed with three children, six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Mother, Spouse, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Sister, Daughter, Aunt and Friend, Dorothy inspired and encouraged those close to her with her deep faith, love of learning, and perseverance. She was dedicated to her growing family and loved getting visits or updates from her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. She will be sorely missed by all who loved her.
She is survived by her three children: Cheryl Silverman (Rick), Jan Kessler (Theresa), Lia deBettencourt (Mike); five grandchildren: Leora Silverman, Jessica Raley, Jolynn Bradshaw, Thomas deBettencourt, Emilia deBettencourt; eight great-grandchildren: Olivia Kelley, Nathan Raley, Tara Raley, Jameson Raley, Alexis Bradshaw, Trenton Bradshaw, Sophie deBettencourt, and Sadie deBettencourt. She was preceded in death by her siblings Paul Raymond Kinzey, Ivadean DaBella, and her grandson Jon Michael deBettencourt. A funeral will be held in Wells Tannery, PA at a later date.