Dorothy Bear

Feb 8, 1928 -

Mar 26, 2020

Dorothy Pauline Bear, 92, passed away peacefully at Marlow Manor Assisted Living on March 26, 2020. Dorothy was born in Trenton, N.J., on Feb. 8, 1928, to Amelia and Sylvester Marcinkiewicz. Dorothy was raised in Hamilton Township, N.J., and graduated from Hamilton HS, then attended Trenton State Teachers College graduating with a degree in education. During 1950, her first year of teaching in New Jersey, Dorothy eloped with the love of her life Joseph Bear.

In 1951, Joe and Dot moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where they settled in Muldoon and eventually built their home. Joe, Dorothy and their three sons also homesteaded 40 acres on the South Fork of Eagle River in the late 1950s.

Dorothy taught second grade and special education for her entire career of 25 years including one year in New Jersey, then in the Territory of Alaska on Fort Richardson, and finally for Anchorage School District. During her teaching career and while raising her three sons, Dorothy earned her master's degree in education from UAA. When Dorothy retired from teaching in 1981 she and Joe enthusiastically traveled the world. Joe and Dot often took friends and family on their trips to Europe, showing others the world; they enjoyed giving guidance to others in terms of places to visit, good restaurants and the best driving routes.

Being devout Catholics, Joe and Dot have been generous with their time and donations to various aspects of the Catholic church; from teaching catechism, to helping to build two Anchorage parishes and serving as active members of their parish.

Her sister and parents, as well as her son Steven J. Bear, precede Dorothy in death. Survivors include her husband of 69 years, Joseph Bear; sons, Joseph R. Bear (Roberta) and Mark J Bear (Deborah); as well as seven grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at Saint Patrick's Catholic Church in Anchorage and Dorothy's cremated remains will be laid to rest at Angelus Memorial Park, both at a future date to be announced.