Dorothy E. Dames

Dorothy “Dot” E. (Dampman) Dames, 97, widow of Gerald W. Dames, Sr., of North Evans Street, Pottstown, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at Manatawny Manor Nursing Home, East Coventry Twp., where she was a patient for the past three months.

Born in Pottstown, Pennsylvania on July 1st, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Oscar and the late Clara (Hawk) Dampman. She was predeceased by her three brothers, William (Phyllis), Harry (Emma) and Clair (Janet) Dampman, her niece Sandy Dampman Schaeffer (Gary), as well as a grandson, Aaron Lewis Dames. She was the high school sweetheart and loving wife of the late Gerald William Dames, Sr., with whom she enjoyed 60 years of marriage before his passing on November 17, 2012 at age 83.

Surviving are two sons, Gerald W. Dames, Jr. (Jean), Robert A. Dames, three grandchildren, Robert A. Dames, Jr., Keith A. Dames, and Valerie Dames Baccash (Nick), four great grandchildren, Nicholas Baccash, Martin Baccash, Dorothy Dames, and Aaron Alan Dames, as well as five nieces/nephews, William Dampmen, Jr., Donna Dampman Pavelick Barthel, Chris Dampman Lynch, Debra Dampman Chadwell, and Edward Dampman.

Dorothy was a remarkable woman. Before starting her family in 1954, she worked as a secretary, and in the accounting department, for Firestone and Jacob’s Aircraft. Later, when her sons were grown and her husband, Jerry, became the owner of the former Dames Chevrolet in Pottstown, she worked there in the office as bookkeeper/secretary for many years. In between those two, “career-focused” periods, she was a loving, dedicated, stay-at-home mom, doing whatever it took to raise two, good sons, spoil her grandchildren, support her husband in his career, and create a wonderful home environment for her family. She enjoyed going to local auctions and collecting antiques to decorate her home. She was an amazing cook, and made special meals for her family and friends. She loved hosting her entire extended family on Christmas Day. She was renowned for baking dozens of delicious Christmas cookies to share. She was an avid bowler, and participated in several leagues and tournaments. She and Jerry loved to jitterbug, and attended lots of dances together, following their favorite local bands. She was a competitive Quoits (like horseshoes) player at any family picnic. She enjoyed watching sports and was a fan of the Phillies, Eagles, Penn State Football and PGA golf. She was always challenging her mind, starting by reading the daily newspaper and doing the crossword, Cryptogram and Sudoku puzzles. She loved to read mystery novels, and enjoyed playing card and word games regularly with friends. She loved outdoor gardening and maintained a room full of various indoor plants, as well. Dorothy and her family were members of Grace Lutheran Church in Pottstown.

The viewing will be held Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 A.M. at the Schumacher & Benner Funeral Home & Crematory, 359 King Street, Pottstown, PA. A funeral service will follow the viewing at 11:00 A.M. at the funeral home. Sara Bechtel will be the presiding minister. Burial will be in Highland Memorial Park immediately following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, go to https://www.chop.edu/ to make a donation.