Dorothy Marie Weilbaecher

Dorothy (“Dot”) Marie Weilbaecher died peacefully on September 21, 2019, at the Chateau de Notre Dame nursing home in New Orleans at age 96. Dot was born in New Orleans on November 12, 1922, to parents Dr. Joseph Oswald Weilbaecher and Julia Malacher Weilbaecher. Dot and her twin brother Daniel (“Dan”) were the youngest of 9 children. Dot lived the first 70 years of her life in New Orleans. She was office manager for the medical practice of her brother, Dr. Joseph (“Bonny”) Oswald Weilbaecher, Jr., MD, and his partner, Dr. Lawrence Bole, MD. In 1992, she retired and moved to North Carolina to live with her sister, Rhea Holt, and remained there until the last year of her life when she returned to New Orleans. Dot and Rhea were sisters, best friends and a continuing source of comfort and joy to each other. Most important to Dot throughout her life were her Catholic Faith, her family and her New Orleans roots. She attended Ursuline Convent for grade school and high school and took college classes at Ursuline and Loyola University. She was a devout Catholic and when no longer physically able to attend Mass in a church, she faithfully watched Mass on TV and regularly received Communion in her home. Dot was devoted to her parents, living with them during all the years they were alive and personally caring for them in their later years. In Dot’s mind, family always came first and New Orleans was always her true home. She loved the history of the city, the culture and of course the wonderful food. No other cuisine could ever measure up. Traditional, authentic New Orleans foods were one of the great pleasures of her life.
Dot had a special love for and connection with animals. She owned a number of dogs and cats over the years and cared for them like they were her children. She always followed sports and had a special affinity for the N.O. Saints, the LSU Tigers and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. She was a devoted fan. Everyone who got to know Dot came to admire her strength, courage and determination. Despite having to battle multiple sclerosis for 50 years, she never complained or felt sorry for herself. In recent decades, numerous caregivers were involved with her care and inevitably each would come to understand and appreciate what a remarkable person she was. Her strength of character was a model for all who knew her well—from family and lifelong friends to casual acquaintances. She will be greatly missed by many people. Dot was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She is survived by many nieces/nephews and their children/grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers Bonny, Clifford, Warren, Chester, Maurice, and Dan and by sisters Julia (Mother Mary Loyola O.S.U.; “Shutty”) and Rhea. Dot was also preceded in death by Frances Hollard who was her dear friend and companion for many years, and by Shenique (“Nikki”) Storr who was her caregiver for 24 years and who became like a daughter to her.
A Mass and Memorial Service in Dot’s honor will be held at the Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, 2701 State Street, New Orleans, LA at 9:30 AM on October 19, 2019. JACOB SCHOEN & SON in charge of the arrangements.

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