Dorothy P Whitfield

July 7, 2023
Dorothy P Whitfield

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Dorothy “Dot” Palma Whitfield died at Patriot’s Colony Convalescent Center on July 7, 2023.  The daughter of the late James Madison Whitfield and Sofia Reyling Whitfield, she was born in Orange, New Jersey on October 14, 1919.  She is preceded in death by her brother Kenneth F. Whitfield and her nephew and niece, Kenneth F. Whitfield, Jr. and Jo Ann Whitfield.

Dorothy was a graduate of Millburn High School, Millburn, New Jersey and the College of William and Mary, Class of 1941.  Several years after her college graduation, she moved from Millburn to Princeton, New Jersey, where she was office manager and secretary to the director of the Office of Population Research at Princeton University from 1943 to 1957.  From 1957 to 1972, Dorothy served as the secretary to the president of Princeton University.  Prior to moving to Williamsburg in 1992, she lived in semi-retirement on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Dorothy declared her intention to donate her body to science.  To honor Dorothy, contributions can be made to the Williamsburg Faith in Action, 354 McLaws Circle, Suite 1, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185 or the Williamsburg Botanical Garden at WBG-FPA Donations, PO Box 1577, Williamsburg VA 23187-1577.

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  • September 12, 2023
    Doris B says:
    I was a caregiver of Ms. Dot. She was one of the best I've had the pleasure of giving a helping hand to. She was able to still do a lot for herself. She will be truly missed by many. Rest in Paradise Ms. DOT

  • July 23, 2023
    Philip Cormany says:
    Met Dot at the mailbox while visiting our married daughter's family in 2011 living next door to Dorothy. She drove to New Kent County to watch our grand kids dance recitals. Very kind patient and appreciative lady. Big heart. Even last month she exhibited a keen mind. Was able to tell stories of growing up in NJ in her parents' home. Amazed it had appreciated so much. Her father was a Cuban sugar broker. The portrait in her dining room was of her attorney ancestor who came from Spain to Cuba.

  • July 19, 2023
    ray nugent says:
    A very good person to know. She will sadly be missed. We spent many a Thanksgiving & Christmas in her company

  • July 12, 2023
    Helen Hamilton posted an image:
    Dorothy pulling her recycling bin
    Dorothy pulling her recycling bin

  • July 12, 2023
    Helen Hamilton posted an image:
    Dorothy working in the botanical garden
    Dorothy working in the botanical garden