Dorothy F. Calame

Dorothy F. Calame, age 98, of Galena, IL, formerly of Glen Carbon and Godfrey, IL, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2025, at the Galena Senior Care Campus Nursing Home, surrounded by her loving family.

Dorothy was born on January 25, 1927, in Madison, IL, to George and Bernice (Trotts) Howard. In 1946, she married Tracy Calame, and together they were blessed with three children.

Dorothy had a giving heart and found great joy in helping others. She dedicated countless hours to Beverly Farm, a home for individuals with developmental disabilities in Godfrey, IL. She was also passionate about reading and education, volunteering at Meadowbrook Elementary School in Bethalto, IL, where she was affectionately known as “Miss Dot.”

She was a wonderful and improvisational cook, and her famous cupcakes were always a hit at any gathering. She loved crossword puzzles, big band and polka music, dancing, and a good glass of wine. Never one to celebrate her own birthday, she instead delighted in buying presents for her loved ones. Originally a St. Louis Cardinals fan, her loyalty took a turn in 1954, when Enos Slaughter was traded to the Yankees—a grudge she held with humor and conviction as she shifted her allegiance to the Chicago Cubs. Her long and full life made her something like a time traveler and a witness to many historic events including eighteen US Presidents, The Great Depression, World War II, and even a World Series win for her Cubs.

Dorothy is survived by her three children, Sharon Capps of Dardenne Prairie, MO; Lynn (Ken) Zehnder of Galena, IL; and Scott (Shari Kolding) Calame of Leander, TX; her granddaughter, Cristin (Kenny) Choat of O’Fallon, MO; her great-grandson, Eli Choat; and her extended family, Mary (Steve) Shaffer of Edwardsville, IL; Lisa (David) Calame Marshall of Godfrey, IL; Katherine (Adam Wolf) Rhee of Sherman Oaks, CA; Kathy (Don) Deters of Wildwood MO; and Pat (Bruce Miller) Roderick of Clearwater, FL.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Robert (Irene) Howard and Mildred (Richard) Roderick; and her son-in-law, Roger Capps.

To honor Dorothy’s life, a private family graveside service will be held at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Edwardsville, IL.  The family would like to thank all the staff at the Galena Senior Care Community and Hospice of Dubuque for the gentle care and respect you gave to Dot these last few years.  You are truly angels on earth. 

Online condolences for Dorothy’s family may be left at www.tristatecremationcenter.com