Dorothy R. Colonna "Dottie"

Dorothy Rita Backus “Dottie”, 90 of Washington Township, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2024, with her family by her side. She was born on January 19, 1934 in Scranton, PA, the daughter of John Backus and Gertrude (Post) Backus. She is preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband of 60 years Frank, son Stephen and granddaughters Caroline Carter and Gabriella Colonna; siblings John Backus, Paul Backus, George Backus, Leo Backus, Maryann Diercks and Gertrude Vaitekunas.

 Dottie is survived by 3 of her children, Anthony Colonna (Laena), Karen Colonna Ring (John), Frank E. Colonna (Leanne); 8 grandchildren, Michael Colonna, Stephen Colonna (Stephanie), Kelly Pannaman (Alex), Shannon Bravo (Junior), Lyndsey and Carley Carter, and Mia and Francesca Colonna; 4 great-grandchildren; Juliette, William and Maximus Bravo and Aurora Colonna; 2 siblings; Joan Moore and Anthony Backus. Dottie is also survived by numerous family and friends. 

 After coming to Ohio in 1979 from her roots in New Jersey, Dottie spent 25 years as a retail associate at Elder Beerman. Enjoying her love of fashion, she loved to shop, had more clothes than anyone and was always dressed to the nines until her last days.

 A lifelong devoted Catholic and member of St. Henry Parish for over 40 years, she was a proud participant of the Christ Renews His Parish program, serving meals for the homeless and the giving tree ministries, and a regular at the Monday night rosary. Her first trip to Europe was at 85 years old where she joined a St. Henry tour to Rome and surrounding areas…achieving her dream, standing within reach of Pope Francis. 

 Dottie loved to be on the move and was an avid line dancer and proud member of the Red Hat Society and Centerville Women’s Civic Club. She loved taking in a show at the theater, tortilla chips and a good margarita. 

 Her true loves were her faith, family and the ocean. We take comfort in knowing she is in God’s arms, line dancing in heaven with that big beautiful smile on her face as her body doesn’t hurt, and she is free and reunited with many loved ones.

 A mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, July 19, 2024 at 12:00 pm at St. Henry Parish 6696 N Springboro Pike, Dayton, OH 45449. Visitation will be held from 11:00 - 11:45 at the parish meeting room next to the church.