Dorothea Rita Mascow

It is with deep sorrow and much love that Dorothea Rita Mascow, (nee Knapik) passed peacefully on Sunday, December 21, 2025 at Ted and Diane Brandley Hospice House in Summerfield, FL. Dorothea passed away three weeks after her beloved husband of 70 years, James G. Mascow who died at E.W. And Lucille Cates Hospice House in Ocala, FL. Jim passed on November 26, 2025.

Dorothea was born on October 18, 1933 in Chicago Illinois. She was the first child of Harry and Dorothy Knapik (Nee Ellwanger).

Dorothea graduated from Proviso High School in Maywood, Illinois in 1951. Dorothea then met the love of her life Jim, on a blind date. Jim and Dorothea were married on May 28, 1955 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Chicago Illinois. For a short time, they made their home on the north side of Chicago where they welcomed their first child daughter, Christine, in 1956.

Later, they moved to Barrington, Illinois, where they welcomed daughters Teresa in 1960 and Carolyn in 1961. Finally a son, Michael, was born in 1963. Jim and Dorothea were involved in Saint Anne's Catholic Church and the community of Barrington for many years.

In 1981 they moved to Winfield, Illinois where they lived for 11 years. They retired to Ocala, Florida in 1992 and spent 33 happy years enjoying all that Central Florida offers.

Dorothea began working for the Barrington 220 Community Unit School District as a teacher's aid in 1970. She loved being home every day with her children by 3:30 and off during the summers to spend countless hours watching them swim at the Park District pool.

Later, Dorothea took classes at William Rainey Harper College in Palatine, Illinois, and became a certified travel consultant. She helped manage different travel agencies in Lake Zürich, West Chicago, and Naperville, Illinois. Dorothea's travel agency jobs afforded her the opportunity to travel the world and to take many exciting Caribbean and European cruises. Once retired, Dorothea continued to book cruises for her church group in Ocala, Florida.

Dorothea loved crafts and discovered many different interests, but pursued painting. She found a hidden talent that her family never knew she had. Dorothea painted in many mediums, but found watercolor her most favorite. Proudly hanging in her children and grandchildren's homes, are displays of Dorothea's incredible talent.

Dorothea always had a love and devotion for Jesus Christ. At Queen Of Peace Catholic Church in Ocala, she volunteered for many groups and found leadership roles as a way of giving back to the church. She helped create the Saint Maria Goretti Home for pregnant women. It is a multi denominational and pro life alternative for unwed pregnant mothers. She organized fundraisers for the Home like golf tournaments, fashion shows, bake sales, and helped sell gift certificates and cards from various Ocala businesses after mass.

Dorothea was a member of the Queen of Peace Council of Catholic Women (CCW). From 1992-2020, she held offices of corresponding secretary, treasurer, vice president, and president.

Dorothea took an even bigger role in the CCW and sat on the board of the Orlando Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. For the ODCCW, she held the position of Corresponding Secretary and a non voting member of the board. Dorothea took an active role helping to organize and work at the Annual Conventions of the ODCCW which was held throughout Central Florida. She also went to Tallahassee to speak with State Congressional members about Pro-Life topics and participated in many Pro-Life demonstrations.

Dorothea helped organize and run the Religious Article Store at Queen of Peace, volunteered for Adoration hours, and sang in the church choir.

Her final years were in active prayer and devotion to the Secular Carmelites. During this time Dorothea sought a deep quest for God through profound dedication to prayer and spiritual growth. She was deeply devoted to the Virgin Mary, seeking God's presence in daily life. Becoming a Secular Carmelite is a multi year process of study and reflection including taking the Definitive Promise which she took in 2018.

Dorothea is survived and lovingly remembered by her children: Teresa Carlson of Dunnellon, Florida, Carolyn Mascow, of Ocala, Florida, and Michael (Susanne) Mascow of Lake in the Hills, Illinois; grandchildren: Andrea, Stephanie (Christopher), Bryan (Zoe), Alexander (Alyssa), Alyssa (Adam); great grandchildren: Tyler (Jessie), Mia, Brianna, Cameron, Greyson, Addison, and Brynley; special relative: Kaden and Cameron Maiorano; siblings Pete (Nora) Knapik of LaCrosse, WI, Mary Cimms of Elgin, Illinois, and numerous other family members and friends.

Dorothea was proceeded in death by her husband of 70 years James, daughter Christine, infant son Joseph, parents Harry and Dorothy Knapik, siblings: Ruth Nesslar and Carol Ann Nordvedt; niece Amy Kaufman and many other extended family and friends.

A funeral mass will be held on January 16, 2026 at Queen Of Peace Catholic Church in Ocala, Florida at 8:30 AM. An internment of ashes will follow at Bushnell National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida at 10:30 am.

Donations may be made to Hospice of Marion County, Florida in Dorothea' name.

The family wishes to extend a special, thank you to the remarkable staff, nurses, and doctors at Brandley Hospice House in Summerfield, Florida and at Cate's Hospice House in Ocala, Florida.

An even bigger appreciation of thanks to Nurse Mandy and CNA Gloria from Marion County Hospice for their care and compassion of Mom and Dad over the last year. Their daughter, Carolyn, is extremely grateful for their patience, friendship, and support during Mom and Dad's final journey.

Grieve not, nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk of me as if I were beside you.