Dorothea J. "Dottie" (Eich) Kretzer

affectionately known as Dottie, was born on September 23, 1945, in Queens, NY, and passed away peacefully on December 2, 2024, in Narragansett, RI, surrounded by her loving family. A devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Dottie's life was characterized by her generous heart and a host of friends across the country.

Dottie earned her Bachelor’s degree in education from St. John's University, which paved the way for a fulfilling career as an elementary school teacher in NY. After starting her family, she moved to City Island, NY, where she owned and managed a marine hardware store named Ships Tender. Following her entrepreneurial venture, she dedicated her later years to public service, retiring as a court clerk for the State of New York.

Dottie enjoyed being a snowbird, wintering in the Florida Keys and later Vero Beach. 

Throughout her life, Dottie cherished her family, often reflecting on her proudest accomplishments being the time spent with them. She is survived by her daughters, Kelly Saulnier and her husband Lawrence of Narragansett, and Dawn Doran and her husband Kevin of Roswell, GA. Her legacy continues with her son, Walter Kretzer and his wife Sheryl of North Attleboro, MA; and her cherished siblings, Kathleen Spellman and her husband John of Garden City, NY, Edna Kane of Vero Beach, FL, and Tom Eich of New York, NY. Dottie is also survived by her sister-in-law Eileen Eich of Mineola, NY, and a host of grandchildren: Ryan and her husband Jared, Conner and his wife Regan, Sydney, Shannon, Liam, Aiden, Peyton, Walter, Danielle, Charles and Jackson and great-granddaughters Olivia and Caroline. She held a special place in her heart for many nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly.

Dottie was predeceased by her parents, John and Edna (Mahoney) Eich, her brother John Eich, and her nephew Michael Eich.

Her presence will be dearly missed, but she leaves behind a rich tapestry of love and memories that will endure in the hearts of all who knew her. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 10am in St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, 596 City Island Avenue, Bronx, NY. VISITING HOURS Wednesday, December 11, 2024 from 5-8pm in the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory - SOUTH COUNTY CHAPEL, 1111 Boston Neck Road, (Rt. 1A), Narragansett. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 www.t2t.org.