It is with a broken heart that we announce the passing of Dorothy Vujatovich Gagich of Alvarado/Keene Texas on November 15, 2023, she was 97 years old.

Dorothy was born June 30, 1926 in Duquesne, PA to Stanko and Sava Momcilovich Vujatovich, both immigrants from Yugoslavia (Serbia). She was preceded in death by both parents.

Although born in Pennsylvania, Dorothy was in-touch with her Slavic heritage through her family and dedication to the area Serbian Church. She remained dedicated to the culture and supported the religion throughout her life.

Growing up during the Depression Era, made her quite resourceful and tough. The family was extremely poor, causing her to go to work at an incredibly young age, to help support the family. Education was important to her parents. So she continued to work and attend school in Duquesne, PA, where she lived most of her early life. She graduated from Duquesne High School.

Dorothy was the third child of four. She had 2 older brothers, Nick and Joseph “Joe” and a younger sister, Dolores “Dolly” as she was fondly called. She was proceeded in death by all three. Nick and Joe were WWII Vets. Nick lost his life during the war leaving Joe to return without his older brother.

Dorothy met her soon-to-be husband (Peter Gagich) at her best friend’s wedding. Peter was also of the Serbian heritage. Ironically, after that first meeting, he called her and proposed. Peter “Pete” and Dorothy married on January 22, 1956. They were married 56 years. He passed away on December 21, 2012.

She leaves her son, Dr. Nick and his wife, Carol of Alvarado, Texas, with whom she lived with until about 2 years ago when she became in need of continuous ongoing care. She had four grand kids. Nicholas, who proceeded her in death, Brenden, Nikoly and Sava.

Dorothy and Pete were long time members of the Elks Club. Most of their true long term friendships were made with other members. She enjoyed being actively involved with the Elks Club and the VFW.

Dorothy was a diligent worker and held many different types of jobs throughout her life. In her early years, she was a Nanny for a physician and his family.

During World War II, she went to work in the Duquesne Steel Mill, making bomb casings for the military. Her and those like her were known as “Rosie the Riveter”, taking jobs that normally would go to men who were off fighting in the war. She worked in a pharmacy; Credit Union; retail sales; and the Trona Railway, where they lived for many years. Later, she was an apartment manager and storage building manager.

She was also an avid game player. She loved Dominoes, cards, and Word-find. She played basketball in high school and watched the Mavericks and Steelers every time she could. She loved attending her grand kids’ sporting events. She loved to read and watch older movies, especially westerns and love stories. Dorothy loved to dance and party. She was as tough-as-nails but a devoted friend to many.

Dorothy has seen her sunset on earth and a new beginning in heaven with God and his Angels. She will be missed dearly. We will have many fond memories of her as she was truly one-of-a-kind.

Dorothy will be laid to rest with her husband, on December 21, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, as she requested. Her immediate family will place her ashes to rest after some short comments and prayer in the assigned Committal Shelter.

The family would like to thank those who provided the excellent care to Dorothy during her final months. Specifically, Chisholm Trail Memory Care, Prestige Hospice and The Neptune Society, who has provided the preparations for her commitment.

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