Dorothy B. McKnew
July 21, 1925 ~ September 23, 2017
Dorothy Bozza McKnew was born in Kulpmont, Pennsylvania to Mary and Joseph Bozza, and was the youngest of 12 children – Jennie, Christie, Lena, Helen, Ida, Joey, Eddie, Nicky, Alfred, Helen (infant), and Rose. Like thousands of other young women during World War II, Dottie was a “Government Girl.” She responded to recruiting efforts and moved to Washington, DC in 1944. After a short stint at the FBI, she began a 42 year career as a secretary with the Department of Justice.
Dottie was introduced to her husband, Waller McKnew, by a mutual friend who knew that jazz-loving Dottie was perfect for jazz musician Bill. Dottie and Bill were married in 1954 and moved to Vienna where they raised their children – Mary, Michael, Christine, and Frances. Dottie was a fabulous cook and her favorite hobby was cooking for those that she loved. The McKnew household was full of love and laughter until the day she died. In addition to her children, she is survived by sons-in-law, Marcus Brilliantine, Alan Casto, and James Garcia, and by grandchildren Justin & Julie Casto, Heather & Brian Weaver, and by great-granddaughter Brylie Weaver.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 28 at 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Money & King Funeral Home,171 W. Maple Ave., Vienna, VA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 29 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, 8601 Wolf Trap Rd., Vienna, VA. Interment will follow at Fairfax Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to So Others Might Eat.
Dottie was introduced to her husband, Waller McKnew, by a mutual friend who knew that jazz-loving Dottie was perfect for jazz musician Bill. Dottie and Bill were married in 1954 and moved to Vienna where they raised their children – Mary, Michael, Christine, and Frances. Dottie was a fabulous cook and her favorite hobby was cooking for those that she loved. The McKnew household was full of love and laughter until the day she died. In addition to her children, she is survived by sons-in-law, Marcus Brilliantine, Alan Casto, and James Garcia, and by grandchildren Justin & Julie Casto, Heather & Brian Weaver, and by great-granddaughter Brylie Weaver.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 28 at 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Money & King Funeral Home,171 W. Maple Ave., Vienna, VA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 29 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, 8601 Wolf Trap Rd., Vienna, VA. Interment will follow at Fairfax Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to So Others Might Eat.
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My Aunt Dot was a very special person! When I was born, my mom Christine and I lived at the Bozza homestead, all 12 of us, it was wonderful, and I remember aunt Dot looking after me and taking care of me and she never stopped doing that, She was a special, caring person and was like that until she was unable get around. The world will miss her kindness and thoughtfulness and so will I.
I always loved hearing my Aunt Dorothy (and Uncle Bill) tell stories. I can still hear her telling them, even though I had not seen her in a long time. I’ll cherish those times we were all together as a family at my grandmother Rose’s (Aunt Dot’s sisters) house.
My memories and love for Aunt Dorothy will remain in my heart forever. She and my dear Uncle Bill were wonderful to me. Aunt Dorothy and I talked about 3 weeks ago, we had a beautiful conversation that ended with, ‘I love you.’
A second mother to me. Warm, kind-hearted, forgiving – someone I enjoyed sharing company w/
Miss you, dear one.
Love,
Chris