Dotty Solinsky

Dotty Solinsky , Frackville, died peacefully Saturday evening at Schuylkill Medical Center, South Jackson St., Pottsville.

Born in Frackville she was a daughter of the late John and Katherine ( Koval ) Oleksick.

She was a devout member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Frackville.

Dotty also known as Dolly to her very old friends had established and owned Kitty and Dotty Flower Shops, in partnership with her sister Kitty Kopey. She brought beauty and style to Kitty and Dotty Flower Shops that were located in Ashland and Frackville.

Dotty attended floral design school in Philadelphia. She also shopped the Manhattan Wholesale District and brought back to Schuylkill County the latest in floral and home design. Her store windows often heralded a Fifth Avenue, NY style showcase. Her love of flowers and keen business sense gave her community a retail service that lasted over forty years.

Dottys' talents were many. She started singing in her teens for several local organizations and was quickly asked to perform for a variety of venues. She was professionally trained in voice by Ms. Laura from Germany, an opera teacher from Bloomsburg. She had a cultured soprano voice. She performed on the Paul Whiteman Radio Show, at local musicals and for many civic organizations.

Dotty had an unusual zest for life. With her many talents, she was elected president of the board of FTD, Pennsylvania Chapter, Ashland and Frackville Chamber of Commerce, a past president of the Frackville Women's Club, past president of Schuylkill County Women's Club of Pottsville, past president of Frackville Elks BPOE #1533 Auxiliary, member of Ashland Hospital Auxiliary, a member of the Frackville Senior Citizens, member of the Knights of Columbus #2580 Auxiliary, a past regent for Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court St. James #1029, and a former Girl Scout leader in Frackville.

She inspired, motivated, and most of all cared for her friends, community and family. Her positive, happy attitude and smile gave everyone a better sense of self.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Fred Solinsky in 1995.

Dotty is survived by her daughter Helen Kaminski and son-in-law Joel, Hudson Valley, NY, her son Tom Solinsky and daughter-in-law Maryellen of East Lyme, CT, her five grandchildren Emily and Ted Kaminski and Morgan, Hannah, and Katie Solinsky, her sister Kitty Kopey and brother-in-law Michael of Frackville and their three sons Michael, William and Paul Kopey, and a brother Jack Oleksick of Bellfonte.

Funeral services will be held at 10 am on Saturday from the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Frackville. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am in St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Frackville, with Rev. Robert T. Finlan, pastor as the celebrant. Interment will be in the parish cemetery in Englewood, Frackville. Friends may call at the funeral home Friday evening from 6-8 pm with Scripture Service at 7:30 pm.