Dorothy Ann Pratt Stefanik, Devoted to Her Family

She was the daughter of the late Carl and Elizabeth (Yalik) Pratt, wife of Paul J. Stefanik to whom she was married over 60 years, mother of Paul A. (Peggy) Stefanik of Sullivan, James M. Stefanik of Amherst, and Matthew J. (Crystal) Stefanik of Polk; sister of Constance (Robert) Mesko of Vermilion, Ernest (Stephanie) Pratt of Peoria, Arizona, Diane Olah of Lorain, James Pratt of Vermilion and Julie (Ed) Kish of West Salem; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Joseph and Ellen Stefanik of Waxhaw, North Carolina and several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved grandsons Paul and Gregory Stefanik, brothers Carl D. Pratt and his wife Gale and brother George (Coleen) Pratt and father-in-law and mother-in-law Joseph and Kathrine Stefanik.

Dorothy was the best daughter, wife, mother, sister, auntie and friend and she loved each of them in her own special way. She was devoted to her family. Her life revolved around helping others, caring and nurturing those around her from the time of her childhood. She was always a “little mother”. She was active with her sons and grandsons in Boy Scouts and seeing them attain Eagle Scouts. She saw many of life’s ups and downs and handled them with grace and strength. Most of all the loss of her grandsons Gregg and Paul, who were so close and special to her. She loved them with all her heart. Somehow with grace, faith and dignity she got through as she struggled with her own illness.

It was in her nature to give to others love and care for her fellow humankind. In her mid-30’s, she went on to become a Registered Nurse after graduating from the nursing program at Lorain County Community College in 1985. Working at St Joseph Hospital in Lorain and Fairview Hospital in Fairview Park, she was kind and compassionate to not only her patients but most anyone she met. Where there was a need Dorothy was there to help. She lived a life of service to her and devoted countless hours helping anywhere she was needed. She was generous to a fault, giving time and talent to her church, St John Lutheran Church in Elyria, and helping with many functions, taking care of the church rummage sales and being part of St. John Light 5:16. Her love of Her Lord and Savior was of great importance in her life. She lived her life with love and kindness to all. She was never too busy to help anyone she could even in nature as she made sure her bird feeders were full and enjoyed flower gardening. She always managed to find time.

Dorothy was a wonderful cook. She loved to bake and always had a great meal for anyone that had the honor of dining at her table. She kept alive her Hungarian tradition of making Paska at Easter time as well and nut roll, stuffed cabbage and Chicken Paprikas and dumplings. As our family knew, when you went to Dorothy’s (“Dorts” as she was known to her siblings) you would never leave hungry. Her sense of humor, kindness, warmth, love were only some of the qualities that made her a gift from God, to all who knew her. With profound sadness our hearts are heavy at her passing, but our souls rejoice for her, as she walks in the warm and loving presence of her Lord and Savior. It was her way to be kind to others, never expecting anything in return. Now she will find her reward as she waits for us to join her in Heaven.

Her family will receive friends Wednesday September 16, 2026 from 4:00-6:30 pm at the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway, Lorain. The Northeast Ohio Nurse Honor Guard will conduct a memorial tribute to Dorothy beginning at 6:30 pm on Wednesday September 16, 2026 followed by funeral services with the Rev Dr Bertram Lewis, pastor of St John Lutheran Church of Elyria, presiding. A graveside service will be conducted Thursday September 17, 2026 at 10:00 am at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, 44805 N Ridge Rd, Amherst. (please meet at the front entrance of the cemetery to be directed to the gravesite) Immediately following the graveside service, the family invites all attendees to join them for lunch at the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway, Lorain.

Memorial contributions can be made to St John Lutheran Church Building Fund, 1140 W River Rd, Elyria, OH 44035.

Online condolences can be made at www.gluvnashimohromada.com.