Dr. Dorothy Mildred Marotte
1928-2024
Dr. Dorothy Marotte, age 95, died on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at Touchmark Senior Living Center in Edmond, Oklahoma. She was born on November 5, 1928, in West Springfield, Massachusetts, to Edward and Mildred Marotte, and was raised in New England. Following her high school graduation, she worked in retail sales for a short time before joining the Women's Army Corps. After a tour of duty with the WAC's, she attended the University of Houston where she received her B.S. degree in 1955. She continued her education with a M.S. degree from Springfield College in 1958 and a Ph.D. from George Peabody College at Vanderbilt University in 1976. Dr. Marotte had a thirty-seven-year career in the teaching profession. From 1955 to 1960, she taught in the public schools of Springfield, Massachusetts; from 1960 to 1975, she taught at the Oklahoma College for Women (now USAO); and from 1975 to 1992, she taught at Central State University (now the University of Central Oklahoma). At Oklahoma College for Women, she served as Chairperson of the Health and Physical Education Department; taught a variety of courses; and coached women's intercollegiate sports teams in field hockey, volleyball, basketball, tennis and fencing. She was president of the Faculty Association and the Faculty Senate and provided leadership at the time the college changed its purpose and offerings to become the Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts, the base for what is now known as the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. At the University of Central Oklahoma, Dr. Marotte's primary professional contribution was the development of a nationally recognized program of developmental adapted physical education. She was the primary state expert in the field and was one of the founders of the Oklahoma Task Force for Adapted Physical Education. She worked with public and private schools to provide special programs for special needs children; set up therapeutic recreation programs for senior adults; designed development programs for clients throughout the state; was a consultant for school systems; and was a sought-after speaker for professional organizations. Dr. Marotte was a member and officer of several professional associations; was an active supporter of the Special Olympics; and was on the Board of the Meadows Center for Opportunity in Edmond. She served as an elder at Our Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Edmond. She was an excellent golfer who was active in the Kickingbird Women's Golf Association. She was a published author, a poet and an artist who produced original pieces in watercolor, stained glass and metal sculptures. She will be remembered by her students and colleagues as an exceptional teacher, a dedicated professional and a good, fun-loving friend. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents and by her brothers: Walter "Sonny" Marotte, Henry "Neccy" Marotte, and Kenneth Marotte and by her sister and brother-in-law, Marlene and Eddie Lemieux. She is survived by six nieces and their extended families: Karlene Lemieux, Andrea Mahoney (Michael), Melanie Rebelo (Michael), and B. Jennifer Lemieux, Michelle Gray (Parson), Monique Buethe (Gary); two nephews Matthew Marotte (Patricia) and Martin Marotte; and a host of friends and professional colleagues. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 23, 2024, in the Grand Hall at Touchmark Senior Living Center 2801 Shortgrass Rd. Edmond, OK 73003.