In Loving Memory of Dr. Dottie Kulesza

In Loving Memory of Dr. Dottie Kulesza
Beloved Mother, Grandmother, Educator, and Friend

Sunrise: November 7, 1941 Sunset: April 9, 2025
Las Vegas, Nevada

It is with love, gratitude, and hearts full of memories that we announce the passing of our beloved matriarch, Dottie Kulesza, who left us peacefully on April 9, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada. A devoted mother, grandmother, wife, educator, and friend, our beautiful mom lived a life rich in love, learning, and laughter. As she herself would say—please, no tears! Celebrate her life, not mourn her passing.

Dottie often spoke of her life not in terms of possessions or faraway travels, but in the currency of love. She credited her generous spirit to what she called “the love gene,” something she felt blessed to have inherited from her maternal grandmother, Lavinia. As an only child, Dottie dreamed of a big, bustling family of her own—and she made that dream a reality, raising six children in a home that overflowed with love, noise, and purpose.

After graduating high school, Dottie longed to attend college. However, practicality led her to a six-week program in office work, which landed her a job in Hartford, Connecticut. It was there, at just 19 years old, that she met her future husband—a whirlwind romance that she always believed was orchestrated by God himself. They married young and started a family that quickly grew, with children arriving in rapid and joyful succession.

Despite raising a large family, Dottie never gave up on her dreams of education. While juggling work—often overnight shifts as a casino pit clerk—and motherhood, she began taking classes at UNLV. Over the years, and through unmatched determination, she earned a bachelor’s degree in education, then went on to earn not one, but two master’s degrees and a doctorate. She became a teacher in 1991 and later served as a respected professor and director of graduate programs in higher education.

Her career in education was more than a profession—it was a calling. Dottie found immense joy in teaching, mentoring, and empowering others through knowledge. She began teaching in higher education in 1995, and in 2013, retired from CCSD to dedicate herself fully to higher education. Her students, colleagues, and the countless lives she touched along the way will always remember her insight, warmth, and passion for learning.

A published author, Dottie’s life was also full of creativity and reflection. Reading, writing, and storytelling were among her greatest joys, right alongside spending time with her children and grandchildren. With 18 years separating her oldest and youngest children, she was a mother with children in her home for decades—something she cherished deeply. She often said that her life, filled with family and purpose, was a dream come true.

Dr. Dottie is survived by her children Kathi, Susan, Jay, John, Teresa, and Krista; her beloved grandchildren Jason, JJ, Ana, Mackenzie, Abigail, and Mariah; and many others who called her friend, mentor, and second mother.

A celebration of her extraordinary life will be held on May 9, 2025 at 4 p.m. at The Legacy Golf Club, with all friends, family, colleagues, and students welcome to attend. In lieu of tears, raise a glass—just as she would’ve asked—and toast to a life well lived, full of courage, compassion, and boundless love. We kindly ask that you please RSVP by May 1 so we can prepare for food and seating at https://celebratedoctordottie.rsvpify.com.

In lieu of flowers, please bring a new or gently used children’s book to be donated in her honor to Spread the Word Nevada, a cause close to her heart and legacy as an educator. Donations to the organization are also welcome and appreciated. Here’s a link to donate: https://spreadthewordnevada.org/donate-today/.  We’d be honored if you mentioned Dr. Dottie when you make your donation.

To honor her spirit, guests are encouraged to wear purple, Dr. Dottie’s favorite color, as a symbol of her strength, creativity, and vibrant life.

In her own words: “I had it all.”