Dorothy Pauline Bear

Dorothy Pauline Bear, 92, passed away peacefully at Marlow Manor Assisted Living on March 26, 2020. Dorothy was born in Trenton, NJ on February 8, 1928 to Amelia and Sylvester Marcinkiewicz. Dorothy was raised in Hamilton Township, NJ and graduated from Hamilton HS, then attended Trenton State Teachers College graduating with a degree in Education. During 1950, her first year of teaching in New Jersey, Dorothy eloped with the love of her life Joseph Bear. In 1951 Joe and Dot moved to Anchorage Alaska where they settled in Muldoon and eventually built their home. Joe, Dorothy and their three sons also homesteaded 40 acres on the South Fork of Eagle River in the late 1950s. Dorothy taught second grade and special education for her entire career of 25 years including one year in New Jersey, then in the Territory of Alaska on Fort Richardson, and finally for Anchorage School District. During her teaching career and while raising her three sons, Dorothy earned her Masters Degree in Education from UAA. When Dorothy retired from teaching in 1981 she and Joe enthusiastically traveled the world. Joe & Dot often took friends and family on their trips to Europe, showing others the world; they enjoyed giving guidance to others in terms of places to visit, good restaurants and the best driving routes. Being devout Catholics, Joe & Dot have been generous with their time and donations to various aspects of the Catholic Church; from teaching catechism, to helping to build two Anchorage parishes and serving as active members of their parish. Her sister and parents, as well as her son Steven J Bear precede Dorothy in death. Survivors include her husband of 69 years Joseph Bear, sons Joseph R Bear (Roberta) and Mark J Bear (Deborah) as well as their 7 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at Saint Patricks Catholic Church in Anchorage and Dorothys cremated remains will be laid to rest at Angelus Memorial Park, both at a future date to be announced.