Dorothy Van Zandt Celebrates Milestone Birthday!

Dorothy Van Zandt was born on September 11, 1913 in Rochester, New York, the last of 8 children. In 1931, at the height of the Depression, she graduated from East High School in Rochester, after which she attended a local commercial school for advanced business. Dot then worked at a Rochester law office for $5 per week. Later she moved to Cleveland, Ohio, to work for an airplane company as a stenographer and stayed there for five years.

In 1940, Dot married Donald Van Zandt at the Baptist Temple in Rochester, New York. Donald had a successful job at the Lawyer's Cooperative Publishing Company. Dot was then a secretary for the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and managed their office and yearly financial campaigns. The last year she worked there they raised one million dollars, which was a lot of money at that time. Dot and Donald were married for 58 years and she cared for him until his passing, when he lost his battle with Parkinson's disease.

When Dot was 85 years old she moved to Teakwood Village West in Largo, and to this day is still very active and continues to play Bingo and host many luncheons in her carport. This summer she was in charge of the Saturday Night Bingo for her neighbors and friends. Dottie loves to have fun - she'll tell a joke, sing an old-time song & ask you to sing along with her and she loves to give out prizes at her Bingo! Everyone has such a good time on Saturday evenings.

Currently, Dot is working on a short novel! How many 105 year olds can say that? She still uses her computer and is very proficient at it. When asked what she credits her longevity to, Dottie replies, "Taking Vitamin C." Her nephew, to whom she is very close, lives in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and he is currently on the Board at Cornell University. Dorothy Van Zandt is an inspiration and delight to all who know and love her. HAPPY 105th BIRTHDAY, DOT!