Dorothy (Morris) Defrancesco

Dorothy (Morris) DeFrancesco, 92, of Camp Hill and formerly of Blue Bell, passed away on September 6, 2022 at UPMC Community Osteopathic Hospital, Harrisburg. She was born in Norristown on July 25, 1930 to the late Percy E. & Marian (Charlesworth) Morris.

As a young lady, she worked for Lansdale Tube Co. before focusing her sights on raising a family with her husband, Alphonse. She deeply loved her family and devoted her life to her children. In the early 1980s, Dorothy moved to Camp Hill. where she resumed working. She retired from the food services team at the Blind Association, in the Harrisburg State Capitol Complex, South Office Building. She would often say that “she loved her people,” carefully preparing each meal with TLC and a smile. She had a genuine interest in those around her, and always wanted to know your name. It wasn’t difficult to see why she made friends everywhere she went.

Dorothy’s beloved friends at Mallard Run meant the world to her. She was very active, finding enjoyment in all she did, from volunteer work, reading to children, gardening, utilizing her creative and artistic talents, playing Bingo or Pokeno, or visiting the New Cumberland Senior Center. She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Enola, where she attended mass with her dear friend, Rosie.

She appreciated nature and animals, especially “Whitee,” the duck living amongst mallards and geese in the meadow. Dorothy was fun, lovable and easy to be with in any situation, and her very presence and gentle way would create a sense of peace. She gravitated to those in need, and she routinely put others first – family and strangers alike. She was giving and kind-hearted, and her beautiful smile and easy-going disposition were constants.

Finding splendor in all of God’s works, she would often ask if you “saw the moon and all its beauty?” All who knew her will miss the bright light she brought to this world, and the memories left behind will be forever cherished. The next time you look at the moon, take comfort in knowing that her bright and loving light continues to shine.

Dorothy is survived by her daughters, Denise Milus (husband, Craig), Nancy Hecht, and sons Michael, Stephen, James (wife, Janet), Joseph, Alphonse Jr. and David DeFrancesco; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and a sister, June Hesser. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Alphonse V. DeFrancesco; and two brothers, Thomas and William Morris.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11AM on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at St. Philip Neri Catholic Parish, Pennsburg, PA. Burial will be private and held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Dorothy’s name to Central PA Food Bank, 3908 Corey Road, Harrisburg, PA 17109, or at www.centralpafoodbank.org.