Dorothy Mae Caine

DOROTHY MAE CAINE, 89, of Chardon Ohio, gently passed away on July 31, 2026, at home. She was preceded in death by her husband, James J. Caine (2021).

Born on December 25, 1936, Dottie grew up in Cleveland Heights, Ohio and graduated from Ursuline Academy in 1954. She went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Home Economics from Ursuline College in 1958.

Dottie met her husband Jim in high school, and they were married on August 20, 1960. They settled in Chardon, Ohio in 1964, where Jim established his dental practice and Dottie became his office manager. They worked side by side at home and in the office for nearly 50 years.

Dottie's passion was cooking, and she had an enormous collection of cookbooks. She loved making new recipes that she found in books and magazines, and was proud that she did not often repeat meals. She was instrumental in creating two cookbooks for Christ Child Society of Geauga County, where she was a devoted member for many years. At Christmas time, every surface of her kitchen would be covered with Christmas cookies that she would share with family and friends. She also enjoyed cross stitching; Dottie spent many nights stitching until the early morning. Her beautiful works of art include many colorful seasonal florals and birds.

She also loved flowers and music. Her gardens were always beautifully maintained. Her peonies and hydrangeas were spectacular and often filled vases throughout the house. Dottie often had classical music playing in her home, and she and Jim even took ballroom dancing lessons. They were known to gracefully glide across the dance floor at many weddings. Later in life, she loved to watch birds from her family room window. She was especially happy to see a visiting cardinal, which reminded her of Jim.

Dottie leaves behind four children, Nancy (Jeff) Harpel of Copley, Jim (Christine) of Scituate MA, Joanne (Robert) Hovancsek of Olympia WA, and Brian (Marisa) of Mayfield Village. "Nana" was very proud of her 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her beloved sister and brother-in-law, Marge and Dick Walton.

The family is eternally grateful to the wonderful angels that came into our lives and took such kind and gentle care of our mom. Because of their compassion and dedication, Mom was able to fulfill her deepest wish of living forever in her Chardon home. They were godsends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Dorothy Mae Caine to Reserve Care (formally known as Hospice of The Western Reserve) HERE.

Mass of Christian Burial Friday, September 4, 2026, at St. Mary Catholic Church 401 North Street, Chardon, Ohio 44024 at 11AM. Burial following at All Souls. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Dorothy Mae Caine at THE DeJOHN Funeral Home & Crematory of Chardon (formerly Ritondaro) 126 South St. (Rt. 44, south of Rt. 6/Chardon Square) FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 9:30-10:30AM.