Dorothy Leppert Southern, 106, of Rome, passed away November 21, 2018 at Bethany Gardens. She was born February 29, 1912 (leap year) in Rome. She was the daughter of the late Lillian Kroll and August Leppert. On August 6, 1944 she married Daniel Southern in Brooklyn, N.Y. She was educated in Rome Public Schools. Dorothy was employed at W.T. Grants for many years and then went to work for the Rome Developmental Center, retiring in 1977.

Dorothy was a lifetime member of the First Presbyterian Church, an active member of Ava Dorfman Senior Center, and a charter member of the Happy Hoofers line dance group.

Surviving are her four children Thomas (Lori) Southern of Avon, N.Y, Rick (Margaret) Southern of Palm Desert, C.A, JoAnne (James) Gahan of Palm Bay, FI, Bonnie (George) Hickey of Rome, N.Y; Nine grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren. Dorothy was predeceased by her husband Daniel, on Oct 15, 1985; two brothers, William and Francis Leppert, and one daughter in law, Jean Southern.

The family extends special gratitude to the CNA's and staff on the 5th floor of Bethany Gardens. They went above and beyond to help make living at Bethany Gardens her home for over 15 years.

Friends and family are invited to call at Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, on Wednesday from 5 to 8 PM.

A prayer and funeral service will be held Wednesday at 6:30 PM, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the “Jimmy Fund”, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445-7226 or Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215.