Kapp

Dorothy Seif Kapp, 83, of Butler, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023, surrounded by family. She was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Marshall Alfred Kapp, who died on Oct. 25, 1997.

Dorothy, known to friends and loved ones as "Dottie," was born on April 28, 1939, the second of three children to the late Charles L. and Dorothy T. Seif of Pittsburgh.

She is survived by her children and their spouses, Karl and Nancy Kapp of Danville, Pa., Scott Kapp and Courtney DiBello of Cleveland, Ohio, Lysle and Jennifer Kapp of Sarver, Pa., and Amy Kapp and Christopher Bernhardt of Reston, Va.; and by her grandchildren, Nathan Kapp and his wife Marissa, Nick Kapp, Leah Kapp, Marshall Kapp, Ethan Kapp and Miles DiBello. She also is survived by her brother, James M. Seif; nieces, Lauren and Katie Seif; five sisters by marriage, Patricia Seif, Li Seif, Lana Reagle, Kris Tatem and Karen Koger, and their families; and many other beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and family members by blood and marriage to whom she dedicated much love, time and attention during her lifetime. Her older brother, Charles L. Seif Jr., preceded her in death in November 2015.

After attending Penn Hills High School, Dorothy earned a bachelor of arts degree in history with concentrations in special education, political science and French from Chatham College in 1960. On July 23, 1960, she and Marshall were married. They settled on 24 acres in Butler, where they viewed deer almost daily. Marshall went on to serve as Butler County engineer for many years. Dorothy earned a master of arts degree in modern European history from the University of Pittsburgh in 1963 and a special education study for credit from Slippery Rock University in 1981.

She was committed to her family, her faith, her career in education, her friendships and her pursuit of knowledge. From 1961 to 1966, she taught at Langley Jr.-Sr. High School in Pittsburgh. In 1981, she founded The Preschool Place, which she owned and operated until 1990. The school continues today through Glade Run United Presbyterian Church. From 1976 to 1989, she served as a co-chairperson and committee member for the Butler County Pre-School Council. During the 1990s, she served as a substitute teacher in the Butler, South Butler and Seneca Valley school systems.

Dorothy was a devoted Christian and served two congregations, Middlesex United Presbyterian Church and Glade Run United Presbyterian Church, over five decades. Her work as a Sunday school teacher and director, deacon, elder, committee member, nursery care director and missionary touched the lives of many. In 1970, she was a founding board member of the Weekday Christian Center for Children at Middlesex, where she taught and directed for over a decade.

Dorothy loved traveling overseas and visited 10 countries. She had a passion for gardening and horticulture, and enjoyed museums, symphonies and the arts. She had a kind heart for animals and provided a refuge for many dogs and cats in need throughout her lifetime.

KAPP — A memorial service for Dorothy Kapp, who died Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023, will be held at 10 a.m. May 6, 2023, at Glade Run Church,1091 Pittsburgh Road, Valencia.

Her ashes will be dispersed in a private family ceremony.

Messages of condolence may be sent to dkappfamily@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family recommends that donations be made in Dorothy's memory to a local food bank or pet sanctuary. Or give a loved one a hug — Dottie would approve.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.