She was saddened by the early and tragic death of her brother, Bud Shaffer, in an accident, and watched as her two older brothers marched off to war.

Before the war was over, "Dot" was doing her part in the war effort by helping to assemble war planes at Bell Aircraft in Niagara Falls, New York. Thankfully both brothers, Earl and Gerald, returned from their duty to rejoin their family. Baby brother Blaine (Bing) was real happy to have everyone home again.

Dotty Shaffer did her maturing during the war years and developed into an attractive, self-sufficient young woman. A brief marriage near wars end resulted in the birth of her eldest son Gerald Vernon. She then met and married former George Edward Reese on June 21, 1947 and has since raised her four children and made a home for her family.

In addition to Gerald Vernon (Jodi) Reese (having been adopted by George), Dorothy gave birth to her son Edward (Eddie) Clifton and daughters Kathy Irene and Sandra Jean.

Her family started out in Niagara Falls, New York, in what is now known as the "Love Canal" area. In 1950 the family moved to 66th street in the same city until 1961, when they moved to Irvington and then Brandenburg, Kentucky. The stay in Kentucky turned out to be only temporary and in 1963 they moved back to Niagara Falls, Then, in 1965, they made the final move to Bergen, New York, where her husband George still lives today.

Whether the folks and family who loved her called her Dorothy, Dot, Dotty, Dit Dot or Mother, Mom or Ma, she was always at the center of her family. Working hard, offring her best, and doing well, she had much of which to be proud: many friends and loving family including 10 grandchildren and four great grandchildren!