Burial Fund for Dorothy "Dot" Julia Lange Remo

Our beautiful Mom passed away peacefully on July 14th, 2022 surrounded by her loved ones, after battling a courageous fight with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (Cancer of the Bone Marrow). She was diagnosed in September of last year and given a score of 6, which meant her illness was most likely terminal. She was given options for treatment that had the potential to be cureative, but also very risky due to extenuating medical conditions. She opted for the hope of a cure and went to Houston to partake in a clinical trial. Chemo had already proven successful for the cancer, but she had hoped this treatment would cause her Bone Marrow to create healthy blood cells once more. After 3 weeks of treatment, she called my dad and said "get me out of here now!" He rushed to pick her up where she was immediately admitted to the hospital that night. They released her after a week, but her body was caput. My dad sent me a video to show my mom's condition and I was very disturbed by what I saw. She did not look like my mom - she looked like death. We knew we needed to take her right back to the hospital. I drove to my dads quickly and together, we helped her into the car. I was able to hold her and tell her I loved her and that it was going to be ok. we were going to get her the help she needed. What we witnessed over that next week was heart wrenching. Michelle flew in and although she was awake, she was not able to communicate or move. Tests were not conclusive, so we don't know what was going on - she was just not able to function. She looked better and better over the next few days and then suddenly she WOKE UP! She was alive, alert, sitting up, talking, laughing, eating, drinking. We were all rejoicing that she had miraculously pulled out of it and thankfully did not remember what she had been through that week. But two days later, she took a turn for the worse. Her blood pressure dropped, she spiked a fever and her body just began slowly shutting down. Within a week, she was on life support where they put her in a deep sleep for comfort. We met with the care team multiple times discussing what to do - but she was deteriorating rapidly. We waited patiently and were briefed on what to expect. We received the call late on the 14th and were able to be by her side when she slipped peacefully away. We had music playing for her and the nurse came in to let us know the monitor no longer showed a heart beat. (the monitor was not on in the room). He checked her pulse and had the doctor confirm. When they turned off the machine, her body just relaxed, like a deep heavenly sigh and then she was still. It was very special, very quiet, very peaceful.

My dad met her when she was 14 and he was 16. They had a fairy tale love and romance and spontaneously got married in the mountains of Utah when she was on leave from the Navy. They were married 47 years and the best of friends. He is lost without her. Please pray for him to find peace.

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Dot was born on February 8th, 1955 in Mount Vernon, New York to Gerald and Viola Lange.

She had a tough childhood that taught her very early how to be strong and hold her own but also how to trust in God and see his hand in all things. Raised humbly in Queens, New York, she was the third of 7 children. As a teen, she worked for Belmont Park Race Track in Elmont, New York where she walked the horses. She was working there in 1973 when the horse Secretariat won the Triple Crown, and earned his fame.

She met the love of her life, Raymond Remo in Jan 1970 when she was just 14 years old. To Ray, she was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen and he fell deeply for her. They lost touch a couple years later when her family moved to Wappinger Falls. She joined the United States Navy in 1974 where she trained as an Aviation's Technician. Never forgetting about Dot, Ray reached out to her while she was in the navy in 1975. Even though they had lost touch for several years, she flew out to him, and within days were married in a spontaneous and perfect mountainside wedding in Utah. They stayed in Utah where she was able to be near her sister Kathie Palazzolo for many years.

Through 47 years of marriage, Ray did not leave her side, waiting on her hand and foot and taking care of her many medical needs. He entertained even her most quirky moments and celebrated her pizazz for life. She felt truly blessed to have such a faithful, loving husband and best friend by her side.

Due to many health challenges she faced during her time in the Navy, Dot was given an honorable military discharge in 1976. In February of 1977 she gave birth to twin girls, Karen and Michelle who kept her on her toes at all times. If she turned her head for one second, her girls were wrapping the entire kitchen in multiple boxes of saran wrap, putting each other in the clothes dryer and turning it on, hiding under a blanket in the middle of a busy street, bringing home all sorts of animal life, dead or alive. Through all the craziness, she handled motherhood with so much love and patience. Her daughters remember fondly how often and freely she gave hugs. Always a soothing comfort and an act of love that will be missed dearly. Dot loved Thrift Store shopping and enjoyed meeting Karen and Michelle there to look for trinkets. They were often the recipient of random items and clothing Dot would find while out shopping. Something that always brought a smile to their face with warm affection.

Dot was as tough and free spirited as they come and truly had no fear. Her spunk for life was evident in all she did. She once rode straight down a mountain on a dirt bike with no brakes while she was pregnant. She was a gifted artist and incredible musician. As a young Mom she could be heard rocking out at home or in worship service on her electric guitar with Ray at the drums. She loved music and was self taught in many different instruments including the Violin and Mandolin. She would spend her days reading the bible and continually developing a close relationship with the Lord. He gave her so many miracles and was the source of her strength. In her free time you could always find her writing poems, drawing, painting or creating something new. Her talented art pieces won her many awards through the VA art program including 1st place at the VA National competition in 2015. She loved the Stepping Stones program at the VA and made many friends during her time there.

Dot had the ability to light up the room with her spark of life, beautiful smile, contagious laughter and positive attitude. She suffered much but you would never know because she radiated sunshine no matter what she went through! She was a true and loyal friend to all that knew her and was deeply loved by many.

She will lovingly be remembered by her husband Raymond Remo, daughters Michelle (Cameron) Wolfley, Karen Heaton and Todd Heaton. Grandchildren, Logan, Ryler, Andin, Shayla, Noel, Cole, Maddix, Lilly, and Adelyn. Sisters Kathie (Tom) Palazzolo, Alice (John) Miller, Peggy (Jim) Jorum and Brothers Tom (Liz) Lange, Bill Lange and Jerry (Mary) Lange. In-laws, Raymond and Donna Remo, Sister in law Sue Ardito (Doug), Brother in law Chris Remo, Aunt Judy (Skip), Uncle Fred (Janet), Uncle Leonard (Barbara), and many nephews, nieces and extended family.

Dot is preceded in death by her parents Gerald and Viola Lange.

Dot will be buried at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio Texas on July 28th where she will receive full military honors for her service in the Navy. Any friends or family that would like to attend, her viewing and funeral services will be held that morning at Sunset Northwest 6321 Bandera Rd, San Antonio, TX 78238. Viewing is from 9:30-12:30. Service is from 12:30-1:30. Burial Service at Fort Sam will be at 2:30 pm.