Dorothea Katherine McLean Jacoby passed away on November 16, 2022, with her family by her side. She will be missed by her family and dear friends. Dorothea was born on December 16, 1939, to Alan and Mildred Becker McLean. She grew up in Kansas City, Mo attending Faxon Elementary and Paseo High School. After raising her family of three daughters, she went back to the University of Kansas and finished her degree. She worked for most of her adult life, with time spent at NCAA and Sprint, from which she ultimately retired. She was a creative and energetic woman with diverse interests who was determined to live her life on her own terms.
As a young mother, she was always ready to support her children’s activities, including volunteering in the Picture Lady Program at her daughters’ elementary school. A Girl Scout herself, she spent many years leading her daughters’ Girl Scout troops, holding fun, well-planned meetings and organizing outings around the city and across the country. She was always a cultured and stylish example for her daughters and took great care of them. In their youngest years, Saturday nights were spent grooming, including nails and hair, for church the next morning. Easter outfits always had matching hats, gloves, and little bags. Holidays always meant a big dinner with a beautifully decorated table.
Dorothea loved being a grandmother and was a constant presence in their lives. She never missed an opportunity to attend a grandchild’s game, concert, awards nights, or other event. Incorporating her love for travel, she planned a special trip with each grandchild. Even as adults, she had great relationships with each one, sharing life, culture, and hearing about their own travel experiences. She adored you all so much. No one could brighten her smile or bring out her great laugh like you.
Dorothea’s travels were another highlight of her life. She loved going to all places domestic and international, by car, camper, plane, and ship. There was never a trip too small she did not find interesting. Her travels always centered around her cultural interests, and once exposed, she never forgot the information from these trips. Her recall on the most minute detail was flawless.
From yoga to singing groups to book clubs to volunteering at the Nelson or Meals on Wheels, she kept active and busy! And she used these pursuits to meet people. You, her friends, are a composite of her wide-ranging interests and personify her. She treasured her time with each one of you.
Dorothea was preceded in death by her daughter, Christine Elaine, her parents, and cousin, Dorothea McCain. She is survived by her daughters and their husbands (she called them “the best sons-in-law”) Cathy and Russ Boomer and Carolyn and John Chapman; grandchildren Major Kyle Boomer and wife Anna, Sam Boomer and fiancé Amy Morgan, Paige Boomer, and Claire Boomer, Carson Wendler and Sade Chapman; great granddaughters Kate and Nora Boomer.
I try to meet whoever I meet as an old friend. This gives me a genuine feeling of happiness. It is the practice of compassion. ~His Holiness the Dalai Lama
A visitation will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2022 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm at Signature Funerals 406 E. Bannister Rd. Kansas City, MO 64131.
Cathy and family, This beautiful tribute to Dorothea brought tears to my eyes. What an interesting and rich life she lived! Her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren and her great grandchildren! She fought so hard to keep living for y’all. We pray the wonderful memories she made with each one of you will keep her alive in your hearts forevermore. Love you all so much. Shelly and Tom Horner Philippians 1:3
Peace be with your family
She was such a special lady and always so interesting to visit with. I want to be just like her when I grow up. I’m so sorry for your loss, truly heaven gain. Love and prayers to your family.
Kathi & Brian Hofbauer
Beautiful and what an awesome life she lived. She was a lovely lady and interesting to visit with.
She sounded like a wonderful lady. How lucky to have her in your life. God Bless.
Farewell dear friend as you embark on the greatest journey of all. I somehow expect you will find a way to read our comments so please know you were the best travel pal one could ever find. We didn’t get to finish the travel diary we planned on writing but know the memories will always be with me. You made my life richer with our long chats, good laughs and many, many fun times. Love & hugs forever my sister
Dorothea was a constant in my life because of my close friendship with her daughter Cathy. She was a surrogate mother to me. I feel blessed I got to know and admire her.
Dear Dorothea-
I have admired your perseverance since I was a child and too young to even understand it. Your congenial manner was always so welcoming. I loved your adventurous nature.
I am sad you are no longer here with Cathy, Carolyn and their families. They love you so. I am keeping them close in my thoughts and my prayers.
But I am happy that you get to be with your sparkling eyed Crissy.
Much much love
Katherine Ann
I was a neighbor of the Jacoby’s in the 1970’s. I knew Mrs. Jacoby as a very loving mother to Cathy, Carolyn and Chris. She was always so genuine and encouraging. She was an adult I looked up to and she consistently showed interest in me and what I was up to when I was just one of many kids in the neighborhood. I only saw Mrs. Jacoby sporadically in the later years. She maintained her grace, style and caring nature. I will always cherish my memories of growing up as a neighbor of Mrs. Jacoby. My sincerest condolences to Cathy, Carolyn and her entire family.
I first met Dorothea through my friend, Doreen. She was always the sweetest and kindest person to be around. She will be dearly missed. The world is certainly a little darker without her bright shining light.
We are so sorry for the loss in your family.
Dorothea was one of my favorite people on earth. I had the great pleasure of being her prime yoga teacher for a number of years and always loved the calm energy she brought to class.
Her laughter, smile, and the twinkle in her eyes as she looked at you made each interaction feel special.
I will miss her. 💜
Peace and comfort to all the members of Dorothea’s family. I considered her a close and cherished friend. We both had an interest in music and theatre, and we enjoyed concerts and going out together when I lived in Kansas. She visited me twice after I moved to Colorado in 2017, and we enjoyed the Denver Art Museum, Community Theatre in Littleton, driving through the mountains, spending time in Breckenridge and having high tea at the Cherokee Ranch in Castle Rock, CO. Dorothea was always up for a good time. We also met up in Hays, KS (a halfway point for us both after I moved to Colorado) and we spent a couple of days visiting the beautiful churches in the small towns around Hays and just driving through the countryside enjoying the views. And, of course, we had a couple of Happy Hours at Gella’s in Hays! I will miss talking with her, she was so wise and loved to share ideas, yet was always interested in me and my family, too. She was truly a beautiful person who will be missed by me and so many.
I never had the privilege of meeting your Mom, Cathy. But I can see her fingerprints impressed upon the souls of you and your “kids,” some of whom I have had the pleasure to hang out with at high school. She left behind a legacy of love and that never dies.
Dorothea was one of the most positive people I have ever known. She was genuine, funny, intelligent, and always ready to consider a new idea. I will hold her in my heart.
Mickie
So sorry to hear about your loss of Dorothea
This is a beautiful tribute to Dorothea. She was such an important part of our Silver Sneakers exercise group at the Y, always so friendly and outgoing. She kept us in touch during the pandemic by organizing weekly outings in the park. She led such an interesting life, and I always enjoyed our conversations and time together. I feel blessed to have known her and will miss her friendship very much. My sincere condolences to her lovely family. She was so proud of all of you.
Dorothea was lovely and gracious condo neighbor. Just as you captured her qualities in your beautiful tribute, she brought so much to our community building as a delightful companion and active participant. We are grateful to have been blessed at the end of her life with her legacy of wit, humor, and kindness.
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your beloved Dorothea. May she rest in eternal peace. I have lost a long-time friend of 39 years. My memories of our travels and shenanigans will bring me peace and a smile to my face. 😄❤💋
Cathy and family I am holding you in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. I wish I had known your mother but through your beautiful tribute to her you have shared with us a life well lived. Blessings on your family