Dorothea Rose French, 78, of Swoyersville, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, September 3, 2026, surrounded by her children, family and friends.

Born January 6, 1948, in Kingston, Dorothea was the daughter of the late Frank Cajka and Olga (Tribus) Cajka.

Dorothea was a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1965. She enjoyed a long career with the Social Security Administration, retiring in 2015 after more than 30 years of dedicated service.

A woman of faith and service, Dorothea was a member of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Swoyersville and generously volunteered her time to numerous church and community activities. Dorothea was also an alumni of Luzerne County Community College.

Dorothea especially treasured time spent with those she loved. She looked forward to yearly trips to the beach with her family, breakfast with friends, and sharing pizza with her sisters. These simple traditions brought her great happiness and reflected the importance she placed on family, friendship and being together.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Jeanne, and brother, Francis.

Dorothea is survived by her two children, Melissa French and Douglas French III; her grandson, Ian Kilbourn; her twin sister, Natalie Shoemaker; sisters, Barbara Chorey and Rosanne Griffin; brother-in-law, Greg Griffin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dorothea will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her faith, her generous spirit and the friendships she cultivated throughout her life. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Special thanks to Serenity Hospice of Wyoming Valley who cared for Dorothea in her final moments.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11 am on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at St Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish 116 Hughes St, Swoyersville 18704. Friends and family are invited from 9:30 to 11 am for visitation prior to the Mass. 

Arrangements by Yeosock Funeral Home. Plains.