Dorothea Ann VanArnam - Cremation Society of Virginia

Dorothea Ann VanArnam

August 31, 1943 - June 12, 2021

Virginia Beach ~ Dottie VanArnam, 77, passed away on Saturday, June 12, 2021 in Virginia Beach, Virginia surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Dottie was born August 31, 1943 to Felix and Carmella Sessa in Norristown, Pennsylvania, and is survived by her husband of over 53 years, James (Jim) VanArnam, her brother Robert Sessa and his four children Robert Jr., David, Rebecca, and Mark, and her sister MaryAnn Sessa.

She also leaves behind two children and their families, of whom she was fiercely proud, protective, and supportive:

Her daughter Marion Martin, son-in-law Robert Martin, and three grandsons Ryan, Adam, and Eric Martin.

Her son Jeff VanArnam, daughter-in-law Jennifer VanArnam, and three granddaughters Kaya VanArnam, Mayzie Thomas-Garber, and Bella Thomas-Garber.

Dottie worked as a kindergarten assistant and then as school secretary in the Virginia Beach Public School System for over thirty five years, continuing to do so even after retirement. Her love and compassion touched the lives of countless children and their parents in these roles over the years, as it did all of those she encountered.

Above all, Dottie cherished her time with her family, especially her beloved grandchildren, joyfully sharing song, stories, and traditions that will forever remain a part of us all.

A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, June 25 at 10:00 am at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church in Virginia Beach, and a private burial service will be held in Norristown, Pennsylvania at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dottie’s name to St. Jude Children’s hospital or the American Cancer Society.

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Virginia Beach ~ Dottie VanArnam, 77, passed away on Saturday, June 12, 2021 in Virginia Beach, Virginia surrounded by her loving family and friends. Dottie was born August 31, 1943 to Felix and Carmella Sessa in Norristown, Pennsylvania, and is survived by her husband of over 53 years, James (Jim) VanArnam, her brother Robert Sessa and…

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My deepest condolences ? to the family and friends. My prayers are with you. Be encouraged, God sent Angel to earth and now had called her home to be with Him, where she watches over you. ?

If more of us had your endearing ability to break the ice and start talking to people we’ve never met before, the world would be a better place. Dottie, Grandma, you will be missed but not forgotten.

Jeff, you have my deepest condolences. My continued prayers for you and your family.

I knew Dottie for only a short time but she made a deep impression on me. I was invited to join a Bunco group in which she was the "imagined president". What I remember that first night I played with the group was how Dottie made me feel so welcome. Within a few minutes, she had me in stitches as we shared stories about growing up Catholic. When Covid hit, our Bunco games stopped and I regret to say I didn't stay in touch with the group. I can imagine Dottie in Heaven right now asking God if it really was necessary to forbid us to wear patent leather shoes because they "reflect up".

Today and always, may loving memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength. Don’t let go of your precious memories. They’ll get you through this difficult time. Love and prayers. Adele Bailey

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Our hearts and thoughts and prayers are with Jim and family. We pray that you may be comforted through family and friends. Our sincerest sympathy, Russell and Ginger Scherck

Oh Marion, my heart hurts for you. I loved seeing your close mother daughter relationship. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to meet her. Your mom knew all of us and always had a smile and kind words! May all those precious moments you shared with your sweet mother bring you joy! HUGS to you and your family. Catherine

Mom, you were my best friend. You were always there for me...through my childhood & teenage years, the college experience away from home, as a young adult, and then as a mom myself. You always had the perfect advice and said exactly what I needed to hear at that time. You were always just a phone call away.... and call we did~ 4 or more times a day! We spoke on my way to work, on my way home from work, when I had a cooking question, gossiping about the real housewives, or when we just wanted to check on each other. Who will I call now? Who will answer my cooking questions? Who will I vent to? Who will tell me everything’s going to be ok? Who’s going to call my boys and sing a personalized birthday song? Who am I going to look up to as my role model? There is a huge void in my life now- one that I have no idea how to fill... I pray that, with time, the emptiness will subside and will be filled with smiles and good memories. Please know that I thank God everyday of my life for making me your daughter and you my mom. You were the best mom a girl could have asked for! I Love you mama bear~from your baby bear.

Dottie was one of the best people I have ever known. I will miss her dearly and treasure all the memories I have shared with her and her family. I Love You!!!

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.