Dorothea Ann Wise

On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, Dorothea (Dottie) A. Wise passed away due to heart failure. Dottie was born in Coatesville, PA, on October 12, 1947, to John M. Robinson and Dorothea A. McCorkle Robinson and married Robert D. Wise on October 25, 1969.

If you knew Dottie, you would know that there simply are not enough words—or time—to adequately tell the story of her life. Dottie was a spirited educator, caregiver, wife, mother, and long-time community member. Her career as a Speech Language Pathologist spanned an impressive six decades. Early on, she worked at a cleft palate clinic in Bad Feilnbach, Germany, where she and Rob were stationed for his service in the US Army. Dottie worked in Akron Public Schools for 37 years and at the Cleveland Clinic for over 10 years. Throughout her career, she mentored new teachers, cared for thousands of children with special needs, and influenced education policy at local, state, and national levels. Her work touched countless lives, helping children and adults find their voices and empowering them to communicate with confidence. Her colleagues admired her warmth, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to her students’ success.

Beyond her work in the classroom, Dottie was a devoted member and singer at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, where she sang in the choir for over 50 years. Her love of music and deep faith influenced every aspect of her work and family life. True to her servant’s heart, she visited multiple shut-ins, taking her kids with her to show them how important it is to visit and serve those who were isolated from the community.

Anyone who met Dottie for just a few minutes would find themselves engaged in a long conversation where she proudly spoke about her children, Rob and Margo, and later about her grandchildren, Robert, Maryn, Ava, Mia, and Ella. She took immense pride in her family and cherished creating magical moments that would be remembered forever.

Dottie was married to Rob Wise for 56 years. Through every joy and challenge, Dottie and Rob remained strong in their marriage, raising their children in love and faith. They taught them how to navigate struggles and appreciate the big and little blessings that life offers. Rob was by Dottie’s side when she passed peacefully on Wednesday. She is survived by her husband, Robert Wise; her children, Rob and Margo; her brother, Charles Robinson; and her five grandchildren. We will all miss her love, her presence, her willfulness, the magic she created for any event or holiday, and her undying service to her family and community.

A Memorial Service will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 50 N. Prospect St., Akron, OH 44304, on December 20, 2025, at 10:00 AM, with a reception to follow.

Services in care of the Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, 85 N. Miller Rd. Fairlawn, OH 44333.