Dorothy Wildrick

Dorothy Wildrick, formerly of Portland, PA died on May 7 at her home in Penney Farms, FL. She was 95. She was the wife of the late Dr. John R Wildrick, a former Administrator at East Stroudsburg University, with whom she shared 57 years of marriage. Mrs. Wildrick was born in Avalon, MO, to Boyd and Ida Linton. Raised on a family farm, after high school she travelled East to study nursing at St Luke’s School of Nursing in Bethlehem, PA where she graduated as a Registered Nurse. She practiced nursing in various capacities throughout her life. In addition to being a loving wife and mother to her three children, she was active in the Portland Garden Club. Through that association, she took the lead role in identifying and creating the Mt. Bethel Fens just outside of Portland, a unique bog containing an unusual plant habitat, that is now managed by the Nature Conservancy and Lehigh University. During that long effort, she worked with the Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve, New Hope, PA, and became friends with the famous soil scientist and naturalist, Dr. Edgar T. Wherry, who had developed the first soil test kit for gardeners. Mrs. Wildrick was also instrumental in the concept for and development of the Hagen Center in Penney Farms, a facility to house Alzheimer patients. The design of the facility incorporated an accessible outdoor area that gave patients the freedom to stroll outdoors along landscaped paths, while still being passively contained. She is survived by her three children, John Terence Wildrick of West Chester, PA, Linton Wildrick of Tumwater, WA, Donna Pitz of Paoli, PA, seven grandchildren: Sarah Wildrick, Emily Wildrick, Kelly John Wildrick, Kimberly Darling, Scott Pitz, Katie Pitz, and Cody Pitz; and one great-grandson, Rayon R. Darling, II. There will be a service of remembrance at a time to be announced later. Memorial Donations may be made to the Hagen Care Center c/o Penney Retirement Community, 3495 Hoffman Street, Penney Farms, FL 32079. Arrangements under the care of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 (904) 284-4000.