WILMINGTON — It is with both sadness and gratitude that we announce the passing of Dorothy Joan Wallace Price who departed this world peacefully on August 26, 2025, in Wilmington, North Carolina at the age of 84. Dottie, as she preferred to be called, was born in Kingston, PA and grew up in Larksville, PA.
She attended Larksville Schools and graduated in 1959. Upon graduation, Dottie entered the Wyoming Valley School of Nursing in Wilkes-Barre, PA and became a Registered Nurse in 1962.
In the summer of 1959, Dottie met her life-long partner and best friend forever, Richard Price at Sandy Beach at Harvey’s Lake, PA. Richard was in the US Navy and on leave at the time. They wed on February 23, 1963. Shortly after, Dottie and Richard embarked on a 27-year journey in support of Richard’s position with the U.S. Diplomatic Corps.
As their family grew, they were assigned to Diplomatic Facilities in Asuncion, Paraguay; Damascus, Syria; Bonn, Germany; Okinawa; Athens, Greece; Singapore; Manila, Philippines; and, Frankfurt, Germany. As a Registered Nurse, Dottie touched countless lives with her compassion and care. Dottie worked in hospitals and private practice settings. Perhaps her most challenging and rewarding position was when she was employed by the American Consulate General in Frankfurt, Germany, where she was responsible for coordinating medical evacuations for military and civilian personnel in Europe, Africa and the Middle East to Military hospitals in Wiesbaden, Frankfurt, and Landstuhl, Germany.
In the summer of 1993, Dottie and Richard moved to their retirement home in Wilmington, NC because of their love of the ocean. In Wilmington, Dottie was active in community and social activities. She volunteered her time to a free medical clinic and did Tai Chi at the Senior Center. Dottie’s creative spirit shone brightly through her love for arts and crafts, from creating stunning wreaths to designing beautiful flower arrangements. Dottie was also a phenomenal host and cook. She was renowned for her legendary “spaghetti”, a dish cherished by her son Gary and granddaughter Brooke and all fortunate to enjoy it.
Dottie is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Anna Povalaitis Wallace; brothers-in-law Robert and David Price; and sister-in-law Mary Jane Wallace. Dottie leaves behind her devoted husband Richard John Price, sons Robert (Jennifer), Gary, daughter Michele Price; granddaughters Brooke Lawson, Rachael Taft, Megan Ragusa (Robbie); grandson Andrew Taft; great grandchildren Stella and Nicholas Ragusa; brother Frank Wallace; and sisters-in-law Lorraine and Margaret Price. Special mention is made of Aunt Millie whose bond with Dottie was profound.
A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 10 at 10:00 am at Saint Mark Catholic Church, Wilmington, NC.
Dorothy Joan Price was loved by many and will forever remain in our memories for her warmth and generosity, dedication to helping others, her adventurous spirit, and her profound love for her family and friends.
