Dorine Estelle Bullock, 1928-2024

Dorine Estelle Bullock was born on December 2, 1928 in Rohrersville MD. She was the first daughter of Margaret Rohrer and John Thomas Geltmacher. The town was named after the Rohrer family. On March 8, 2024, Dorine graduated to her incorporeal fullness at the age of 95, peacefully in her sleep at her home in Lake Wales, Florida.

In 1949, at the age of 21, she married Joseph Bullock Sr. in Philadelphia. They raised two sons, Joseph Jr. and Robert, and were very happily married for 68 years when Joseph Sr. passed away at the age of 93. Together, they built a house, celebrated holidays, entertained friends and neighbors, camped, traveled, boated, fished, hiked, danced, sang and enjoyed life to the fullest.

Dorine was the best mother anyone could ever hope for. Throughout the course of her life, she was very active in several organizations including cub scouts, the PTA, the American Legion, Eastern Star and the Lake Wales Elks Lodge. At the Lodge, she and Joe planned many parties, shows and charity events. Dorine also choreographed dance routines and taught line dancing at the Elks lodge.

She was a secretary and an impressive typist in her youth, and later worked at a credit bureau for many years, where she rose to a management position and made some life-long friendships before her retirement.

In addition to her two biological sons, Dorine became "Mom" to many people. She just had such a natural, mothering energy and unconditional love that filled a gap in the lives of many people who had lost their mothers earlier in life. She could relate to them, having lost her own mother when she was only twelve.

She had one brother, Jack, a half sister, Doris, and a half brother, Dennis, all of whom are previously deceased. In early June of 2022, Dorine's Daughter-in-Law, Susan (wife of Robert) died of heart disease. Two weeks later, her dearly beloved son, Joseph Jr. (aka Joegh) succumbed to a nine-month battle with cancer at the age of 72.

She is survived by her son, Robert (and his partner, Audrey Bowles) her Ddughter-in Llw, Carly Caryn Bullock; her niece, Sonya Kuehler (and her two sons) her nephews, Tim Cox (Debbie) of DE, and Bill Cox (Cathy) of Lake Wales, FL, as well as a long line of progeny and close relations from the union of Bill and Cathy.

She also leaves behind so many people who loved her "like family" but are not related. Her legacy of love and generosity will endure in our hearts forever, and she will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her.

There will be a memorial tribute at the Marion Nelson Funeral Home on April 5 beginning at 3 p.m. with the service beginning at 4 p.m. Immediately following the ceremony there will be an informal gathering of friends and family at 160 Pierce Street in Lake Wales.