Dorothy “Dotti” Mott Callahan was born in Jersey City, New Jersey. She moved to Omaha four years later with her parents Ray and Helene Mott and her little brother Raymond. Dotti made Omaha her home for the remainder of her life.
Dotti is preceded in death by her parents Ray and Helene Mott. She is survived by daughter Chrisi (John) Hughes; sons Bob, Tom (Nichoel), Tim (Kristy), and ten grandchildren: Molly (Noah) Svec, Kate Hughes, Casey Callahan, Jack (Alesia Mason) Callahan; Anna, Nick, Megan and Will Callahan, Isabella Skramstad; Luke and Lindy Callahan; great-grandsons Noah and Miles; brother and sister-in-law Raymond and Carol Mott.
Dotti grew up in the Keystone neighborhood in what at the time was far northwest Omaha. She was part of the second graduating class from Marian High School. She went on to Omaha University where she was president of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority and was homecoming queen in 1963. She graduated in 1964 and was hired as a national field counselor for AXiD and lived in Chicago at Northwestern University.
In 1974, with four young kids, Dotti began a 23-year career with the University of Nebraska cooperative extension service. She continued her education and received a master’s degree in 1976. Dotti served in several extension positions, was granted full professorship, and became the Agent Chair for the Douglas County office in 1985. Dotti was the first female Agent Chair in the State of Nebraska. She served in this role for over 12 years and received several awards and recognitions for outstanding accomplishment and leadership over the years. Dotti retired in 1997 with the rank of professor emeritus.
The rest of her time was spent in volunteer roles as a master gardener, serving on the Bergan Mercy Auxiliary Board as well as the advisory council to cooperative extension. Dotti said, “The truly most enjoyable days are when I can spend time with family and friends. My grandchildren and their activities are a source of pride and passion for me. If I have one little wish, it is for my children and me to watch my grandchildren grow up and be healthy, happy and live wonderful lives.”
MEMORIAL MASS: Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 9:30 a.m., Christ the King Church, 654 South 86th St. Family will greet friends in the parish center immediately following mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Servants of Mary or Christ the King Church.
11 Comments
Dear Callahan Family,
Your Mom was my boss at the Extension Office. She was an incredibly wonderful woman. It broke my heart when she retired, but we still got to see her as a volunteer. She will be missed! Prayers and hugs for all of you!
I loved working with Dotti on several different Master Gardener projects. She was so enthusiastic about everything
Dotti was a lovely person in every way. She had an amazing knowledge of flowers and gardening. My condolences to her family. May God rest her soul.
She was a beautiful person in all ways.She and Myrna enjoyed a friendship that was exceptional. May she rest in peace!
Dotti was a star ay UNO and was one of the sweetest of our Alpha Xi sisters. We got married the same week in 1965 and Jody Tesar served in both weddings. My prayers are with all of you.
Dottie will always be shining example for all of us in the Nebraska Extension family. She was well-respected and a wonderful person to work with – always a professional, always a compassionate colleague. Her smile and good humor was contagious. My dad, Glen Vollmar, also thought highly of Dottie and your family. Thank you for sharing Dottie with us. We will be keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Soni
We are sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathies to all of the family.
Your mom was one of my sweetest patients. So full of compassion and kindness for others. She will be deeply missed. When she would talk about her family, especially the grandkids, she would just light up. You were all her pride and joy! Sending hugs and prayers!
Tom and Callahan family – So sorry for your loss. Deepest condolences to your family,
I am a first cousin to Raymond Mott. Played with Dotti as a child, when they visited Uncle Frank and Aunt Minnie. My dad, William, was Frank’s brother. I extend my sympathy, knowing God sends His comfort and care. Eunice [Mott] Brandt
Dotti was my Best Friend for over 61 years and I could not have asked for a better one. We shared everything right to the end. I know she is getting the most deserved rest she deserves. Her children and grandchildren were her prize here on earth, she adored all of you. Her son Bobby and daughter Christi went above and beyond caring for her. Because Tommy and Timmy did not live in Omaha their visits made her smile and she would often tell me about their families. I apologize to all of you because I miss her so much, even though I know she was more than ready. Rudy and I send our most heartfelt love to all of you. Judy😘
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