Dorothy J. (Kadlecek) Schattel, a long-time resident of Pearland, Texas, passed peacefully at home on May 31, 2024, at 86 years of age. She was a beloved wife, sister, and mother.

Born on December 21, 1937, in La Grange, Texas to Robert Kadlecek and Victoria (Baron) Kadlecek, she was one of four children. She spent her early years in La Grange before moving to Galveston, Texas, where her parents moved for work. Dorothy attended St. Patrick’s Catholic School and later Galveston Ball High.

Dorothy met her husband, Michael Schattel, on one of Galveston’s beaches. They married on November 5, 1955, in St. Mary’s Cathedral in Galveston, Texas. During their 67-year marriage, they raised four children.

In her younger years, she worked as a school bus driver for Pearland ISD. She then worked as a dispatcher for the Houston Chronicle until her retirement. After retiring, she and Michael traveled across the United States in their RV, enjoying nature, and making good friends. They also bought a home on Lake Livingston where they entertained family and friends.

Dorothy enjoyed various hobbies, many of which needed patience and the use of her hands. She loved to do counted cross-stitch, embroidery, crochet, and macrame. Many of her projects became cherished keepsakes for those whom she gifted. Her hobbies even included playing video games. She introduced the family to Pong and Zelda, and now her grandchildren are enthusiastic Zelda players. Dorothy loved having fun, and her children and grandchildren enjoyed having fun with her.

Preceding Dorothy in death is her husband, Michael Schattel, who passed July 12, 2023; her parents, Robert and Victoria (Baron) Kadlecek; siblings Robert Jr. and Patricia (Kadlecek) Hartman; her grandsons, James (Jamie) Johnson and Eric Schmidt; and one son-in-law, Dennis Schmidt.

Dorothy leaves behind one brother, Alfred Kadlecek; her daughters, Deborah (Schattel) Johnson, Cynthia (Schattel) Schmidt, and Cheryl (Schattel) Stanilla; her son, Michael J. Schattel, Jr.; grandchildren: Brian and Amanda Johnson; Brandon Schmidt and his wife Dao; Kenneth Stanilla and his wife Jordan, and Kyle Stanilla and his wife Helen; Travis and Tyler Schattel; and great-grandchildren: Taylor, James, and Gabby (Johnson), Aiden, Camden, Easton, and Connor (Stanilla), Dawson and Sydney (Stanilla), Logan, Liam, and Leo (Schmidt); and many extended family members, friends, and her beloved Schnauzer, Zoey.

Dorothy’s family and all she met will remember her for her love of life, her tenacious spirit, and the kindness she showed everyone.

Her family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the hospice team and caregivers who helped care for Dorothy in her last days with us.

There will be a celebration of life at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Crowder Funeral Home, 2422 E. Broadway St., Pearland, TX, 77581.