Dorothy Spielman

Dorothy Jean Spielman, 82, passed away on Monday, December 8, 2008. She was born March 19, 1926, to Maurice and Lydia Swanberg in Sisseton, SD. Dorothy attended Sisseton public schools graduating early with honors. She obtained her Bachelors degree in Art and French from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, in 1947. Dorothy returned to Sisseton for a short time and taught elementary school in a one-room country school. She then moved to Minneapolis, MN, to work for Hollywood Vassarette, the lingerie division of Munsingwear, Inc., as a Women’s Fashion Designer. It was at Munsingwear she met Alois “Al” Berrier Spielman, and they were married in Minneapolis on January, 17, 1953. Throughout her life, Dorothy was devoted to the arts. During the 1960’s, she worked for the newspaper in Anoka, MN as a graphic designer. In the 1970’s, she refocused her artistic talents to her passion for painting. Thereafter, Dorothy became a well-respected painter and artist known throughout the region, and was an active member in many community art organizations. In addition, she completed commissioned work for many high-profile companies such as US West and Pfizer, and her work remains the bellwether of many corporate and private collections around the country. Dorothy remained an active member of the Watercolor Society and FM Visual Artists for the entirety of her colorful and artistic life, and continued to attend workshops and paint professionally until her passing. Her friends and family take comfort in knowing that many beautiful artworks created by Dorothy will serve as a joyful remembrance to her love and passion for painting. Dorothy will be remembered as kind, witty and willing to lend a hand in whatever endeavor she undertook. She was a beloved and outspoken friend, a loving and generous mother, a grandmother with an uncanny sense of humor and, most of all, a talented and creative spirit – a passionate advocate for the arts, always full of life and a joy to those fortunate enough to know her. Thank you to the people who rushed to her aid with heroic efforts in their attempt to save her. We know Dorothy will continue to bring joy to our lives by painting beautiful sunsets on the canvas in the sky. Surviving are: son, Tom and wife Kathy of Sycamore, IL; son, Jim and wife Carol of Billings, MT; daughter, Meg and husband Greg Peldo of Fargo, ND, and seven grandchildren: Capri and Christian Spielman, Sarah and Meghan Spielman, Jacob (Kristi) Hendricks, Benjamin Hendricks and Maija Peldo. Also surviving are a brother, Marvick (Shirlee) Swanberg; and sisters, Marie Cross, Lois Ann Smith, and Charlotte (Andy) Thompson; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Swanberg. She was preceded in death by her husband, Al; her brother, Paul Swanberg; and brother-in-law, Bonham Cross. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Creative Arts Studio or Olivet Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, December 12, 2008, at 4:00 pm, in the Olivet Lutheran Church. Visitation will be at 3:00 pm. Her ashes will be intered at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Fort Lincoln, Mandan, ND.