Dorothy Mae Malac

Dorothy Mae Malac, lovingly known to many as Dot, was born on May 18, 1949, in Texas. Her remarkable journey came to a peaceful close on October 26, 2024, in Idaho, at the age of 75. Dorothy's life was a tapestry woven with adventure, strength, and a deep commitment to family and faith. Raised by her parents, Joseph B. Malac and Norma J. Malac, both of whom predeceased her, Dorothy embraced the values that her parents instilled in her from an early age. She is survived by her daughter Telisa K. Johanson (partner Bobby Lobit) and sister JoAnn Malac.

After graduating from Robert E. Lee High School in Baytown, Texas, Dorothy furthered her education at Lee College. Her academic pursuits laid the foundation for a career characterized by both dedication and diversity. She embarked on her professional career with the General Electric Company at NASA, where her skills illuminated the potential she carried within. Her career continued to flourish as she moved into the Oil & Gas industry, where she not only found professional success but a community with the Desk & Derrick Club for women. There, she used her remarkable talents to take photographs and produced the club's newsletter – an endeavor that reflected her keen eye for detail and creative spirit. Later in life, Dorothy transitioned into the financial sector, achieving great success until her retirement in 2012.

Dorothy loved to travel and explore many parts of the US. She enjoyed being on the water (oceans, lakes and rivers). She lived on a 62 ft sailboat for several years, and took regular trips around the Gulf of Mexico on her sailboat, including several sailboat races. Her favorite sailing trip was in Greece where she sailed along the Mediterranean for 2 weeks. As part of her passion for adventure she purchased her own Harley Davidson Softail motorcycle, with a custom turquoise and pink paint job. Dorothy was one of the founding members of the Steel Magnolias womens motorcycle group in Katy, TX. She loved exploring the Texas countryside on her motorcycle, and regularly took trips to Bandera, TX where she enjoyed camping and being at the river. Dorothy also enjoyed knitting, cooking/baking and writing poetry.

Idaho became her serene refuge where she embraced each moment with the same enthusiasm and zest for life that she showed throughout her years; exploring new territories with her sister, including white water rafting on the Payette river, admiring her flower gardens and embracing the beauty of the Salmon River and Sawtooth Mountains. Dorothy's personality was a symphony of laughter, courage, care, and strength. Her affection for her daughter, sister and parents embodied her belief in the importance of familial love and support.

The revered words Dorothy wrote, "Seas come to shore as the Eagle soars and soul goes Beyond for more....may the Blessings be," reflect the profound way in which she viewed life and its transcendental journey.

For those wishing to honor Dorothy’s memory with a tangible act of kindness, the family requests donations be made to Mission for Paws, celebrating Dorothy's enduring love for cats. www.missionforpaws.org/Donate

As services are held in Idaho, with a subsequent memorial in Cypress, Texas, we find solace in the fact that her spirit remains with us, guiding us with the same love and laughter that she shared throughout her beautiful life.