If word has not reached you yet, my gift from God, Dorothea has passed away. Missed is such an understatement. My heart grieves more than I thought was possible. But up to the last her wish was not to worry any of us. I had a great 23 years of marriage. It was because of her I landed in Vietnam and the birth of GIBTK began.
Below is something our great friend Camella Binkley wrote, followed by details for her celebration of life. I want to write more but it is too hard at this time. Thank you to the many who have reached out, posted on facebook. It reassures us Dorothea life was not in vain.
Dorothea Louise Houlihan was born February 27th, 1956 in Los Angeles, California - the second child of Tom Jr. and Carmela Houlihan. The close knit family, which now included not only Dorothea and older brother Tommy, but also Mary Ellen and Kevin, established deep roots in Southern California. Dorothea graduated from Downey High School in 1974 and then studied art at Cerritos College and later obtained her Bachelor's degree from the University of Phoenix. Dorothea also became an integral part of the family business, OCAP Supply Inc. in Garden Grove, California.
In 1990, Dorothea was introduced to a "pizza man" named Robert Kalatschan by her older brother Tommy. Robert's salesmanship skills prevailed and Dorothea became Robert's bride on June 8, 1991. The love story began to be written. A consuming desire for children led Dorothea and Robert to the adoption of two incredible gifts of Vietnamese descent, Tommy in 1996 and Kristina in 2001.
While in Vietnam for Kristina's adoption, the trajectory of the Kalatschans' lives changed dramatically. Giving It Back to Kids was founded and Dorothea's fierce love had found an outlet - loving the orphan, the poor, the disadvantaged and the broken. The last fourteen years she has been fearlessly dedicated to helping the children of Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
The consummate hostess, Dorothea & Robert's home has always been a refuge for family and friends alike. Her involvements in her church, Al-Anon, the children's' schools, mentoring, and ministries around the world were fueled by her selfless heart. She loved deeply, unreservedly and with tenacity. None of us will forget her gift giving, her "uncompleted" projects, her mischievous chuckle with that scrunched up little nose, her artistic nature, and her one thousand beautiful scarves.
Nothing, other than Jesus, was more important to Dorothea than Robert, Tommy, Kristina; her siblings, Tommy, Mary Ellen, Kevin and their spouses & children; along with a host of other family members. Her friends became her extended family and it was a wide circle - we were all her "best friend."
Dorothea was the epitome of graciousness, kindness, sincerity, compassion and unconditional love. She taught us how to serve, to truly love and to live authentic. She loved the "least" and the "greatest" the same.
Dorothea, you loved well...You showed us Jesus.
Dorothea's Celebration of Life will be held this Saturday, March 14th beginning at 10:00 AM. It will be held at The Crossing Church, 2115 Newport Blvd. Costa Mesa, Calif.
There will be a special time of fellowship and food following service. All are welcome!
If coming from out of town we have been offered a special rate at The Ayres Hotel - 325 Bristol St. Costa Mesa Ca. 92626 - 714-540-6060 - Reservations. Please mention Dorothea's Celebration to get the special rate.
In Lieu of flowers we have set up Dorothea's Project Legacy. A special program will be established to continue her dream of helping children in S.E. Asia. One that will keep her memory alive for generations to come. Donations can be done safely at http://givingitbacktokids.org/dorotheas-project-legacy.php​
Or mailed to GIBTK, 10112 Stonybrook Dr. Huntington Beach, Calif. 92646
Please know she loved all of you. Those she knew and those she had not yet me. I promise that with
Dorothea's Project legacy her vision and dream for kids will live on for generations to come.
