Mrs. Dorothy H. Gwin, 89, formerly of Strasburg, passed away Monday, January 10, 2023, in
Charlottesville, Virginia. Mrs. Gwin was the widow of Mr. Rodney T. Gwin, who passed away in
2019. They had been married for 66 years.
Mrs. Gwin was born on April 6, 1933, in Toms Brook and spent her childhood there. Her father was
Seward Hottle and her mother was the former Susan Lorraine Fisher. Dorothy worked with her
family to grow fruits and vegetables during the Depression. She and her father would travel to sell
strawberries at Winchester Court Square. After graduating from Toms Brook High School, she went
to work as a telephone operator for Shenandoah Telephone (now Shentel Communications).
On December 27, 1952, she married Rodney Gwin in Hagerstown, Maryland.
Mrs. Gwin worked in local schools. Mrs. Gwin left the Warren County School System and went to
work at Wendy’s when it first opened in Front Royal in 1981. She worked there for over 20 years.
Many people will remember Dot Gwin at the drive through window at Wendy’s.
She and Rodney started selling antiques and collectibles at many flea markets and shows, starting
in Manassas and became regular vendors at the Double Toll Gate. They spent many years buying
and selling at flea markets, car shows, and auctions. They enjoyed collecting unusual items. They
continued this after they both retired. She was a self-taught musician and played the piano
regularly.
Mrs. Gwin is survived by her daughter, Lorraine (Lori) Sinden and her husband, Jamie, as well as
her sister, Phyllis Habron, nephew, Darrell Habron and niece, Anita Painter. She is also survived by
her sister-in-law, Hazel Yew, as well as other nieces and nephews on her husband’s side. Before her
move to be closer to her daughter in Charlottesville, Mrs. Gwin was greatly assisted by many
neighbors in her Shenandoah River Lakes subdivision. Mrs. Gwin was predeceased by her parents,
her husband, her sisters, Charlotte Cather and Betty Shepherd, as well as her nieces, Lisa Habron
and Sandra Lee Whetsel.
A celebration of life will be held later this spring. As per her wishes, she will be cremated and
buried in a private ceremony for family. Donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in
lieu of flowers.
Online condolences can be left at www.valleyfs.com
Arrangements by Heishman Funeral Home Inc., Valley Funeral Service Branch, Edinburg.