Dorothea Tarloski, 90, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 3, 2026. She was a resident of Brandywine Senior Living at Colts Neck.

Born and raised in Perth Amboy, Dorothea was a proud graduate of St. Mary's High School. She went on to earn her bachelor's degree from Caldwell College and later obtained two additional master's degrees in Guidance and Administration from Seton Hall University.

Dorothea devoted 40 years to a remarkable career in education, serving as both a teacher and guidance counselor at Shull School in Perth Amboy. During her time there, she had the joy of working alongside her sister, Irene, her dear friend Linda Cruz, and many colleagues who became lifelong friends. She remained a dedicated presence in the school community until her retirement in 1998. A passionate advocate for children, Dorothea was deeply respected and warmly loved by her students and peers alike.

Dorothea spent most of her life in Perth Amboy and its neighboring communities, where she built deep and lasting connections. She was a devoted member of Good Shepherd Church and an active participant in a variety of community organizations.

She had a love for travel and a gift for bringing people together, often enjoying time with friends over a card game or a well-made cocktail. In her retirement, Dorothea remained socially active, embracing every opportunity to connect and celebrate life.

Her greatest joy, however, came from time spent with her honorary grandchildren—Bree, Catherine, Daniel, Aidan, Taylor, and Nicole. She never missed a dance recital, sporting event, school play, or important milestone, and took immense pride in each of them, generously sharing her love, encouragement, and unwavering support.

She was predeceased by her father, Edward Tarloski; her mother, Mary (Bartoszewicz) Tarloski; her sister, Rose Celecki; her brother-in-law, Gerald "Bear" Celecki; and her brother-in-law, James Britton. She is survived by her loving sister, Irene Britton; her nephew and his family, Jeff, Julie, Taylor, and Nicole Britton; her goddaughters and their families, Lee, Bruce, Bree, and Daniel Parker, and Dana, Andrew, Catherine, and Aidan Walsh; as well as many cousins and dear friends whose lives she touched deeply.

Dorothea will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication to others. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she influenced, the community she helped shape, and the family and friends who will carry her memory forward with love.

Cremation will be private. Memorial visitation will take place on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, between the hours of 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Flynn and Son / Mitruska Funeral Home, 23 Ford Ave., Fords, NJ 08863. Friends and family may gather Thursday morning directly at church for a 10:00 AM funeral mass at Most Holy Rosary of Good Shepherd Parish, Hopelawn, NJ. Interment of Dorothea's ashes will follow in St. Stephen's Roman Catholic Cemetery, Keasbey, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dorothea's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.