Dorothy Jean Beemer, 99, of Emmaus, died peacefully at her home May 20, 2020. She was the loving wife of the late Robert Wallace Beemer who died in 1997. Born in Windber, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Ella (Forsyth) Howe.

She was a 1938 graduate of State College High School and a 1942 graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

She spent most of her professional career as an elementary school teacher and taught second grade for 25 years at Kings Highway Elementary School in Old Zionsville in the East Penn School District.

During World War II, she worked as an airplane parts inspector for Bell Aircraft in Buffalo, N.Y.

She grew up during the Great Depression and during World War II she graduated from college and married her high school sweetheart. She was a kind, gentle and generous woman who gave far more than she received. She will be greatly missed but always lovingly remembered by her family, friends and neighbors.

She loved being a wife, mother and teacher and was devoted to the many students she touched during her long teaching career. She was an avid animal lover who rescued and raised several dogs and found homes for many stray kittens.

She is survived by her beloved daughter, Susan Jean and her faithful son-in-law, Scott Bieber; her devoted caregiver, Mrs. Mary Dreisbach; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, John Howe; sisters, Betty Howe, Alice Peas, Virginia Howe and Helen Allen.

Contributions may be made in her memory to Animals in Distress, 5075 Limeport Pike, Coopersburg, 18036; to The Cat Shack, Inc., P.O. Box 950, Trexlertown, 18087 or to The Sanctuary at Haafsville, 901 Nestle Way, Breinigsville, 18031.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements were made by the Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Homes, Emmaus.