Dorothy M. (Drabek) Bashkingy

Scottsdale – Dorothy Bashkingy’s life began on Tuesday, June 1, 1937, in Youngstown, Ohio. She was the third child of four who were born to Mary Theresa and John Paul Drabek. Their first child, Mary Alberta, journeyed into heaven at the young age of 9 months. She was one of Dorothy’s many guardian angels throughout the years. Robert John was her oldest sibling by ten years and her sister, Bernadette Ann, followed Dorothy’s birth four years later. 

Dorothy graduated class of 1957 from Saint Mary’s High School. Many of her classmates continued to meet for regular lunches up until the week before her death. She frequently reminisced about her lifelong friendships and the love they shared was immeasurable.

During the week of her 20th birthday, Dorothy met the love of her life, George Bashkingy at a “TGA” (To Get Acquainted) dance in the basement of Saint Mary’s Basilica. After five short months of dating, they were married and ten months later their first of four children was born. 

Dorothy participated in a variety of activities with her beloved husband George (dancing, bowling, camping, Las Vegas adventures, and worldwide cruises) and her children (Scoutmaster, Search retreats, CCD teacher, school events and performances). Her life was fulfilled through family – not only her grandchildren and their children; also, through her husband’s relatives and extended family created by the friendships she made. She added even more when she moved into McDowell Village in 2013. Many “Village” people commented on her bright smile and welcoming spirit.

Dorothy’s parents, siblings, and husband preceded her in death. She is survived by her four children: George (Terri), Norm (Alicia), Ray, and Mary (Dave); ten grandchildren: Crystal (Matthew), Brandy (Richie), Erica (Cameron), Lyndsay, Colton, Madison, Elizabeth, Rylee, Victoria, Isabella; and nine great grandchildren: Micaela, Olive, Harrison, Lucy, Nora, Sawyer, Ava, Lily, Layla.

Dorothy went to Heaven on September 26, 2024, at the age of 87 in her Scottsdale apartment surrounded by her four children after a brief illness. Although gone, she will forever be remembered in the hearts of her family and friends.

A memorial service/visitation will be held on Sunday, September 29th at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home at 4800 E Indian School Road, Phoenix 85018 from 2pm to 5pm, with a Rosary service beginning at 4:30pm. There will be an 11am funeral Mass held at St. Daniel the Prophet Roman Catholic Church on Tuesday, October 1st at 1030 N Hayden Road, Scottsdale 85257, with interment immediately following at St Francis Catholic cemetery, 2033 N 48th Street, Phoenix. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com.

In memorial, consider donating to Catholic Charities Arizona in the name of Dorothy Bashkingy: To contribute, please check the I would like to dedicate this gift box on the online donation form at www.catholiccharitiesaz.org.