Dorothy Zopf

Dorothy Richards Zopf died peacefully on June 4, 2018 at age 89, at Taos Retirement Village. Her husband of 50 years, George Zopf, preceded her in death in 1999. She is survived by son Richard Zopf of Yellow Springs, Ohio, daughters Amy Wohlert (Joseph Cecchi) of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Sarah Bent of Allentown, New Jersey and Emily Zopf (Robert Bresnahan) of Taos, New Mexico, as well as five grandchildren and four great-children in the US and France. Her sister Meg Salman (William Salman) and two nephews reside in Santa Fe.

Dorothy’s most acclaimed achievement is her book, Surviving the Winter, the result of a 10-year survey of quilt making in rural New Mexico. The book received the Southwest Book Award from the Border Regional Library Association in 2001. Her own quilts were both artistic and meticulous, with all the quilting stitches done by hand. Quilting was just one of her many creative endeavors. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in Art Education from Skidmore College, she had a long career as an art teacher in the public schools. Dorothy excelled at a broad range of arts and crafts and continued to learn and explore new media even in her 90th year.

She supported her husband’s desire for frequent changes of scene by supplying the energy and ingenuity to create comfortable homes and firm friendships in locations ranging from the east coast and Midwest to full immersion in the daily life of Naples, Italy, and finally to the towns and villages of northern New Mexico. She grew to love Taos and became an active member in the community for over 37 years. She will be missed by many, many friends, admirers, students, and family members.

The family is grateful for the care and friendship she received from her fellow residents and all the staff at Taos Retirement Village. In her final months, Mountain Home Health Hospice provided exceptional support and care.

Family will gather in Taos this summer for a private memorial to celebrate her life. If you wish to make a contribution in Dorothy’s memory, please donate to your favorite art or art education organization. Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home. To share a memory, please visit our website at www.riverafuneralhome.com