Dorothy Eckerty Costopoulos

In the early morning hours of August 14, 2020, Dot went home to be with the Lord. She was steadfast in her love and devotion to her husband Lou, who preceded her in death just three months prior. She was caring, took a no-nonsense approach to life, fiercely independent, private, a business woman and the biggest cheerleader for her family!

Born May 20, 1931 in Hume, Illinois, she was the youngest of Floyd C. Eckerty and Bessie Carroll Eckerty’s six children. Bessie died when Dot was five years old. Growing up, Dot would split her time between the farm and her sister’s home in town.

In high school, Dot was active in band, playing the bass clarinet; participated in school plays and kept a full-time job at the local diner. After graduation, she moved to Champaign, Illinois where she took a job with the Collegiate Cap and Gown Company. Her move to Champaign would turn out to be quite fortuitous. Little did she know, her life was going to change in the best possible way.

The local skating rink, in the 1950’s, was where all the cool kids hung out and Dot and Lou, of course, being cool, were no exception. It did not take long for Dot and Lou to spy each other and of course to “bump” into each other on the skating floor. Walking with Dot after a night of skating, Lou stopped under a viaduct and asked Dot what she would say if he asked her to marry him. She responded, “yes, of course”. From the first time they met to the day they were married; 38 days were marked off the calendar. Sixty-eight plus years later, married, no regrets.

Dot and Lou were successful business owners, working together to build Lou’s Servicenter into a thriving business that was a mainstay on U.S. 1 in Fort Pierce.

Dot was the ultimate multi-tasker raising four children, with the additional pet or two in the mix; supporting the needs of the business; active in the community and supported club activities and organizations the kids and Lou were involved in through the years. She had amazing organizational skills and could pack a camper and a car like
nobody’s business.

The retirement years gave Dot and Lou many adventures as they traveled extensively throughout the United States. They loved to camp and traveled with a fifth wheel camper spending summers enjoying state and national
parks, historic sites and popular attractions in each state. This was also a time they visited friends and family in other parts of the country.

She enjoyed reminiscing and it was especially fun to get her and Lou in storytelling mode. Inevitably, she would give Lou that look and say, “now Lou, that’s not how it happened”.

Ninety-nine days ago, as Dorothy stood at Lou’s casket, she whispered, “I’ll see you soon.”

The family takes comfort in the knowledge that she is in the presence of Jesus and has joined her beloved Lou. Welcome Home Dot.

Dorothy is survived by her four children, Karen Costopoulos, Vicki Costopoulos Kubiak (Larry), Michael Costopoulos (Joyce), Anita Costopoulos Lupfer (Bill), five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Interment is at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.