Dorothy S. Greenholtz

Dorothy Carol Sisson Greenholtz (78), died Monday, July 28, 2025, at Holy Family Health Care and Hospice, Parma, Ohio.

Dorothy was born January 9, 1947 in Cleveland, Ohio to Dorothy (nee Schach) and Howard Sisson.

She was married to Bennett Greenholtz (deceased) from 1967-1989, and they had a son, Bryan Thomas Greenholtz, who survives.

You could find her singing and acting at church and school from early childhood. At Lincoln High School in Cleveland, from where she graduated in 1965, she played the lead in school plays, also sang solos and with special ensembles, including a duet at Severance Hall while part of the Cleveland All-City High School Chorus.

Post high school, Dorothy shared her gifts in dozens of theatrical productions with Workshop Players (25 shows), Elyria Summer Theater, Old Towne Hall Theater (N. Ridgeville, Ohio), Lorain Community Music Theater, Christian Arts Productions (based in Danville, IL), and sang at 100s of church and community events, including as a professional soloist in the Christian Science Church for 20+ years. Her artistic gifts were also evidenced in the exquisite costume creations she designed and made.

Dorothy was a Licensed Massage Therapist in the State of Ohio, with a tremendous gift of healing in her hands, to which many clients and family members can attest.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father; her stepfather, Gerald M. Butcher, Sr.; her Aunt Eleanor (“Nonie”) and Uncle Paul Eichhorn; a brother, Burt Thomas (surviving Spouse, Darlene) Sisson; and sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn (nee Sisson) and William Helsel; and Bennett (BeeGee).

Surviving her, are her son, Bryan (Frances); grandchildren, Clary (Winter) Green, Breanna Greenholtz, and Kristina (Michael T.) Ardt; sister, Rev. Donna (Rev. Dr. Joel) Catlin; 11 nieces and nephews, Kelli (the late Mario) Verbanic, Dawn (Stan) Ward, Faith (Larry) Helsel-Dooley, Linda Connors, Melissa Feke, Jill (Jim Vanek) Sisson, Cindy (Kevin) Leonard, Benjamin (Jenny Anderson) Catlin, Danny (Elaina) Sisson, J. Aaron (Bethany) Catlin, and David (Krysta) Catlin; cousins, Susan (nee Eichhorn) and Jim Morrow, and theater buddy and best friend, David Cotton.

While her indomitable spirit lives on, her body was cremated by Bollinger Funeral Services. Honoring Dorothy’s wishes, there will be no services. Private interment will take place in West Park Cemetery, Cleveland, Ohio at a later date.

Memorial gifts can be made to Workshop Players, PO Box 1193, Amherst, OH 44001, or to  the Cleveland Orchestra, Lorain Public Library, or the American Cancer Society.

References for the following pictures are: Young Dorothy, Dorothy and Little Bryan, Dorothy and her siblings, Massage therapist Dorothy offering instruction to family, Performing Dorothy in various shows, including with David Cotton (white costumes)