Dorothy Marie Halgas

Dorothy Halgas, 92, of Raleigh NC passed away peacefully on September 22, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

‍
Born on December 18th, 1933, in Milngavie, Scotland, to William and Gertrude Robertson.  Dorothy grew up in Scotland along with her brother, Christopher.  Dorothy attended Notre Dame Montessori and High School, an all-girls school ran by the nuns, she graduated in 1951.  When Dorothy was 20, she met her future husband, Edward, who was stationed in the Airforce.  He rented a room in their boarding house in Prestwick and fell in love very quickly. They got engaged and in 1955 both Dorothy and her “mum” sold their belongings and headed to the US on the SS America ship…it was a package deal. They wed in 1956 and started their lives together in Ithaca, NY.  Several years later they adopted their first daughter, Colleen, and then adopted Maureen three years later.

‍
To those who knew her, Dorothy was always described as an Angel, and will be remembered for her kind heart, generous spirit and the love she shared with those around her.  She cherished her family deeply and found joy in the simple moments of life – time spent together, family gatherings, conversations, laughter, and making memories with people she loved. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and the memories she created will remain with us always. Those who loved her will remember her gift of storytelling of her early life lived in both Scotland and Ireland.

‍
Dorothy loved gardening, crocheting and knitting and singing in the church choir and had a great love for her pet animals.  She spent many years traveling with her beloved Edward and was part of a travel group for years.

‍
Her greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her daughter, Maureen Rivera, Grandson, Max Rivera (Austin Lahey), Granddaughter, Madison Rivera (Jon Lemus Morales), Sister-in-Law, Olga Bucek, Nieces; Nadine Rosekrans & family, Katie Bucek, and Susan Mumaw & family. Dorothy was preceded in death by Parents, William and Gertrude Robertson, Husband Edward Halgas, Daughter, Colleen Halgas, Brother, Christopher, and Brother-in-Law, Francis Bucek.

‍
A service and celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 11th at 5pm at Verena Independent Living Community, 1580 Dunn Road, Raleigh NC 27614.

‍
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to NAMI, National Association for Mental Illness.