Dorothy Helen Montgomery Cross

Dorothy Helen (Montgomery) Cross, 87, of Lancaster, PA, passed away on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Homestead Village, Lancaster, PA. “Dolly” was the devoted and loving wife of “Arch” Cross who passed away last September. She was born March 11, 1936 in Abington, PA, to Robert S. Montgomery and Dorothy Catherine (Wilt) Montgomery. Dolly graduated from Abington High School in Abington, PA in 1954. 

She worked as a secretary at Philadelphia Electric Co. and then, after being a wonderful stay- at-home mom, went back to work at Woodlawn Elementary School, as their beloved School Secretary, supporting the principal and serving faithfully the children of that school, retiring after 3 decades of service to the Upper Moreland School District. Dolly and Arch, childhood sweethearts who celebrated 66 years of marriage, were always together, were often holding hands, and loved dining at local restaurants. They were former devoted members of St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, Abington, PA, and current devoted members of St. Edwards Episcopal Church, Lancaster, PA.

Being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother (“GG”) meant everything to Dolly as well as gathering with friends and family over the years celebrating holidays and birthdays, laughing and engaging in stories from the past and always making new, fun memories. She loved to keep in touch with friends and family by email, sending and receiving pictures and funny stories, and up until her death, even was great at keeping in touch daily with her daughters by text on her cell phone. She enjoyed a good puzzle, either crossword or word search, from the daily newspaper, delivered faithfully by her cherished neighbor, Harry, whose stories and kindness were bright spots of her day, and who, because we all grew to love him, became a part of our Cross family over the years. She loved to be surrounded by pictures of her loving family as she lived out her final days at Homestead, especially her beloved great-grandson, Dominic, who she adored and on whom she lavished her love. 

The staff at Homestead became her friends and “family” as well, and Dolly’s family will be forever grateful for all they have done to provide excellent, loving and gentle care to both Dolly and Arch over the last six months in the skilled care area. Our thankfulness and love pours out to you all for the “ministry” you provide at Homestead Village.

Dolly is survived by her daughters, Cheryl Cline and husband Christopher, Debra Groff and her husband Jeffrey; grandchildren, Jillian Piscielli and husband Anthony, and Evan Cline and girlfriend Chelsey Lindaberry; great-grandson, Dominic Piscielli; brother, Robert C. Montgomery and wife Frannie, and numerous nieces and nephews. Her amazing love for her family and friends, her sweet smile, loving hugs, funny humor, and spunky spirit will be greatly missed by all.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service at St. Edward's Episcopal Church, 2453 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601 on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 1:00 PM.  Interment will be private at the convenience of the family in the church memorial gardens.