Dorothy E. Circo

Dorothy E. (Knowles) Circo, 90, passed away on Monday, May 12, 2025 The Rise at Oakwood Village East in Madison.

Dorothy was born on September 18, 1934 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada to Stephen and Hollene (Slocum) Knowles. On September 3, 1960 Dorothy married Richard Circo and together they had three sons.

She enjoyed watching her sons Dean & Dan play hockey when they were younger and spent many hours (early & late) at the rink and traveling to games. Also, cheering on the Badger mens hockey team and was a season ticket holder for decades. She was an avid gardener and prided herself on her great tasting tomatoes. Dot tirelessly learned the family sauce recipe from her Sicilian mother-in-law, and she shared this treasured sauce with countless people over the years. She was also proud that she earned a masters degree in nursing with a focus on psychiatry, and she devoted many years to serving her patients. Dorothy loved to travel. Her favorite place was Thailand, but she also enjoyed her trips to Italy and St. Kitts. She also loved to read and spend time outside when it’s warm. Near the end she kept her brain sharp by playing games on her tablet. She always loved visits from family and friends.

Dorothy is survived by her husband, Richard Circo; sons, Dean (Corinne) Circo, David Circo; daughter-in-law, Christina Circo; and grandchildren, Landon Circo, Cameron Circo, and Brooke Circo.

She is preceded in death by her son, Daniel Circo.

Donations in Dorothy’s name can be made to Agrace Foundation.

The family would like to give special thanks to the care givers at Agrace Hospice & Palliative Care and the caregivers at Oakwood Village East.

A memorial service will take place at 11AM on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at Oakwood Village East, 5565 Tancho Drive, Madison, Wisconsin. A visitation will take place from 10AM until the time of service.