Dorothy Ann Velthaus

Dorothy Ann Ballul Velthaus

Dorothy Velthaus passed away peacefully in her home on Monday, August 10, 2026, surrounded by her family and close friends.

She was the beloved wife of Kenneth, who preceded her in death in October 1995, and was the proud mother of William, Andrew (Wayne), and Karen (James). Dorothy lived for her children, always in touch and offering keen advice and moral support, while closely following their everyday lives.

Dorothy was born in Jersey City on March 20, 1933, and her family soon relocated to Bayside, Queens, New York, where she spent her formative years. In 1964, soon after her courtship and marriage to Ken, they moved to School Street in Oyster Bay where she lived for the rest of her long and active life.

Dorothy discovered her love of horses as a young teen, beginning with volunteer jobs at a number of North Shore horse stables, and lasting throughout her entire life as a rider, owner, trainer, and advocate. In high school, she was on the swimming team, and loved the water throughout her life, including daily swims in her backyard pool. She was also a passionate dog owner, trainer, and advocate, with over a dozen pet companions over the years. For the last three decades of her life, she focused on rescuing former racing greyhounds once they retired, often caring for two of these gentle animals at a time.

Dorothy’s commitment to her children, close friends, and animal companions will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone who knew her. She will be missed every day.

Memorial services are still being planned and will be announced soon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dorothy’s memory to the following organizations:

Make Peace with Animals: Donation Forms - Make Peace with Animals

https://makepeacewithanimals.org/donation-forms/

Wounded Warriors Project: Wounded Warrior Project - Donate