Dorothy was born on a very cold evening on Jan. 12, 1948 at Lakeland Hospital to James and Dorothy Begg. She grew up in Fontana and was a lifelong Walworth County resident. She married Bernard Kaufmann in 1982. He died in January 2026. She passed away Feb. 24, 2026 in Burlington.
A graduate of UW- Whitewater in education with a Masters in Educational Administration, Dorothy did not have any children of her own but dedicated her life and career to children. She was a guiding light to many Sharon and Big Foot Union School district children, families, teachers and staff. Her heart was bigger than herself. During her career she gave everything to everyone that needed a friend, a pat on the back, a hug, food, clothing and a passion for them to excel and succeed. During Dorothy’s career for over 40 years, she was the District Administrator for Big Foot High School, and Sharon Elementary and Middle School’s Administrator. She started her career as a Special Education teacher. She developed many programs in that time including additional construction of the high school, FFA implementations on a national level, built a Fine Arts Program, created the Financial Foundation of Big Foot High School and supported men’s and women’s sports. She was widely acclaimed for her leadership and devotion to education. It was her life’s work and she adored it.
Dorothy was a survivor of Multiple Myeloma, undergoing a stem cell transplant in 2014. She was a tough cookie. She handled that battle with grace and strength. She had many hobbies and interests including shopping (she loved to buy presents and wrap them for others), baking (the best rum cake ever) and she even had a Llama farm for a bit. Her favorite Llama was Ballerina.
As long as she had her potato chips and Coca Cola she was happy. We miss you DJ.
Dorothy is survived by her sister Susanne Begg Gilbertson; brother James Begg III and his wife Lydia; three nephews and two nieces; and her many amazing friends, coworkers and students. You meant the world to her.
Mass will be held at St Catherine’s in Sharon on April 18, 2026 at 10 a.m. Visitation and luncheon will follow at the Sharon School.
In lieu of flowers please consider donations to a scholarship in Dorothy’s name to the Bigfoot High School Educational Foundation.
Clancy it is time to ring your bell!!