Dorothy Ann (Zabik) Hylemon

Dorothy Ann (Zabik) Hylemon, affectionately known as "Dottie" to all who loved her, was born on July 7, 1931, in Chicopee, MA, to Anna and Walter Zabik. She spent her early years in South Hadley, MA, and graduated from South Hadley High School.

During her senior year, she met her lifelong love, Kennith Hylemon, from Burnsville, NC, while he was stationed at Westover Air Force Base. Their love story spanned 67 years. Together, they raised three children—Debra, Nancy, and Michael—in South Hadley.

Dottie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, remembered for her sunny and spirited personality. She loved music and harmonized beautifully during family sing-alongs. She enjoyed weekly bowling with her sisters-in-law, staying informed on current events, and reading historical novels and health-related books, which contributed to her vibrant 94 years. As a stay-at-home mom, Dottie often worked late into the evening, designing and sewing everything from bathing suits to ball gowns for her family. After her children were grown, she worked for 13 years at Acme Chain in Holyoke, MA, in various roles before returning with Kennith to Burnsville, NC, in 1985.

In Burnsville, they lived long, fulfilling lives immersed in nature, tending to their home, gardens, and property, surrounded by a large and loving family.

Dottie was predeceased by her husband, Kennith, in 2018. She is survived by her children, Debra Austin (Michael), Nancy Wille (James), and Michael Hylemon (Jennifer); six grandchildren, Michael and Brian Austin, Gregory and Christopher Wille, and Matthew and Lauren Hylemon; and five great-grandchildren, Peyton and Declan Wille, and Taylor, Jackson, and Chase Wille. Dottie is also survived by her brothers Robert and Frank Zabik and a sister, Mildred Kolek. She was predeceased by her brother William Zabik.

Dottie passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by family, on July 18, 2025. A private family service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Compassionate Care Western North Carolina (Burnsville, NC) at www.compassionatecarewnc.org.

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