CLEVELAND, August 1, 2017 – The Greater Cleveland YWCA is saddened to hear of the passing of Dolores “Dolly” Kreicher Minter, who was featured as one of our Women of Achievement in 1998.
Dolly was born on August 4, 1939, in Lakewood, Ohio shortly after the Great Depression. She was passionate student and pursued a higher education at Baldwin-Wallace College. It was there she met her lifelong companion, Steve Minter, who would inspire her to make the world a better place.
Dolly’s family did not approve of Steve, an African-American. But at a time when interracial marriage was illegal in 22 U.S. states, Dolly was not deterred. Instead she was inspired to commit her life to making a social impact through decades of community leadership and service.
Dolly started her activism at the Fairmount Presbyterian Church, where she helped launch Project Renewal, a program that provided meals and fellowship to seniors and people with disabilities. She continued to serve in leadership roles in many organizations, including the Board of Directors of the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio, the Board of Trustees of Baldwin-Wallace and the Women’s Committee of the Cleveland Orchestra.
While Steve served as Executive Director and President of the Cleveland Foundation, Dolly was his most trusted adviser. She became a widely respected figure in the philanthropy field and eventually served as the Interim Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Greater Lorain County. Beyond Steve and Dolly’s community efforts, the raised three intelligent and independent daughters – Michele, Caroline and Robyn.
Dolly passed away peacefully at her home in Cleveland on June 21 at the age of 77, after a seven year battle with Alzheimer’s. Dolly has a room named after her at the YWCA of Greater Cleveland’s Independence Place, which is a supportive residence for women transitioning out of foster care. She passionately lived her life according to our mission and left an inspiring, long-lasting legacy.
About YWCA Greater Cleveland
YWCA Greater Cleveland is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families and strengthen communities. Through advocacy and programming, they create real change for women, families and communities. For more information call 216-881-6878, visit ywcaofcleveland.org, or join the conversation on social media by using #OnAMission.
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