Dorothy (Dottie) Brennan passed peacefully on June 24th, 2025. Dottie was born as Dottie Haigh to Margery and Ronald Haigh in Huddersfield Yorkshire, England. She was later adopted by her father, Walter Thomas and became Dottie Thomas. This is where she met her beloved future husband, Walter J. Brennan, who was an officer in the United States Air Force. After they married, they traveled the world together and raised a son, Robert Brennan. Her husband, sister, and son preceded her in death.
Dottie was a 21-year resident of Teller County in Divide, Colorado. She loved her mountain home with her much-adored cats. Dottie always relished her deer friends, Charlie the buck, her serenity, and the beautiful mountain scenery.
Before moving to Colorado, Dottie was the Executive Director of Mendicino/Lake Counties Alterative Services in California. She was instrumental in developing programs to assist the courts for alternative sentencing for both adults and juveniles.
Dottie volunteered for many years at the Chamber of Commerce in Woodland Park, helping visitors find the numerous area attractions and amenities. She also served as the Vice President of AARF, the Adoptable Animal Rescue Force, an animal rescue organization serving many counties across Colorado with re-homing dogs.
Dottie and her spunky, winsome personality will be greatly missed by her friends and relatives.
There will be a Celebration of Life Service on Thursday, July 10th at Brookdale Briargate, 7560 Lexington Dr., Colorado Springs at 2:00 pm.
Memorials in Dottie’s name may be made to Teller County Regional Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 904, Divide, CO 80814, where there will be a legacy left in Dottie’s honor.
She was a faithful volunteer at the Chamber from 2006 through December 2022, and truly a bright shining star in the Visitor Center. Thousands of guests to our community were greeted by Dottie’s friendly smile and guided by her helpful insights—many even crediting her with their decision to relocate to our mountain town. We always knew when it was time for tea! She loved her English tea.
Dottie was also a passionate supporter of AARF (Adoptable Animal Rescue Force), the nonprofit closest to her heart. Many of our Chamber members worked alongside her through this organization, where her love for animals and dedication to service shone just as brightly.
Always early, always polished, and always kind—Dottie exemplified service with heart. Her professionalism, her stories, and her laughter filled our days and left a lasting impact on everyone lucky enough to know her.
We will miss her dearly. Her memory remains a treasured part of the Greater Woodland Park Chamber family.
Wonderful friend to both people and animals.