Dorothy Louise Higgs Kaluza, 89, of Dunkirk, formerly of Bemus Point, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at the Chautauqua Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Dunkirk. She was born on May 22, 1936 in Stockton, the daughter of the late Roy and Ruth Boyden Higgs.
Dorothy was a 1954 graduate of Mayville Central School. She worked for 36 years as an accounting supervisor for the Department of Social Services in Mayville. She was a member of St. Mary of Lourdes RC Church in Bemus Point and enjoyed gardening, making rosaries, and taking care of her property.
Dorothy is survived by her brother, Roger Higgs of Cassadaga; a sister, Maxine Castiglione of Lakewood; and six nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Edmon Kaluza, whom she married on February 11, 1956; and a sister, Patricia Cohick.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 28 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary of Lourdes RC Church, 41 Main Street in Bemus Point. The family will receive friends on Monday, April 27 from 2:00-4:00 PM at the Freay Funeral Home, 139 South Erie Street in Mayville. Burial will be in the Bemus Point Cemetery.
Memorial donations can be made to the Maple Springs Fire Department, PO Box 100, Bemus Point, NY 14712; or the Alzheimer's Association of WNY, 6400 Sheridan Drive #320, Buffalo, NY 14221.
To leave a remembrance or to post condolences to the family, please visit www.freayfuneralhome.com.
