Dorothy May “Dot” Muhlena

Dorothy May “Dot” Muhlena, age 101, of Rockland Place, formerly of Shipley Manor Wilmington, DE, passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

Born in Wilmington, DE, she was a daughter of the late Leon and Mary Johnson. Dot grew up on B Street and attended many “Southsider” reunions. Upon graduation from Wilmington High School, Dot went to work at Craven Law Firm. Dot joined the Civil Air Patrol to learn to fly Piper Cub Aircraft. When asked why she wanted to learn to fly, she said she thought it would be fun!  She flew for several years. Dot regularly attended dances at Aberdeen Proving Ground where she met her future husband, Gerhart J. “Dutch” Muhlena. They were married for 45 years until his passing in 2001. Dot was a long-time member of the Weston Senior Center and enjoyed oil painting classes. She was an avid bowler and bowled at Bowlerama well into her 80’s. Dot was also a long-time member of Old Swedes Episcopal Church and was a docent for many years. She also attended many classes at the Academy of Life Long Learning and enjoyed reading legal thrillers.

In addition to her parents, Dot was preceded in death by her sister, Shirley R. Johnson. She is survived by her brothers, Richard Johnson and Phillip Johnson; twin daughters, Phyllis A. Bradley (Steve) and Janet L. Hall (Keith); sons, Paul V. Muhlena and Mark D. Muhlena; 4 grandchildren, Amanda Shank (Ryan), Katie Hall, Nick Bradley, Tyler Bradley (Kelsey); 6 great-grandchildren, Kayleigh, James, Harper, Elliana, Bennett, and Jace; brothers-in-law, David Muhlena (Pat), Kenneth Muhlena (Cindy); sister-in-law, Judy McCoy; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family wishes to thank Bayada Nurses, PT’s, OT’s and ST’s for helping Dot live her best life. Thank you, Sarai Gonzalez of Rockland Place, for your loving care. The family would also like to thank VITAS Hospice for Dot’s end of life care.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 11 am. Inurnment will be held privately at Gracelawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dot’s name to Weston Senior Center, 1 Bassett Avenue, New Castle, DE 19720; or to the Old Swedes Foundation, 606 N. Church Street, Wilmington, DE 19801.