Dorothy "Dot" Goldsworthy

Dorothy Ann (Miller) Goldsworthy passed away peacefully at UW Hospital at the age of 94 on Friday, November 24, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Racine, Wisconsin on January 21, 1929, to Hunter and Anna Miller. She attended Racine Horlick High School, along with her older brother Bob. In 1950, Dorothy married the love of her life, Clarence (Goldy) Goldsworthy, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dorothy and Goldy lived in Madison, WI and had three sons to keep them plenty busy. Dorothy viewed family as the ultimate gift throughout her life. She never missed an event, and her presence made every gathering feel special. If you were part of her family, extended family, family through marriage, or a friend of the family, you were important to her, and she always let you know that.

Dorothy was a pioneer guiding the early stages of women’s athletics. From her teaching and coaching of many sports at Edgewood High School, to being one of the first two women to coach summer basketball camps on the UW campus, she was a strong voice in the development and acceptance of girls’ and women’s sports. So many of her former players kept in touch with her. Her players and students were important to her, and she was important to them.

Dorothy had many accolades as a dedicated teacher and coach and had a huge impact in her community. She was named the Wisconsin Independent Schools Athletic Association Basketball Coach of the Year and Madison City Coach of the Year in 1979, and the WISAA Woman of the Year in 1991. She was honored by the University of Wisconsin School of Education as “Teacher of Teachers” in 1989. Dorothy was inducted into the Edgewood High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995, the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 1997, and the Madison Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. 

Dorothy was a very active person and especially loved playing softball, golf, and cards. She was an avid Badgers fan, attending football, basketball, and volleyball games for over 70 years. She also was a diehard Brewers and Packers fan.  But her favorite sporting events and activities to attend were her children and grandchildren’s. Her presence at her family’s sports games, school activities, and concerts always made them feel so loved and supported. Dorothy and Goldy also loved to travel and enjoyed many winters at Murry Hills, in Lake Worth, Florida.

Throughout her life Dorothy always stayed current. Whether it was politics, city developments, sports, or family happenings, she was informed and usually had strong opinions. You could always have a meaningful conversation with her because while she had her own opinions, she was also very accepting of others’ opinions or ideas.

Dorothy will be dearly missed by all who were lucky enough to know her. Her annual hosting of Christmas Eve will be especially remembered by those privileged to sit at her never-ending table.

Dorothy is survived by her sons Bob (Jane) Andersen-Goldsworthy of Madison, WI, Tim (Kathy) Goldsworthy of Madison, WI, and Tom (Susan) Goldsworthy of Pittsboro, North Carolina; her grandchildren Jennifer, Joe (Miranda), and Kevin (Brooke) Goldsworthy, Amy and Todd Andersen-Goldsworthy; and great-granddaughters Addison and Arizona Goldsworthy.  She was proceeded in death by her parents, her loving husband Goldy and brother Bob and sister-in-law Onie Miller.

A visitation will be held on Monday December 4, 2023, from 1:00-4:00 at Cress Funeral Service, 3610 Speedway Rd., Madison, Wisconsin 53705 A short tribute will take place at 3:00.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Edgewood High School Athletics or to the family who will donate to UW Athletics Badger Fund

The family would like to thank all her caregivers, especially Laura for her years of dedication and friendship.