A bittersweet but happy day for late Rose Dott's family
Parents of late Rose finalise Fels Point deal
2011 Washington Rose Dorothy 'Dott' Henggeler
The parents of the late Washington Rose Dorothy 'Dott' Henggeler, who last week purchased Fels Point Hotel, say they have been bowled over by the reception they have gotten from the people of Tralee.
Dick and Eibhlin Henggeler finalised the purchase of the hotel on Friday and they were later joined by their extended family at the hotel to celebrate the historic deal.
Speaking to The Kerryman the Henggelers described the day as a joyous but bitter-sweet occasion as they remembered their daughter whose tragic passing last year stunned the tight knit Rose of Tralee community.
"It's a bit bitter-sweet, but Dorothy would be on cloud nine," said Eibhlín Henggeler.
"Dorothy sold Ireland every minute of her life and for us to be in the hospitality industry…well, she's our guide. I feel whatever we do here, we'll be doing it to make her proud. We could not have written this story and I think she is writing it for us," she said.
The Henggelers said the Rose of Tralee had been the experience of a lifetime for their daughter.
"We expected good things, but we were both blown away by what a magnificent festival it is for parents, as it was the nicest thing that could happen for your daughter," said Dick
They added that they have been deeply moved by the reception they have received in Tralee and by plans to name a new walkway in the town park in Dott's honour.
"We're deeply moved that the walk will be named for Dorothy. We're just so touched, we didn't imagine that would happen," said Eibhlín.
"We've seen over the last few years how Tralee embraces the Rose. People have been coming up to us and thanking us and we feel we haven't done anything but we will make them proud of this hotel," he said.
