She was raised in a Christian family during a time of intense persecution against Christians under the Roman Empire, particularly during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. From a young age, she exhibited a deep devotion to God and was known for her love of flowers, which later contributed to her patronage of gardeners and florists.

As a young woman, St. Dorothy faced pressure to renounce her faith when she was pursued by a pagan nobleman who sought to marry her. She steadfastly refused his advances, explaining that she had dedicated her life to Christ. In retaliation for her rejection, the nobleman betrayed her to the Roman governor Sapricius, accusing her of being a Christian. The governor attempted to persuade her to abandon her faith by offering leniency if she would sacrifice to the Roman gods; however, Dorothy remained resolute in her beliefs.

Her refusal led to severe torture and ultimately her execution by beheading around 303 AD. According to tradition, before her death, she sent a message in the form of a basket filled with flowers to Theophilus, a friend who had mocked her faith. This act is often interpreted as a miracle and symbolizes the connection between faith and nature.

Over centuries, she has been venerated as the patron saint of gardeners and florists due to her love for flowers.