Obituary of Dorothy A. Dodd

The family of Dorothy Albro Dodd, 91, formerly of Greenwich and Quaker Springs, is saddened to announce her passing on Monday, April 21, 2014 at Wesley Health Care Center. Surrounded by Wesley friends, compassionate caregivers and her devoted daughter, Donna, the Lord welcomed this gracious woman home. Born in Charlton on March 2, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Harriet and Charles Albro. Dorothy’s early years were spent on her grandparents’ farmstead where she learned to appreciate simple pleasures. She often recalled childhood memories of tapping sugar maples, bloomers made from flour sacks, a pet rooster who rode on her bicycle handlebars, and the hardships of the Great Depression. Her school days took her to the one-room Harmony Corners School House which she had the pleasure of revisiting in 2011. In November 1943 she married Wallace Wolford Dodd and moved to the Dodd dairy farm in Quaker Springs. Over the years, they welcomed four children into the family. Dorothy joined the Quaker Springs United Methodist Church in April 1944 and remained a member for the next 70 years. She was active in the Women’s Society of Christian Service and enjoyed making delicious tarts for the annual church smorgasbord. The Grange was an important element in Dorothy and Wallace’s social life. She was a Deputy in the Saratoga County Grange No. 1209, member of Pomona Grange and New York State Grange. She served the Quaker Springs Fire Department as one of the first home dispatchers in the 1960s. Dorothy was responsible for activating the siren and dispatching volunteer fire fighters to the scene. Dorothy was a member of the Quaker Springs Sunshiners Senior Citizens. She treasured her many friendships and looked forward to their gatherings. A woman of many talents, Dorothy’s artistic accomplishments included painting, sewing, jewelry making and short story writing. She began oil painting in the 1960s finding her greatest joy in rural landscapes. Amidst farm duties and tending children, Dorothy found moments to express her artistic nature. Wintery snow scenes, covered bridges and brilliantly colored autumn trees were her favorite subjects. Her first and only art exhibition was at age 87 in The Wesley Gallery. Dorothy continued to paint into her 90th year. While a resident at Wesley, she also began making jewelry and writing short stories which told of her childhood, farm life, pets and critters, and grandchildren’s escapades. Dorothy was an accomplished seamstress. Community members frequented her home throughout the years for clothing alterations, dress making, costumes, upholstery work, and bridal gowns. She continued her sewing ambitions while living at Wesley and offered her talents for special sewing projects. Dorothy will long be remembered for the twinkle in her eye, her compassionate nature and ready smile. She extended kindness and a word of cheer to everyone she encountered. She loved to laugh and especially enjoyed telling senior citizen jokes. Her memory leaves an afterglow of smiles. In addition to her parents, Dorothy is predeceased by her husband, Wallace; two sons, Charles “Chip” Dodd and Mark Dodd; a brother, Willard “Buddy” Albro; two sisters, Ruth Stitch and Helen Costanzo. Survivors include Robert Tucker, friend and companion at Wesley; daughter, Donna Dodd-Thomas (Cliff) of Greenwich; son, David Dodd (Virginia) of Staunton, Virginia; daughter-in-law, Bonnie Dodd Greenfeld (Robert) of Schuylerville; sister, Doris Minerley of Endicott; 10 grandchildren; one great grandson; several nephews; a niece Freda Sawyer of Ballston Spa; and her cherished cat, Buddy. The family wishes to thank the Wesley caregivers and staff for making Dorothy’s final season of her life so rewarding and happy. Family and friends are invited to call from 6 to 8 pm on Friday, April 25 at Flynn Bros., Inc. Funeral Home, 13 Gates Avenue, Schuylerville. A celebration of life and worship service will be conducted on Sunday, May 18, at 2 pm at the Quaker Springs United Methodist Church with Rev. Al Johnson officiating. Memorial donations may be made to the Quaker Springs United Methodist Church, Route 32 South, Schuylerville NY 12871.