Dorothy Mae Dolch

Dorothy Mae Newton Dolch (96) was born in Wildwood, New York on May 10, 1919 to Avis Fisk Newton and Hugh Newton. Her two older brothers, Jack and Carl taught her how to drive their Model T when she was 12 years old. She continued to be a car buff for the rest of her life and loved joining her sons Bud and David at the vintage car races in Watkins Glen well into her 90's.

Dorothy graduated from Potsdam State, and taught elementary school and art in upstate New York.
Dorothy married George Dolch on August 14, 1944 while he was the student pastor at the Methodist church she attended. George promised her: "We may never be rich, but we'll never be bored" as they headed off to Alaska to start the First Methodist Church of Anchorage. Both sons were born there. When they returned to the "lower 48," George served many churches in Upstate New York. George said: "I was the pastor, but Dorothy was the beloved minister."

George and Dorothy were known for their amazing generosity and hospitality, from drop in visits to year long hosting of people from around the world. She was active in making sleeping bags for homeless shelters (My Brother's Keeper program.) Dorothy was a cream-of-mushroom-soup-casserole kind of cook, and was delighted to feed 10+ people with a moment's notice. Sharing love was much more important to her than perfection.

In 1956 they drove by a dilapidated farmhouse all boarded up in the Adirondacks. They purchased and fixed up "The Promised Land." Even though they traveled extensively through Europe, China, South America, and the USA, "Promised Land" was their favorite place in the world to share with everyone.

Dorothy's lifelong qualities of kindness, openness, love, humility, and gratitude, deepened with advanced dementia and immobility. Her life was the United Methodist Church, her family, friends, students, dogs, travel adventures, service and hospitality to all.

The family is grateful for the extremely kind staff at Groton Community Nursing Center, Brookdale Senior Living, and Hospice. She also loved her 11 years at Longview where she founded their Welcome Wagon program.
Dorothy is survived by her sons Bud (Rebecca) Dolch of Ithaca, New York and David (Carole) Dolch; granddaughters Lauretta Dolch (Indi McCasey); Lydia (Laura) Dolch and Christina and Michelle; great grandchildren Freya Mae, Simka, Dowan and Greta Dolch; her beloved Kibben and Newton relatives; and "bonus son," James "Smiley" Smileuske (Dianne) and their children Amelia, Scot and Eric.
Bud and Lydia held her hand as she peacefully passed on to her final Great Adventure, full of faith, patience, and love.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul's United Methodist Church 402 N. Aurora, Ithaca, NY. or "My Brother's Keeper" sleeping bag making for homeless shelters. C/O Dryden United Methodist Church.

A celebration of her life will be Saturday October 24 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul's United Methodist Church. She would love for everyone to wear bright colors to her service. Reception to follow.

Service at St. Paul's Methodist Church, Ithaca, NY