Dorothy J. Benedict

Benedict, Dorothy J. July 20, 1937 – August 21, 2021Dorothy J. Benedict is now resting in God’s loving arms after passing away peacefully on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at the Hospicare residence in Ithaca, NY.  Her son, Timothy and granddaughter Caty were by her side.She was born in Ithaca, a daughter of Douglas, Sr. and Marguerite (Yaple) Stone.  In addition to her parents, Dorothy is predeceased by her husband Valentine “Bill” Benedict, brothers Richard “Dick” Stone, Douglas “Bubby” Stone Jr., Thomas Stone and sister, Judith Tilton.Surviving Dorothy are her siblings John (Helen) Stone, and sisters Patricia Darling and Susan (Harold) Mix; her children Timothy (MaryLouise), Valorie, Susan (Jim), John (Wendy), and Matthew. Grandchildren; Caty (Chris), Annie (Ian), Mollie (Mike), Meghan, Kara, Cory (Megan), Ryan (Auburn). great- grandchildren Connor, Cameron, and Emett. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, and friends and will be dearly missed by her cats Louie, Oscar, and Pearl.  Dorothy was a graduate of Ithaca High School, Class of 1955 and was employed as an aide in a local nursing home, in the Zoology Department at Cornell University, and at T.G. Miller Sons Paper Company. She and Bill eventually became co-owners of T.G. Miller’s and at any given time, there was always at least 2-3 family members working alongside them.   Dorothy was extremely proud of her heritage.  Her mother’s family, the Yaple’s, were one of the first to settle in Ithaca.  She kept every article, document, and book on the subject and shared the information with anyone who would listen!  She was also very proud of being a “Creeker” as a child and continued living in Fall Creek with Bill and their kids for many years before moving to the Northeast area.Mom, Mimsie, Grandma, Mimi, Dot, Dottie, and lovingly “Ottie” by her dear brother John, Dorothy was completely dedicated to the annual “Relay for Life” event for many, many years.  She absolutely loved western line dancing and her closet was filled with boots and skirts in every color imaginable.  Dorothy loved the holidays, especially Halloween and Christmas.  She always dressed up in a costume and couldn’t wait for the doorbell to ring so she could greet the kids with a gigantic bowl of candy and guess what they were dressed up as.  She loved having the family gather for Christmas.  She decorated every room and always set a beautiful table where we enjoyed a wonderful meal and exchanged stories of the previous Christmases sometimes interrupted by hysterical laughter or someone begging “Please don’t tell that story again!!”.  She was a shopaholic and a huge gift giver and always came home with a bag full of trinkets for her family and friends.  Dorothy was a night owl. She’d stay up all night tinkering around the house and, yes shopping. She should’ve gotten an award for QVC’s MVP (most valuable purchaser)!! Dorothy always had a story to tell every time (usually daily) she’d go to the grocery store.  For some reason, all the older gentlemen would come up to her and start a conversation.  Whether it was about how to tell if a fruit was ripe, which aisle something was located, or to just strike up a conversation about the price of something or the weather, they all sought her out! The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Dorothy’s team of doctors including Dr. Cotton, Dr. Swisher, Dr. Brennan and NP Rachel Ayers.  We would also like to thank Hope, Sandi, and Vicki for the special care you bestowed upon mom.  Words cannot express our appreciation to the dynamic staff and volunteers at the Hospicare residence.  From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, care and respect for our precious mother.  Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, August 25th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Bangs Funeral Home, 209 W. Green St., Ithaca.  A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, August 26th at 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 113 N. Geneva St., Ithaca.  Burial will follow at Calvary cemetery.In Lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hospice of Ithaca.

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Wednesday, August 25, 2021 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Bangs Funeral Home, Inc. 209 W Green St. Ithaca, New York 14850

Thursday, August 26, 2021 10:00 AM

Immaculate Conception Church 113 N. Geneva St. Ithaca, NY 14850