Obituary of Dorothea L. Stewart

Fonda, NY—Dorothea L. Stewart, 87, of Old Trail Road, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, July 26, 2017, at her home, with her loving family at her bed side. She was born at home on Locust Avenue in Amsterdam on June 20, 1930. She was the daughter of the late George Kennedy and Viola Gilkerson McNeil. Dorothea was a lifelong area resident and she graduated from the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School Class of 1948. Dorothea was first employed by Mohawk Carpet Mills for 15 years, she later worked for the Head Start Program in Amsterdam; Office of William E. Auty, Accountant, in Amsterdam; Schenectady Neurologist Association; and she was last employed by the office of Dr. Nancy S. Knudsen as Office Manager. Dorothea was a tireless worker for her churches. As a former member of the United Presbyterian Church (former Second Presbyterian Church) in Amsterdam, she served as an Ordained Elder, Deacon, Church Sunday school Superintendent, Director of Christian Education, Moderator of Pastoral Care & Membership, Worship Committee, Bell Choir and Chancel Choir. In 1965 she Co-Chaired the 1st Pre School Classes for Low Income Families All Religions & Races at the Second Presbyterian Church. At the time of her death, Dorothea was a member of the Amsterdam United Methodist Church where she was active in the United Women's Association, The Projects Team and the Leadership Council & Pastoral Care. She also served on The Lady Board of Managers for The Sanford Home for Women. Through the years she visited nursing homes, hospitals and residences of those who were ill. In her mission she sent out hundreds of cards to those who were ill, lost love ones and celebrated birthdays. Dorothea enjoyed singing and her greatest joy was being with and taking care of her grandchildren. Dorothea married Robert J. Stewart, a union that lasted for 65 years, until he passed away in 2015. She is survived by her son, Robert G. "Bobby" Stewart, Sr. of Tribes Hill; her daughter, Susan McNeil (Tom Lawrence) Stewart of Schenectady; four grandchildren, Robert G, (Sandra) Stewart, Jr. of Baytown Texas, John Henry (Darlene) Stewart of Amsterdam, Dorothea Lee (Noah Miskin) Joyce of Fort Collins, CO and Ian Stewart Joyce of Albany; three great grandchildren, Amanda Grace, Sean Van Vactor and Tessa Van Vactor; sister-in-laws, Joan Cockerham and Jacqueline (James) Dietrick; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Dorothea was also predeceased by her siblings, Georgia Podolec, Betty Craig, Lucille Bensyl, Russell Sandlin and William Sandlio. A memorial service will commence on Friday, July 28, 2017 at 1:00 PM at the Amsterdam United Methodist Church, 347 Golf Course Road, with the Rev. Judith L. Humphrey- Fox officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, July 28th from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the church. Burial of her cremated remains will take place at the Fairview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Amsterdam United Methodist Church, Community Hospice of Amsterdam or to a charity of your choosing. You may offer online condolences at www.brbsfuneral.com. Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010.