Dorothy G. Stranagan

She was born October 4, 1937 in Scott Center, PA to Arthur Wilbur Allen and Roberta May Pobgee.

She attended schools in Bainbridge, Unadilla & Laurens and graduated from the Utica School of Commerce.

She married Maurice James Stranagan in Oneonta, NY on November 29th, 1953 and they resided in Oneonta, Schenectady, Mount Vision and Laurens, NY

Together, they raised 5 children: Diane (Barry) VanBuren; Sharon (Frank) Dean; Maurice Strananan, Jr; Martin (Audrey) Stranagan and Maureen (Donald) Bordinger and were asked to share in the up bring of 2 nieces: Corinne (Shaylor) Mulligan & Deborah Shaylor and a nephew, Eugene Shaylor. Over the years, they opened their hearts and home to several family members and became a positive influence to many family & friends.

Throughout her ambitious life, she was employed by Swan Cleaners, the Headstart Program, Main Street Children's Center, as well as a medical office and pharmacy. She served as Sunday School Superintendent and teacher, Director of VBS and was drafted by her peers as President of the local PTA.

She enjoyed hosting parties for family & friends; cooking; baking, collecting recipes; listening to music; and watching classic movies and TV, especially her favorite, I Love Lucy!

Words used to best describe her are: strong, loving, selfless, patient, patriotic, compassionate, thoughtful, sensitive, quick witted, with a sense of humor and most importantly a prayer warrior for all. Her courageous spirit won over the hearts of the compassionate and skilled ICCU staff at Fox Hospital where she spent her last precious weeks.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, their children, thirteen grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren; her siblings Barbara (Roy) Mitchell, Wilbur (Carol) Allen, Carolyn Combes, Helen (Robert) Wikoff, Wayne (Kay) Allen, James (Rita) Allen, Donna Palmer, Norma (Gerald) Ayers; Sisters-in-law Betty Jean Benge and Joanne Kraft; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins very near and dear to her heart.

She was predeceased by her daughter-in-law Lori Stranagan; step-mother Marion Allen; granddaughters Jill & Audrey Stranagan; great grand-daughter Denise Mae Gaede; nephews: Richard, Robert and Isaac Shaylor and Timothy Allen; and nieces Felta (Shaylor) Bills and Monica Allen.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Friday, June 8, 2012 at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand Street, Oneonta with Rev. Timothy Thurber, pastor of the West Oneonta Baptist Church, officiating.

Friends may call on Thursday, June 7, 2012 from 6 to 8 pm at the funeral home at which time the family will be in attendance.

Contributions are welcome in Dorothy’s name to the Laurens Emergency Squad – thank you for your generous responses & efforts!