Dorothy B. VanDyke

Dorothy was born in Geneva, NY on August 23, 1925 to the late Frederick & Catherine (Haag) Behrens. She graduated from Phelps Central School in 1943, later graduated top of her class from Rochester Business Institute as a medical secretary. She worked at Sampson Naval Hospital as a secretary to several navy doctors who were heading a streptomycin research project, also the Tuberculosis Ward during WWII. In 1950 she married her husband of 55 years E. Boyd Van Dyke, along with him they raised their family and ran the family business, Van Dyke Insurance Agency in Penn Yan. Dorothy was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She volunteered her time as a Cub Scout Den Mother, Brownie Leader, Sunday school teacher and camp counselor. Dorothy enjoyed attending her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren’s events and activities.

Dorothy was a devout Christian and an active member of the Penn Yan United Methodist Church since 1950. She initiated the “Clothes Closet”, where less fortunate families in the area could come and pick out much needed clothing. She was a member of the United Methodist Women and enjoyed spending time with her many dear friends in the ELL-D-Van Class, named for her father-in-law, who served many years as minister of the church. She was a long time volunteer at the Soldiers & Sailors Hospital Auxiliary. Involved with the American Red Cross Blood Drive and enjoyed playing piano for the residents and staff at the Penn Yan Manor.

Dorothy is predeceased by her husband and love of her life, E. Boyd Van Dyke, sisters Elsie (Behrens) Schiller and Mildred Behrens.

She is survived by her sister Helen Bornheimer of Raleigh, NC and sister-in-law Helen (Van Dyke) Westover of Midlothian, VA; her three children, William (Amy) Van Dyke of Penn Yan, Steve (Lorraine) Van Dyke of Victor, Carol (Albert) Baldy of Raleigh, NC; grandchildren Karen (Bryant) Rogers, Marsha (Shawn) Sommer, Sarah (Matt) Dwyer, Michael (Amy) Van Dyke, Brian (Joanna) Van Dyke, Alex, Connor, Drew and Ryan Baldy; great grandchildren Haley (Matt) Catlin, William Rogers, Jacob Currier, Dylan & Addison Dwyer, Nathan & Lily Van Dyke, Collin & Amelia Van Dyke, Kierstin, Madison, Kayleigh, Hannah; many nieces and nephews, especially her loving niece Patricia Schiller of Geneva, NY.

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of her life November 29th with a noon luncheon and a memorial service to follow at 1:30 at the Penn Yan United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Dorothy’s name to Penn Yan United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, PO Box 242, Penn Yan, NY 14527; Soldiers & Sailors Hospital Auxiliary, 418 N. Main St., Penn Yan, NY 14527; Penn Yan Manor Nursing Home, 655 North Liberty St., Penn Yan, NY 14527.