Dorothy Groenendale Spencer

Dorothy Groenendale Spencer died on March 23, 2011, at Morningview Assisted Living. She was born in Brooklyn, New York, May 9, 1928, the daughter of Henry J. and Mae Groenendale. Dorothy grew up in New York City and (during World War II) Norfolk, VA. where her father was a Commander in the United States Navy.

She graduated from New Jersey College for Women (now Douglass College) with a B.S. in Library Science. She was a librarian at the Cleveland (Ohio) Public Library and the Yale University Library.

An avid gardener, Dorothy moved to Greensboro in 1970 and became interested in growing and cooking with herbs. She taught courses in cooking with herbs at the Guilford County Agriculture Extension Service. She joined the Herb Society of America, helped found (and was the first president of) the North Carolina Unit of the Society, served on the national organization's board for many years and wrote The Herb Society of America 1933-1993 A History, published by the HSA in 1995.

Dorothy is survived by her husband of 58 years, Christopher (Kit); her son Andrew and his wife Donna of Cocoa, FL; her daughter, Abigail Blackman and her husband David of Winchester, MA; her son, Duncan of Martha's Vineyard, MA and granddaughters, Emma and Rachel Blackman.

There will be a gathering of family and friends on Saturday April 9, 2011, to celebrate the life of Dorothy Groenendale Spencer. This special time will be held at the O’Henry Hotel in the Pavillion and Cloister Garden from 12:30 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. At 2:00 p.m., Dorothy’s son Andrew will share a brief time of reflection. Following these precious moments, the family invites those that are in attendance to share their special memories of Dorothy. A musical farewell will follow with the bagpipes in the Cloister Garden.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Greensboro for their care and patience. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Ave., Greensboro, NC 27405 or to Greensboro Beautiful, 501 Yanceyville St., Greensboro, NC 27405.

Online condolences can be made at haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.