Dorothy D Fleming

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Native Staten Islander Dorothy D. Fleming, 90, of Great Kills, a homemaker and nature lover who played an active role in her daughter's lives, died Sunday at Eger Health Care and Rehabilitation Center, Egbertville, where she had been a resident for four years.

Born Dorothy Dadswell on Staten Island, she grew up in Dongan Hills, and settled in Great Kills after marrying Denis (Bob) Fleming in 1942.

She graduated from New Dorp High School.

As a mother to three daughters, she was a member of the mother's club at St. Clare's R.C. Church, Great Kills, where she was an active parishioner for 65 years.

Mrs. Fleming thoroughly enjoyed her family and loved being around children, her loved ones recalled. She met children at their level — playing games, teaching outdoors skills, and doing simple cooking and arts and crafts projects

She loved to host parties big and small — from birthday celebrations for her daughters in her backyard, to "Dadswell Cousins" reunions — she would invite her cousins from across the country to visit, creating a Dadswell family keepsake for each gathering.

Mrs. Fleming was also active in Girl Scouting — she was a senior troop leader for more than 25 years, and loved to sing Scout songs and lead campfires. She took her troop to Girl Scout Roundups in Colorado in 1959, and Vermont in 1962.

Mrs. Fleming worked as a guide at High Rock Conservation Center, where she shared her knowledge and love of nature as she toured the park with school groups. She often said she felt at home in High Rock Park, since she spent so many years there as a Girl Scout and leader, her family recalled.

Mrs. Fleming also worked as a tour guide in Richmond Town Restoration, demonstrating weaving, quilt-making and cooking on an open hearth.

In her spare time, she enjoyed embroidery, drawing, painting and making dolls and stained glass. She was a quilter with the Staten Island Quilter's Guild and a member of the St. Clare's Varsity Club.