Obituary, Dorothy “Dot” Burdick

 

Stanfordville – Dorothy Edith Burdick (nee Barton) 94 of Stanfordville, NY died on Saturday, August 11, 2018, at Vassar Brothers Hospital with three generations by her side.

Dot was born the only child of Frank and Carrie Barton on March 8, 1924. Following her education at the Stanford Free School and Millbrook High School, she went to Albany to train as a Well-Baby Nurse and had fond memories of her years as a nanny to the Wing family. While organizing a lecture on India for the Grange, she caught the eye of a soldier just home from the war. After a short courtship, she and that soldier, Irving Charles Burdick, were married on June 4, 1949. Over the next 55 years, they made their life in Stanfordville. Together they raised four children through good times and hardships, all the while instilling devotion to family, faith, and community. The family enjoyed many camping trips culminating in a cross-country adventure to show their children the America they so dearly loved. The family always returned to the homestead they built on Rt. 82, which became a place for homecoming, giving thanks, and fellowship.

Dorothy loved the United Church of Christ in Stanfordville her entire life, where eight generations of her family have been baptized. As a member, she served in just about every position including Sunday School Teacher for 65 years.

Dot was a devoted member of the Stanford Grange for 82 years, serving in many capacities including Lady Assistant Steward, Lecturer, Grange Historian, and on the Executive Committee. She will be remembered as a commanding fixture at the Dutchess County Fair for many years as a cashier for the Grange Family Snack Bar.

She volunteered as a Cub Scout, Brownie, and 4-H leader and was one of the proud founding members of the “Asparagus” Club.

As Town Historian, preserving the history of Stanfordville for future generations was one of Dorothy’s greatest passions. Among her many other duties, she served on the Stanford Rescue Squad, Secretary of the Stanford Fire Department, an election poll inspector, and helped write “Stanford Memories”.

Her other jobs included working at; Post’s Farm & Garden store, Loft’s Candy Shop, Mid-Hudson Chevrolet, and the Pine Plains Central School District as a substitute teacher.

Her family was her greatest hobby. She was an avid seamstress, knitter, and quilter, making special Christmas pajamas for her grandchildren, and made her daughter’s beautiful wedding dress.

Dorothy was predeceased by her husband; and in-laws: Walter and Marion Post, Stanley and Ann Burdick, and Lois Husted. She is survived by her children: Kent and his wife Theresa, Jay, Mark and his partner Arlene, and Lea and her husband Michael; as well as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Mechelle, her husband Erik, and son Charlie; Kelly and her partner Brandon; Jodi, her husband Ryan, daughter Rory, and son Mack; Dylan; Mikala; a great many nieces and nephews; and the citizens of Stanfordville who are left to carry on her great work.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor can be made to the United Church of Christ Stanfordville, PO Box 424, Stanfordville, NY 12581.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, August 19, 2018, at the United Church of Christ Stanfordville, 5928 Route 82, Stanfordville, NY, 12581. Reception following, courtesy of the Stanford Fire Company, 6096 Route 82, Stanfordville, NY 12581.

 

Author: Harlem Valley News