Dorothy Modliszewski

She was born in Utica to the late Edward Sears and the late Gladys Waldron Sears. She graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes Grammar School, Utica Catholic Academy and Utica Comptometer School and attended Mohawk Valley Community College.

She was a past member and volunteer of Our Lady of Lourdes Woman’s Club, Utica Catholic Academy Mother’s Club, Notre Dame Booster’s Club and Christian Women’s Club, a board member of the Business Republican Women’s Club of Utica (serving as vice president, secretary and program chair), St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Guild, 100 Thousand Club, Thursday Bridge Club, Crestwood Golf Club and Twin Ponds Golf Club, Sauquoit Valley Garden Club, Home Development Committee at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, volunteer at the Neighborhood Center, volunteer at Evelyn House and a Republican committeewoman for the town of Whitestown.

She was a sales representative for Brown Brothers Covering, Madison and Onondaga counties, for many years. In 1966 she went to work for Oneida County, a part-time job in the county clerk’s office that was to last five months but turned into 22 years. She retired from Central Services as administrative assistant to the director in the Oneida County Office Building.

She was an avid gardener, had vegetable and flower gardens, well into her 80s, and played in the same bridge club on Thursdays for over 30 years.

She spent her childhood summers in Woodgate with her grandmother, whom she adored, and in turn took all of her children to Woodgate during their summer vacations.

On April 30, 1947, she married the love of her life and high school sweetheart Richard Modliszewski, they had 57 wonderful years and built their dream house together. He passed away on April 28, 2004.

For 30 years she helped her brother William Sears with his campaigns and fundraisers for New York State Assembly and state senator.

She loved children: hers, yours, and everyone else’s.

She leaves behind her two sons, Robert M. Modliszewski and Richard (Donna) Modliszewski; daughters June (Allen) Belmont and Cheley Witte; 11 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren whom she adored and will always miss her.

She was predeceased by her parents and grandmother, brothers Sen. William Sears and Richard Sears (Hazel), her son-in-law William Witte and many dear friends.

We would like to extend our gratitude to the nurses and staff at Elderwood Nursing Home, especially mentioning the activities staff — she loved her Bingo.

We would like to extend our gratitude also to Sister Denise for her care and compassion to our mother.

“Who ran to help me when I fell, and would some pretty story tell, or kiss the place to make it well, my mother.”

“Everyone should have a Woodgate in their lives and learn how to dance on a carpet of moss.”

A Mass of Christian burial will be held 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Saranac Avenue, Lake Placid, with Father John Yonkovig officiating.

A private burial will be held in Woodgate Cemetery, Woodgate, following the Mass.

To share a memory, upload a photograph or leave condolences relatives and friends please visit www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com.