Dorothy Casey Gaede

               DOROTHY CASEY GAEDE, formerly of Route 214, Phoenicia, NY, died peacefully on July 6, 2020 in Granstsboro, NC. She was born on March 17, 1931 in Brooklyn, daughter of the late Ellen and Joseph Eck. A long-time resident of Phoenicia, “Dotty” was known for her creativity; whether in her garden, her oil paintings, or decorating her house for the holidays. The Shandaken Theatrical Society (STS) gave her the opportunity to use her talent in every aspect, whether baking for intermission, designing and sewing her glittery costumes, directing Christmas shows, selling stars for fundraisers, being part of a cast, or caring for the garden. Dotty served as president of the theater group and was instrumental in arranging for STS to purchase its theater in 1998.  She was a shining star and anyone who knew her could say that she brought a little spark of happiness in theirs. She was definitely full of surprises!

She was a good grandma. She loved her grandchildren and was there for them at the drop of a hat. She was their daycare provider, artistic director, swimming instructor, and protector.  When Jessica was a toddler she drove the L.I.E. every Wednesday to spend time with her and years later watched her for a couple weeks in the summer, picking flowers, drawing pictures and introducing her to “Fella,” the resident raccoon.  She spent many hours taking care of Derek when he was a baby and during snow closings and school days off as he got older. He was her go to Santa Claus during STS’s Christmas Shows!  She thought nothing of hopping on a train to Long Island to visit her grandchildren, Matt and Michelle. She would go pumpkin picking, to the beach, or wherever Matt and Michelle wanted her to go. They were very fortunate to have her presence in their life.  She was loved and adored by all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren and will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her daughters, Pat Stroh of New Bern, NC, Irene Rubbo of Bayport, New York and Walter Casey, Jr. of Elmont, her grandchildren, Jessica Ryder, Matthew Rubbo and Michelle Rubbo, and her great grandchildren, Nicole, Fayth and Dakota. She is predeceased by her husband, Chester Gaede, her parents, Joseph and Ellen Eck, and her grandson, Derek Stroh.

To share a special memory or thought with the family, please visit Dotty’s Tribute Wall at www.gormleyfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the E. B. Gormley Funeral Home 87 Main St. Phoenicia.

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