Obituary of Dorothy G. Leach

Dorothy Emma Gerrish Leach, 88, died peacefully at home Saturday, August 29, 2009, surrounded by her family. Born March 12, 1921, in Gloversville, NY, the third of five children of immigrants Edward and Minnie Rosa Dew Gerrish, Dorothy and her brother and sisters were orphaned at an early age and raised by an aunt and uncle, Gordon and Emma Hamm, who kept the family together. Dorothy was married for 62 years to her high school sweetheart, Robert Leach, who died in 2004. The couple moved to their home in Clinton in 1952. Dorothy and Robert were the parents of two children, James (wife Linda) of Hamilton, and Sally Emery of Clinton, who has lived with and cared for Dorothy since Robert's passing. Dorothy and Robert had five grandchildren (Jody Emery Thomas [Dena] of Manlius, Robert Emery [Lindsay] of Clark Mills, Travis Leach of Boston, Darcie Leach Loveless [David] of Hamilton, and Tyler Leach of New London, CT), and four great grandchildren (Benjamin and Sophie Thomas, and Alexandria and Elayna Emery, with one more Emery on the way). Dorothy is also survived by her sister Mary DiMezza of Presbyterian Home, and by many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Dorothy was a gardener, volunteer, den mother, friend, but beyond all a loving and gracious wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt who lived for and through her family. Her smile and gentle wit could make anything right, and carried many a day. For nearly a quarter century, Dot and Bob were frequent exhibitors at craft fairs throughout the northeast, where they sold his one-of-a-kind works in wood. A member of the Clinton Methodist Church, with unwavering faith that was deep and lifelong, she quietly lived the Golden Rule. The family is grateful to Hospice for the tender care given to Dorothy in her final days. There will be no calling hours. Following a private service, burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery, Clinton. Arrangements by Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, Inc, Clinton. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Dot's memory to Hospice & Palliative Care of New Hartford or to the Central Oneida County Volunteer Ambulance Corps.