Dorothy C. Godina, 88, of Dunkirk, died Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, at the Chautauqua Nursing and Rehabilitation Center following a brief illness.
Born on March 4, 1932, in Dunkirk, N.Y., the daughter of the late James and Virginia (Porpiglia) Corsoro, Dorothy was raised in a section of the city formerly known as “Dutch Hill.” She developed a strong work ethic at a very young age by living and working on a farm in the town of Sheridan during the summer months with her mother and ten siblings while her father worked his regular job during the week and joined them on weekends.
Following graduation from Dunkirk High School, Class of 1950, she was employed at Cease’s Commissary, the OBSERVER, and the New York State Unemployment Office. She then retired in 1998 after 14 years of service with the Dunkirk Housing Authority.
Dorothy married her husband Louis P. Godina on April 25, 1953, and had one daughter, Carol. They enjoyed 53 years of marriage until Louie’s passing on Jan. 25, 2007.
A lifelong member of Holy Trinity Church in Dunkirk, she truly shared her time, talents and love of God to serve her parish community. No job was too small or too great to participate in. She served as a Parish Trustee until the time of her death. She co-chaired the former 1200 Club which was a major fundraiser for the church for years, was a Bingo captain for decades, a member of the Women’s Guild, a Eucharistic Minister, a Collection counter, and served on planning and working committees for various parish functions. In 1999, Dorothy was honored as a recipient of the Lay Award of St. Joseph the Worker by Bishop Henry J. Mansell in recognition of her loyalty and devotion to the Church. She has always lived a life of service.
Dorothy was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62 and the Dunkirk Senior Citizens Center where she enjoyed many parties and activities. She served on the Dunkirk Housing Authority Board of Commissioners for 12 years as a member, Vice Chairperson and Chairperson.
Dorothy truly loved her family and friends and the times spent with them. Their well-being and happiness were most important to her and she was always willing to lend a hand, no matter what, no questions asked. She loved to laugh and have a good time. Holidays were always special because it involved time with family. It usually ended up with the game of Scat being played and it didn’t matter how old you were, she was going to take your quarters with a great big smile on her face and maybe a ha-ha to go along with it. She loved to make and give away her famous apple pies All someone had to do was mention her pie and they would have one the next day. She enjoyed playing cards, doing word search puzzles and adult coloring, bingo, casino trips, scratch off tickets, socializing with her friends at the American Legion and a nice glass of wine.
Dorothy and her daughter took a trip to Italy with friends/parishioners of Holy Trinity Church. They visited several cities in Italy but the highlight of their trip was a stop in Calabria, the city where her parents were born and raised. She met a cousin for the first time and was treated to a day visiting her parents’ original homestead and touring the community where they lived. It was an amazing trip filled with cherished memories.
Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Carol Oliveira of Dunkirk; also survived by sisters-in-law Mary Ann Corsoro of Dunkirk and Gloria Corsoro of Florida; her best friend of over 70 years, Katherine “Chubby” Fellinger; and many nieces and nephews. A special thank you to nieces Nancy and Jenny Ringler and Mary Ann Corsoro who brought many smiles and happiness to Dorothy with their regular visits and tasty treats.
In addition to her parents and husband, Dorothy was preceded in death by her seven brothers; Anthony, Philip, Joseph, Frank, Dominic, Samuel and George Corsoro; and three sisters; Frances Oddo, Josephine Rossotto and Virginia Valvo.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions and protocols a private funeral mass will be held at Holy Trinity Church, Dunkirk. Entombment will be in the Resurrection Mausoleum of Holy Trinity Cemetery. A Celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held at a date and time to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Dorothy’s memory to Holy Trinity Church, 1032 Central Avenue, Dunkirk or Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on Wheels, 196 Newton Street, Suite 5, Fredonia, N.Y.
A heartfelt thank you to the staff at Chautauqua Nursing and Rehab for the kindness, support, caring and caregiving given to Dorothy these past three years.
Arrangements by the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home.
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