WESTFIELD – Dorothy Mary Bodendorf, recently celebrating her 97th birthday, passed peacefully on October 2nd, 2024. Dorothy was born August 26th, 1927 in the Indian Orchard section of Springfield, MA to the late Joseph and Bertha (Eidinger) Brodowski. She lived most of her life in Westfield graduating from Westfield High School.
In addition to her parents, Dorothy was predeceased by her husband, Robert Sr., her son, Robert Jr. and her brothers Ernest and Raymond Brodowski.
She is survived by her daughter Anna Seekins (Ronald) of Windham, ME and her daughter-in-law Christina Bodendorf of Westfield.
In addition, she leaves behind her sister Joyce Jutkus of Westfield and her sister-in-law Marie Brodowski of Valrico, FL; grandchildren Kate Fontaine (Shawn) of Blackwood, NJ, Andrew Loveitt (Courtenay Deane) of Deerwood, MN, Kari Seekins (Matthias Wagner) of Portland, ME and Jeffrey Seekins of Hendersonville, NC. She was also a great-grandmother to Owen and Avery Fontaine and Evan and Jonas Wagner.
Dorothy was a devoted member of Grace Lutheran Church in West Springfield and served as the church secretary for many years. She also volunteered for many organizations serving meals monthly at the Veterans Lunch, at the West Springfield/Agawam Parish Cupboard and also at the 4-H dining hall at the Eastern States Exposition. Dorothy was actively involved with the Needlers group where she knit hats for NICU patients and hats and scarves for the Seafarers in NY. She also knit prayer shawls for those in need of comfort.
Her family would like to thank the members of Grace Lutheran Church for the friendship and support they gave Dorothy. They would also like to thank the nurses and health care providers at Vantage Health and Rehab of Westfield for the wonderful care they provided.
A Memorial service for Dorothy will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 11th, 2024 at Grace Lutheran Church, 1552 Westfield Street, West Springfield, MA. A private burial will be held at the convenience of her family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dorothy’s memory to Grace Lutheran Church. Colonial Forastiere Funeral & Cremation, Agawam, MA has been entrusted with arrangements. For online condolences please visit www.forastiere.com.
