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BORN
1930
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Dorothy Bedor Obituary
“If you want something done, ask a busy woman.” Dorothy Gailey Bedor left this earth on January 9, ending a long life of community involvement, mentorship and giving back. She was indeed a busy woman.
Born in 1930 to Flossie Eiss Gailey and Charles Cool Gailey, she grew up in Stone Mills, NY, graduating from LaFargeville High School at the top of her class. After studying briefly at Syracuse University, she returned home to marry the love of her life, Junior Bedor, at Stone Mills Methodist Church. She and Junior shared a lifetime, partnering over more than sixty years in several businesses, including dairy farming, bulk milk trucking and a you-pick strawberry operation.
The family relocated in 1962 to a farm in Adams, NY where both Dorothy and Junior were well known for their involvement in the community and their church. Dorothy taught senior high Sunday school for many years, was active with women’s groups and led youth groups in Adams, often partnering with youth leaders in nearby communities. She led two 4-H clubs and took groups to Camp Aldersgate and on several bus trips. She often found time to host elegant meals with her close friends and family. In more recent years she led a popular Bible study at Watertown’s Church of the Nazarene, where a close knit group of women met every week.
She is survived by her daughters Carol (Mike), Shirley (Joe), Jil (Kerry) and Nancy (Don), a sister, Frances, a brother, Charles, 13 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Friday, January 24 at 12 noon at Watertown Life Church of the Nazarene, 535 Thompson Blvd, Watertown, NY, 13601. Visitation with the family will precede the service from 11 AM to noon. A luncheon will follow the service at the church. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the church or to Grove Cemetery Assn., 20173 County Route 181, LaFargeville, NY 13656.
Arrangements are with Reed & Benoit Funeral Home, Inc. and condolences may be made online at www.reedbenoit.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Dorothy Bedor
Mary Jo Walsh
January 18, 2025
Oh my gosh. My second mom. I spent half my elementary school years sitting at Bedor’s dinner table with Nancy, Jill, Junior, Gram and Dorothy. There was homemade ice cream and milk straight from the cows. And I worked there in the summers, where Dorothy was the best boss ever. Who else brings donuts, and yes, sometimes even hot fudge sundaes, to the workers in the field for a mid-morning break? Mrs. Bedor was a treasure, a classic, a lady. A super human, a true Christian. My love to all the girls as they mourn the loss of their mom. I grieve with you.
Mary Jo (Grieco) Walsh
Michael Shoemaker
January 17, 2025
Jill and family, I am sorry to hear about your mom passing. I am sure you have numerous loving memories of your mother and family traditions. Your mom will always be inside your thoughts and your hearts. May God bless you and yours.
Jill (Worden) Brown
January 17, 2025
Dear Jil and family- I am so very sorry for your Mom's passing. She was so kind and caring. I remember on so many occasions coming to your home. Jil, we had so many great times together! Sending prayers and lots of hugs.
Heather Crawley -Harmych
January 17, 2025
Dorothy was my Sunday school teacher, dear friend of my mom's, and my first employer....I picked strawberries., I remember her on many camping trips with my family and friends.. I was only 12 or 13 i think.
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Cathy Sommer
January 17, 2025
We lived across the street from Dorothy & Junior through the 1990's. They were wonderful neighbors and friends always offering help to us as a young couple. Dorothy often brought goodies over to us and Junior plowed us out throughout each winter. Once the strawberries were ready for picking, Junior brought us a big basket of beautiful berries every summer. Although we moved away, Dorothy and I wrote letters to keep up for many years. I am so thankful to have known both Dorothy & Junior...both remarkable people who taught us how to be good neighbors early in our marriage.
We extend our deepest sympathy to Dorothy's family. God Bless you all.
Cathy & Bill Sommer
Karen Nevills
January 17, 2025
Dear Jill and Family,
Such a great Picture of your Mom! She was truly a beautiful soul inside and out! I will always remember her teaching Sunday School, the MYF meetings at your house with pizza and homemade ice cream Sunday nights, our snowmobiling days, Jill, and so much more. I think our Moms also shared a special bond through church and their faith. They were true ladies in every sense of the word. Such wonderful memories for sure! I shall treasure them always.
My love and prayers to all of you. My heart will be with you in the days ahead and always . ♥
Karen Brown Nevills
Marsha Savery
January 16, 2025
Sending heartfelt condolences to family and friends. I see her kindness, sincerity and work ethic reflected in her daughter, Carol my dear friend.
Karen Kane
January 16, 2025
Sending all of you deepest sympathies and kind, sweet memories of your mother, growing up next door for so many years. What a beautiful picture of her, just as I remember her.
Lorena Furgison
January 16, 2025
Our deepest sympathy from the lorena furgison family.
Jennie Mantle
January 16, 2025
She set a shining example of what it means to have a loving relationship with Jesus
Darcy Hightower (Bacon)
January 16, 2025
I rememeber Mrs Bedore from Sunday School, church and going to school with Jil & Nancy. She was such a great friend to my mother Elizabeth Bacon also. She will be remembered with fond memories.
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Funeral services provided by:
Reed & Benoit Funeral Home Inc. - Watertown632 State Street, Watertown, NY 13601-2839