Ethel A. Dobson

Ethel A. Dobson November 2, 1936 – November 22, 2024
Ethel A. Dobson (affectionately called Tootsie or Toots), late of New York City, transitioned peacefully on Friday, November 22, 2024, from advanced stage Parkinson's disease. Her passing has dealt a devastating blow to her cherished loved ones, her caring friends and well-wishers.
Tootsie, despite having no children of her own, was a mother to many. She devoted every fiber of her being to her nieces, nephews, their off-springs and her younger cousins. Through the generations – from her oldest nephew Ruddy (who predeceased her in 2022) to her youngest great-great-great niece Amaliah – they know Tootsie intimately or know of her, and are aware of the irreplaceable treasure she is in our family. Tootsie's nurturing character extended beyond family, she was known throughout her community for her warm and supportive disposition, as she voluntarily cared for neighbors' children and was always willing to lend a helping hand to all.
As a daughter, she was a dedicated companion, and willing custodian for her mother until her death in 2006 at age 95. In recent years, she assumed the position of sidekick and constant companion to her late sister Beryl, as she struggled with Alzheimer's until her death in 2023 at age 91. It was a joy to visit and listen to Beryl and Toots as they repeatedly took trips down memory lane from their very happy childhood with their doting dad, to their days as young adults getting spruced up and partying until the break of dawn.
She was a fantastic cook – a nod to her early years of teaching home economics and nutrition. Tootsie enjoyed being in the kitchen making the most scrumptious meals, and her family and friends delighted in the delicious fruits of her labor. The only drawback (which to this day is a source of amusement to the family), was the prolonged time it took her to prepare her savory meals as she was never swift in the kitchen. There were no 30-minute meals with Tootsie, cooking was a day-long event as there were no shortcuts in her kitchen – everything had to be done from scratch.
Ethel "Tootsie" Dobson will be missed dearly by her beloved family and those who came to know her well, including her medical team and care providers over the years who have taken a personal interest in her well-being and have cared for her like their own until the very end.
Her passing leaves a void which cannot be filled because Tootsie was one of a kind.
She is predeceased by her oldest sister Beryl and leaves to mourn her loss, her older sister Sylvia. 6 of her 7 nieces and nephews survive her – Devon, Yvonne (Fredrick), Alton (Susan), Shireen, Janice and Athol (Tess). Her oldest nephew, Ruddy (Georgia), predeceased her in 2022. Great nieces and nephews – Yolanda, Kryshna (Christopher), Darryl, Shalaiwah, Kristof, Crystal, Naseef, Danae, Cherie (Carvin), Jahmin (Natasha), Aleem (Rebecca), Kamel, and Shanelle. Great-great nieces and nephews – Sade, Matthew, Dwight, Gabrielle, Ethan, Kash, Damitri, Landyn, Shanniah, Laylah, Noah, Isaiah, Grayson, Isabella, Mishyia, Chase and Elijah. Great-great-great niece – Amaliah
Also mourning her passing are her many cousins, her medical team and dedicated care providers, and countless friends near and far.
At the request of the family, we ask that NO donations or floral tributes be sent at this time. If you prefer, please perform an act of kindness in Tootsie's honor.
Visitation will take place on Friday, December 6th 2024 from 8 AM until 9:30 AM. A Funeral Service will take place at 9:30 AM at the Funeral Home. Following the Service, Ethel will be laid to rest at Mount Hope Cemetery - 50 Jackson Avenue - Hastings on Hudson, NY 10706. A repast will take place at the Fairways at Dunwoodie -1 Wasylenko Lane, Yonkers, NY 10701 from 1 PM to 4:30 PM.
To view the Livestreamed services, please click HERE