Dorothy C. Surprenant

Mrs. Dorothy C. Surprenant, 85, of NY Mills, passed away on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Wynn Hospital in Utica, with her loving family by her side. Dorothy was born in Utica, on August 30, 1940, the daughter of Stephen M. and Gladys (Dubiel) Chrzan. She was raised locally, was a graduate of New York Mills High School and proudly earned her paralegal degree from Utica College. On June 6, 1959, Dorothy married her soul mate, David Roger Surprenant at St. Mary's Church in New York Mills. The couple shared over 65 wonderful years together, raising their three children. For many years, Dorothy was employed as a paralegal with Zogby and Golden Law Firm in Utica. Dorothy also wrote many news articles for Five Point News in Holland Patent. She was a charter member of the New York Mills Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and a longtime parishioner of The Church of The Sacred Heart and St. Mary, Our Lady of Czestochowa in New York Mills. She will always be remembered for her strength, warmth, and the traditions she carried forward. With skillful hands and a generous heart, she crocheted countless blankets-each one, stitched with love-for all of her great-grandchildren, leaving behind heirlooms to be cherished for generations. Proud of her Polish heritage, she kept family traditions alive, especially "Golumpki Sundays," when her kitchen was filled with the aromas of home and the sound of laughter. She was the heart of our family, and her love and legacy will continue to wrap us in comfort, just like the blankets she made. Dorothy is survived by her three children, Dave Surprenant and Jennifer Weber, Rick and Tammy Surprenant and Robin Talerico and Jim Helmes; eight cherished grandchildren, Cori (Ed) Jasewicz, Kim (Mike) Strong, Erika (Ben) Fusco, Kaily Talerico, Zachary Surprenant, Taryn (Eli Glesmann) Surprenant, Adriana (Andrew) Benkwitt and Andrew (Megan) Surprenant; five great grandchildren, Johnny, Alyana, Maci, Joseph and Addyson and a step-brother, Stephen Chrzan, as well as several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, David, her parents, Stephen and Gladys and brother and sister-in-law Gene (Linda) Chrzan. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to Dorothy's Memorial Mass of Christian burial on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of The Sacred Heart and St. Mary, Our Lady of Czestochowa, 201 Main St., New York Mills, NY. The family will greet visitors at the conclusion of the memorial Mass. She will be laid to rest with her beloved David in St. Stanislaus and St. Casimir Cemetery in Whitesboro. Those wishing to donate in Dorothy's memory, please consider Anita's Stevens Swan Humane Society, 5664 Horatio St., Utica, NY 13502. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.