Dorothy A. (Budrewicz) Mogelinski

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Dorothy A. (Budrewicz) Mogelinski announces that she died peacefully in her sleep, at home, on Saturday, January 9, 2021.
She was born on June 9, 1935 in Greenfield, the second daughter of three, to John and Dorothy (Babino) Budrewicz. Dottie also spent a great deal of time during childhood with her uncle, aunt and cousin, Russell, Helen and Debra Sullivan, who were a second family to her.
Dottie attended local schools and graduated from Greenfield High School in 1953. Memories from her high school yearbook reflect that, even as a youth, she was known for her strong spirit and gregarious participation in group events and activities, including dance committee and performance theater.
Along with community mindedness and high spirits, Dottie brought a strong work ethic, devotion to church and dedication to family into her adult life. For much of her career, she worked as a nurses' aide at the former Farren Memorial Hospital, bringing special comfort and care to patients and their families, especially under the most challenging circumstances. After a subsequent period of time in customer service at Charron's Pharmacy, she transferred to the University of Massachusetts as a dietary aide. She finished her career outside the home after 15 years of exemplary service at UMASS, where she enjoyed and was held dear by many colleagues and students.
Her move to UMASS allowed her to live closer to her home in Sunderland, where she moved when she married the love of her life, Paul Mogelinski, on October 10, 1980. Retirement from UMASS allowed Dottie to devote herself to full-time homemaking and family. She was primary caregiver to her live-in father-in-law from early in her marriage; Dottie assisted her brother-in-law in giving similar care to her youngest sister, Joan, who pre-deceased her. Dottie and Paul also opened their home to provide childcare as needed for a young nephew, and she later invited her Australian niece, wife of a nephew in the military, to live with her for one of his year-long deployments to Afghanistan. Paul and Dottie were 2 days short of celebrating their 23rd anniversary when Paul passed away on October 8, 2003. She missed and prayed for him every day thereafter, and especially treasured memories of their 2-week summer getaways to the Maine Coast. As with all life's challenges, Dottie was sustained by her unwavering faith and personal strength born of a fiercely independent spirit.
Following Paul's death, Dottie continued the dedication that she and Paul shared to Holy Family Church in South Deerfield, where she was a regular communicant. She was also a member of St. Anne's Solidary, and a former member of the Lady of Perpetual Help. Dottie volunteered for a multitude of church activities, including creating care packages for deployed troops, working at Bingo events, as well as contributing baked goods and Polish specialty dishes for bake sales and church suppers. She loved baking for guests at home as well; any visit to Dottie's house involved the offer of at least one beautifully presented homemade treat.
When not participating in church activities and caring for family, Dottie enjoyed dining with friends and family members at local eateries, including a downtown South Deerfield diner, The Dove's Nest and local church suppers. She was an active member of The Polish American Citizens Club of South Deerfield, and participated in games, social events and exercise. Her friends enjoyed her fun sense of humor; for example, she once sent a large, fresh turnip across the country to a niece who'd remarked that she couldn't get turnips in her state of the quality and variety known in New England! Dottie loved shopping, and loved finding bargains even more, though her frugality never stopped her from enjoying life to its fullest and on her own terms. At home, she pampered her two cats (who pre-deceased her), enjoyed word puzzles, and couldn't put down a good book. She especially enjoyed taking in the view of summer flowers (gerber daisies were her favorite) and year-round birds, as well as entertaining visitors, on the sunporch she helped design. Her most treasured visitors were her great-great nieces and great-great-nephews, who adored their "Auntie Chick".
Dottie leaves behind many who will miss her, including cousin Debra Sullivan; sister Nancy Poulin; brother-in-law Donald Storozuk; cousins Sue Vaughn (Buddy), Jeannie Gymreck (Mel), Sally Bianca (Jim) and Russ Baird (Dayna Sue); nephew Jon Storozuk (Kim); nieces Lori Wade (Kenny) and Karen Poulin (Stephen); great-nieces Kelly Sadler (Jay) and Lindsey Wade; great-nephew Lincoln Storozuk; great-great nephew Caleb Thomas; and great-great nieces Kailyn, Hayden and Hailey Sadler.
The family extends a very special thanks to Lenny Bartini, an extraordinary caregiver and good friend to Dottie. Though frequently uninterested in leaving the house in recent months, Dottie treasured her "joy rides" with Lenny to get some air and a change of scenery. He gave her his mirrored sunglasses to wear since she thought they were "so cool". Always able to make her laugh, he did so on these drives with comedic references to "Driving Miss Dottie", a nod to the classic film "Driving Miss Daisy". Moments like these with Lenny made her day.
A memorial Mass will be held on a later date and time to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Franklin County Regional Dog Shelter at fcrdogkennel.org.
Arrangements are under the direction of Kostanski Funeral Home. For condolences, please visit kostanskifuneralhome.com.

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