Lakeville, NY: It is with great sadness that the family of Dorothy M. Wilkins announce her passing on November 11, 2021 at the age of 95 years.
She was born on January 26, 1926 in Jacksonville, FL to the late Walter C. and Amy N. Meyer. In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her husband Maurice Dean Wilkins, her brother Walter “Bus” Meyer and sister Betty Jane Lindsey. Survived by her daughter Diane (Scott Kuchman) Wilkins of Phoenix, AZ and son Kurt Wilkins of Lakeville; a niece and nephew, several great nieces and nephews, cousins, and many dear friends in the Livonia Community.
Dorothy was born in Florida but came to Lakeville as an infant, and remained there her entire life.
She accomplished and enjoyed much in her long and productive life. Over the years she was involved with several local programs and worked on many committees. She was a lifelong member of the Lakeville United Church of Christ, and tried never to miss a Sunday service. Active in politics for many years with the Livingston County Republican Party, she served as a county committeewoman, campaigning for candidates and encouraging voting. Election day usually found her working the polling places. She became a charter member of the National Warplane Museum where she happily combined her love of aviation and WW2. Here she had the good fortune to fly in many historic aircraft – with her ultimate flight being in a P51 Mustang. In 2016 she was proud and honored to be named Senior Citizen of the Year for the Town of Livonia.
She was always an ambitious woman. After her husband died and her children grew up she opened up a beauty shop in her home as well as working as a hairdresser at Conesus Lake Nursing Home for 24 years before she closed her shop and retired from the profession.
While most people think of retiring as slowing down, not Dorothy. She began a new career at the age of 72. She was appointed Livonia Town Historian in 1998 and worked two days a week at the Livonia Historical Museum until her second retirement in November 2017. With her extensive knowledge of hometown history, it was a job she was well-suited for. Researching the area’s bygone days and people was interesting to her and she often wrote stories for local newspapers.
She was passionate about history, especially World War 2 history, and kept a collection of books and references in her home that would put most libraries to shame.
Dorothy was a beautiful, strong, classy, bright, stubborn, fun-loving, hard-working, fiercely independent and occasionally irreverent woman. As all that knew her would attest to, she held fast to her beliefs and always spoke her mind – whether you liked it or not.
Her greatest joys in life were her family, her friends, her beloved cats, rich chocolate cake, hot summers, stylish clothes, mashed potatoes with lots of butter, Big Band music, old movies, handsome men, good books, and Johnny Walker – not necessarily all- inclusive and not necessarily in that order.
Most of all, she loved Conesus Lake and her home in Lakeville. No matter how far away she traveled, she was always content to return to the community where she spent a lifetime.
When you think of Dorothy, celebrate the good memories you have of her. Remember that life is fragile and short and should be lived to the fullest. She will be missed more than any words could express but she will be forever in our hearts.
A memorial service and Celebration of Life will be held at 2PM on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at the Lakeville United Church of Christ, 5687 Big Tree Rd, Rte 20A, Lakeville, NY. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Livingston County Humane Society, PO Box 233, Avon, NY 14414. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com.
Dorothy Evelyn Meyer Wilkins, remembrances you and I recalled are memorable treasures. Yes, it is a great to know who you and, who your “Kin” are. Who’d have thought?
Rest In Peace. Amen.
One of Lakeville’s memorable citizens and a fond remembrance of my childhood there. Condolences to her family.
Dorothy was a breath of fresh air. She sat in the pew in front of us and always took delight in the pre-service chit chat. She took pride in her appearance and was always put together in a fasionable way down to her jewelry. I shall miss her deeply. To Diane and Kurt I offer you my sympathy as you adjust to the absence of your precious mother.
May god hold Dorothy in his arms and my deepest sympathy to Diane and Kurt and all her dear friends.
Sad hear of Dorothy passing. What a great great lady . My sincere condolences to Diane and Kurt.
Dinah and Scott, sending you our sympathies for your loss and great expressions of celebration for the beauty of a life well lived. Much love and Many Blessings. “Hallski”Linda and Richard
God Bless You Dorothy
She was a Joy when she came in church every Sunday. She always was glad to see her church family. She Will be missed dearly From our church family as Always.Rest in Peace dear friend. Let God hold you close in his loving arm’s.
It is with many childhood and growing up memories that I say “Good Bye” to “Mrs. Wilkins.” I grew up at Conesus Lake, attended Lakeville Congregational Church as a youngster and would see Dorothy over my grown up years from time to time when I would return to the Lakeville area, attend church or a historical program at Vitale Park. It was always a treat to see Dorothy, as I later felt comfortable calling her. She was a classic beauty and brought much to the community. She WILL be missed, but
remembered fondly by this gal. My condolences to her family.
Most sincerely,
Sorry for you loss Kurt and Diane.
Your mom was always welcoming!
I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Wilkins as she was identified as the beautiful lady in a picture of her with Gerald Ford and my father (Martin Gibson) taken years ago at Hemlock Park. I will always cherish the picture (I had a copy made for her) and wonderful conversation with this very knowledgeable lady. May she forever Rest in Peace.
So sorry to hear this. She was a very nice person.
Thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Our most heartfelt condolences to the Wilkins family. We had the pleasure of meeting and talking with Dorothy several times over the past few years. My husband Keith especially enjoyed conversing on local history with her. A truly beautiful woman.
Lin and Keith Bowes
Diane and Kurt.
I am sorry to hear of your mother’s passing, but what a long wonderful life she had ! I first met her at the Historical Society and so enjoyed our conversations about the Lake area. She grew up with my Grandmother’s family in Lakeville and had stories to tell. My sympathies to you both.
Such a dear faithful friend! You will be missed. My deepest sympathies, Diane and Kurt.