Dorothy Hraba Hill

Dorothy Hraba Hill 1919 - 2007

Dorothy Hill, age 87, died at home in Baldwinsville on March 17, 2007 after a short illness. Born Dorothy Hraba in Syracuse, she was a lifelong resident of Central New York, and spent summers at Charleston Lake in Canada for most of her life. Her parents Albert and Christina had immigrated from Czechoslovakia through Ellis Island in the early 1900's and met and married in New York City. They soon moved to Syracuse, where Albert was a designer and hand-painting artist at Syracuse China. Four older brothers, George, Charles, Robert, and Albert are deceased. Dorothy was an accomplished gardener, painter, and pianist, and back in the day made an "everyone clear the floor" dance duo with brother Rob. She graduated Central Technical High School in 1937 and worked in various positions at Syracuse China, and retired as a supervisor some years ago. Hugh Hill, husband of 50 years, was a teacher at Jamesville Dewitt High School, and passed away in 1991. Dorothy's cheery outlook was always with her, and continued to grace the lives of family and friends. She often reminisced about her beloved job at Syracuse China, and all the good people she was privileged to know. She loved Charleston Lake, and will be remembered fondly there, as well as in CNY. Survived by her daughter Judith Kelsey with husband Dwight, and son Martin Hill, of Baldwinsville, and granddaughters Ashley Carrow of Liverpool, and Holly Kelsey of Ontario Canada, as well as nieces and nephews Jim, John, Janet, Bob, and Rick Hraba, and Susie Baker. There will be a private ceremony on the island at Charleston Lake. No local calling hours. Donations may be made to Hospice of Central New York.

Marty writes family thoughts: Mom's later years were bittersweet to watch, but the memories are the sweetest I'll ever know. Even with her physical and mental abilities impaired, she was, to the end, the same happy, loving person she always was. She spent most of the day in her rocker (just like Gram did at Brattle Road), and without fail, EVERY time I'd pass her room, she'd smile, raise her hand in a wave, and say "Hi Mart!" If I was moving about the house, this scene might repeat over and over within the span of a few minutes, even if she'd just seen me only a minute before. The smile and greeting were the same every time. When Judy and Dwight were here that waving arm was kept good and busy!! I'd marvel that she found happiness in such simple human interaction. At least once a day she'd ask "Where are Judy and Dwight?" She could never keep straight if it was Florida or Charleston Lake, but once she knew, she was happy until she'd ask again. Reminding her of our Christmas trips to Florida, and recalling details for her always cheered her up. As difficult as it was for her, she loved the travelling, loved the motels, the people that helped us at highway rest stops, and ... the Waffle Houses!! She didn't see too well, and might look like she wasn't paying attention, but she never missed a Waffle House sign!! She'd shed a tear sometimes recalling how nice people were to us on those trips, and how she enjoyed having family Christmas with Judy and Dwight, and then ask when do we go again.

Standing up and walking even a little bit was difficult toward the end, and sometimes I'd be stern with her that she HAD to do this for her own good, borrowing the words that she'd used with Judy and me as kids. When she was being especially resistant to getting up, her response to my scolding would be a defiant "where's Dwight?". I think she figured that I might be a meanie, and so might Judy in that situation, but Dwight was always good to her and would never let anyone make her do anything she didn't want to do! The Hills and Kelseys go way back, and I know that adding Dwight and family to ours was a great comfort to her always.

Often, she'd want to go over things, to check herself, and reminisce on those she remembered and loved. She'd name all of her brothers, their wives, nieces, nephews, (even grand nieces and nephews on a good day!) and granddaughters. Sometimes I'd help, but she usually got it on her own. It seemed to put her at peace, bringing it all back to mind. Other times, it was people and events she remembered from Bryant Ave and Brattle Road in Syracuse, and, of course, some of the dearest were from Charleston Lake. She had a great artistic eye, and we'll remember the "perfect to the last rock" natural landscape gardens she created there. Some will recall Uncle Al playing tricks on her, and secretly moving one small rock in one of the gardens to see if she'd notice. When he'd check later, the rock was always back where it belonged!! For family and friends that were not in frequent contact in recent years, chances are, if you're reading this, you were with her in her mind, and were always remembered fondly. We should all appreciate each other this much. With great thanks to Judy and Dwight, I'm the one that had the privilege of being with her through her last days, and I know I speak for them too ........... mom made us a family forever ....... we'll never forget.


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