Obituary of Dorothy G. Muhl

LITTLE FALLS – Mrs. Dorothy Muhl died unexpectedly on Thursday, December 14, 2017, in the comfort and privacy of her home, at the age of 95.

Dorothy was born on June 24, 1922, to Frank and Rose (Kodich) Gorup. She graduated from St. Mary’s Academy with the Class of 1940. During her school vacations, she had worked at J. Gilbert Knitting Company and the former Melrose Slipper Company, as well as the J.J. Newberry Store on weekends. After high school she became employed as a time clerk in the machine shop at Cherry Burrell Corporations, Plant 2. She worked there for five years. In later years, Dorothy worked at M. Lurie & Company and volunteered her time at Little Falls Hospital. On February 12, 1944, she married Jacob “Tony” Muhl at St. Mary’s Church in Little Falls.  The two shared in fifty-six years of marriage until Tony’s passing in 2000.

Mrs. Muhl was a lifelong resident of Little Falls and one of the city’s most energetic and generous residents. Some of the charities and organizations to which Dorothy donated her time, vigor, and assets included the former WCA Mother’s Club (President), Lady Elks, Little Falls Lodge No. 42 (Charter President and President of Associated Past Presidents), and service to the YWCA as its first elected female Director of the Board. Dorothy had also been involved in charitable work for the Heart Fund, March on Polio drive, Santa Claus Anonymous, Lions Club white cane drives, the Lady Elks Adopt-A-Room Committee for the Little Falls Hospital, Hospital Guild, fund-raising committees for the hospital, Boy Scout drives, church committees and others too numerous to mention. She received countless honors, recognitions, and commendations.  Some of the most memorable of which were the 1983 WCA Woman of the Year Award and the 1985 Citizenship Award, presented by the VFW Post No. 4612. She was the first spouse of a recipient of that award, as her husband, Tony, had been granted the same award in 1978. Even in her 90’s, Dorothy remained active with the Hospital Guild, Rosary Society, and the WCA.

Most importantly, Dorothy Muhl was the epitome of a friend. As her granddaughter, Debbie DiFabio, said at Dorothy’s 90^th birthday celebration, “I can always remember her caring for someone…she was dedicated to helping others and advocating for their care. She has always shared whatever she had to give…(providing) rides for friends, giving voice to those who cannot express themselves,making time for those in need, and lending an open ear and a shoulder to lean on.”

Dorothy leaves several lifetime friends, but especially endeared to her, was neighbor, Micheline Becker, who became her go-to person in her time of need.

Dorothy was predeceased not only by her parents, in-laws, and husband, but also by her infant son, Richard Muhl, son-in-law, Thomas Zawtocki, her sister, Rose Robinson, brother-in-law, Thomas B. Robinson, and many, many cousins, friends, and acquaintances.

Left to honor her memory are her daughter, Donna Schofield and her husband, Michael; her grandchildren, Deborah DiFabio (Robert), Lisa Husted (Philip), Michael Schofield, Jr. (MaryAnn), Maureen Schofield, and Kelly Hoynoski (Ronald). Surviving great-grandchildren are Deanna DiFabio, Amanda Munk (Peter), Braidy Husted, Michael, Paul (Katie), and Kimberly Schofield, Raymond Nouhra (Renee), and Colton Hoynoski. Dorothy was also blessed with four great-great-grandchildren, and three step great-great-grandchildren.

Also, survived by Dorothy, are her nieces and nephew, Diane Robinson (William R. Reynolds, Jr.), Darlene Karla (Ronald), and Thomas B. Robinson, III (Dorothy); great-nieces and nephew, Amanda Karla, Leslie Titus (Michael), Salena, Melissa, and Torry Mendoza; and many great-great nieces and nephews.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend Dorothy’s calling hours on Monday, December 18, 2017, from 4:00PM – 6:00PM at the original Enea Family Funeral Home, 24 West Monroe Street, Little Falls, NY (315) 823-2424. Dorothy’s funeral service will commence on Tuesday morning, December 19, 2017, at 10:30 AM at the funeral home and at 11:00AM at the Holy Family Parish Church in Little Falls, where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Terence Healy, Pastor. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, East Herkimer, where Dorothy will be laid to rest beside her beloved, Tony.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the WCA Scholarship Fund OR to Holy Family Parish Church.

Funeral arrangements and supervision were pre-arranged and entrusted to Harry and Kevin Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia, Funeral Directors. Online notes of sympathy may be delivered to www.eneafamily.com.

Dorothy's loving obituary was written by her niece, Diane Robinson-Reynolds.