Thomsen, Dorothy McDonald

Dorothy McDonald Thomsen   a.k.a Beautiful Dottie

March 29, 2023, Fairport, NY

Dottie passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her children.   She was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband of 66 years, Handsome Bob, as well as all of her siblings: Mary Stiler, Colleen Micciche, Catherine MacNally, Louise Scheidt, James McDonald, Evelyn Merkel, and Angus McDonald.  She is survived by her sons, Peter (Roseann), Blake (June), Thane (Melissa) and her daughter Tracy (James) Benjamin, 7 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren (with 2 more on the way) and countless other family members and friends. 

Dottie was a Rochester native.  She spent her youth with her parents, Feijke and James McDonald, along with her siblings in several Rochester neighborhoods and graduated from Monroe High School.  When she married Bob in 1943, they moved to Syracuse while he attended SU and upon graduation, they moved to Boston to be near Bob’s sister and family.  When Dottie became pregnant, Rochester once again became home for Dottie and Bob and they ultimately built their dream home in Fairport in 1960.    Dottie worked jobs at home while her children were young, eventually working part time as the secretary of the Planning Board in Fairport.  When the canal collapsed in Bushnell’s Basin in 1974, she was asked to assist the victims of this disaster and she gave her all.  This work evolved into her long-term employment as secretary to the Town of Perinton Supervisor.  She loved the people she met in this endeavor, many of these friendships still intact at the time of her passing.  She retired in 1986 and was able to spend time with her grandkids, traveling to Florida in the winter, entertaining friends and family and enjoying life.  Never slowing down, at 94 years old, she volunteered at a local senior living facility.  Dottie was excited to have her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids with her as she celebrated her 100^th birthday in January of this year. 

Dottie was an optimist- if things were not going well today, she was sure that they would be better tomorrow!  She loved to laugh, even at herself.  Entertaining others was her passion- always inviting friends and family over for dinner and a cocktail. She will be sorely missed. 

Dottie requested that at her death, there should not be a funeral, but a party. We will be hosting a Celebration of Life on July 29^th starting at 3pm at Amber Beach, Otisco Lake.  We look forward to sharing our memories and hearing your stories about Dorothy!

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Dottie’s name to a charity related to Cancer Research, a charity that assists Veterans or one that helps families affected with Autism .