HORNELL-Dorothy A. Riefer, 88, of High St., passed away, in the presence of her loving family, on Thursday morning (Oct. 8, 2015) at St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell.
Born in Canisteo on April 26, 1927, she was a daughter of the late Edward and Mabel Goodrich Denhoff. On Nov. 1, 1947, she was married at Sacred Heart Church in Perkinsville to Francis J. “Fritz” Riefer, who predeceased her on Oct. 8, 2002, after 55 years of marriage. Besides her parents and husband, she was also predeceased by her daughter, Nancy McManus; her son, David Riefer and her two sisters and brothers-in-law, Eloise and Cliff Messing of Canisteo and Maxine and Tony Rechichi of Bath.
A graduate of Canisteo Central School, Dorothy has resided in Hornell for most of her life and was a communicant of the former St. Ignatius Loyola Church in Hornell.
She was employed at the former Silk Mill in Canisteo and the former Leo’s Grocery Store in Hornell as well as being a devoted homemaker.
Throughout the years Dorothy has had many hobbies and interest including, baking, cooking, quilting, gardening and doing jigsaw puzzles. She loved all types of animals, especially cats and she would often assist other people whenever she was able. Dorothy enjoyed spending time fishing at Canandaigua Lake and for many years she was well known for the speed nets she made for catching bait. However, her most favorite thing in life was to spend time with her grandchildren.
A loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister, her family includes her three sons, Joseph (Regina) Riefer of Hornell, William Riefer of Hornell and James Riefer of Arkport; her daughter, Linda Rice of Dansville; her son-in-law, James McManus of Reno, Nev.; her 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; her brother, Jack (Ann) Denhoff of Horseheads; also her nieces and nephews.
The Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc. in Hornell is honored to serve the family of Dorothy A. Riefer.
Calling hours are 4-7 p.m. Monday at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell, where a private funeral service will be held at the convenience of the family, with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Committal services and interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, N.Y. 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.
