Doris Dyke

Middleburgh- Doris W. Van Dyke, 91, of Clauverwie, died Thursday, December 03, 2015 at Cobleskill Regional Hospital following a brief illness.

Doris was born in Middleburgh on December 29, 1923 to Edna I. (Joslyn) and Harry J. West.

She graduated from Middleburgh Central School in 1941. Doris worked as a private secretary to "Prof Smith" at MCS, a bookkeeper for her father at the former West Motors in Middleburgh and in various capacities with the family business, Van Dyke Motors in Middleburgh.

Doris was a member of the Century Club in Middleburgh and St. Mark's Lutheran Church, where she served on the altar guild, leader of the women's group, choir director and substitute organist.

A passion for music and singing, her talented voice was always enjoyed whether alone or in duet with her sister or other family members. She also accompanied the MCS choir and the Middleburgh Golden Age Club for many years.

In her free time, she taught literacy to children and was an avid reader. Doris was also an accomplished artist and many of her quilts and tole painted items have been treasured by family and friends.

Doris was married on January 1, 1946 and became a loving wife, mother, homemaker and proud supporter her husband's endeavors, both locally and politically.

She was predeceased by her husband, former New York State Assemblyman, Arlington P. Van Dyke, her sons: Brent Van Dyke and Darryl Van Dyke and her sister: Ursula "Sudie" Schaeffer.

Doris is survived by her daughter: Deborah (Howard) Bell of Peru, NY; son: Kevin (Margaret) Van Dyke of Rensselaer; daughter-in-law: Georgia Van Dyke of Schoharie; grandchildren: Gregory Van Dyke (Linda) of Middleburgh, Megan (Eric) Poirier of Schuyler Falls, Hilary (Chad) Cross of Peru, NY, Erik (Maura) Van Dyke of Albany, Courtney (Andrew) Karl of Athens, NY, Zachary (April) Bourdeau of West Sand Lake; 11 great-grandchildren and many extended family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, December 7, 2015 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 326 Main St., Middleburgh with Rev. Carol Coltrain of the Huntersland United Methodist Church officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Middleburgh Cemetery. There will be no formal visitation prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 326 Main St., Middleburgh, NY 12122

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Palmer & Shaylor Funeral Home, Middleburgh and the Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, Cobleskill.

Cemetery Details