Dorothy Fontaine, 104

Dorothy Roselius Fontaine, late of Syracuse, New York, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2015, at Heartlands Assisted Living at Severna Park, in Maryland, where she has resided since December 2013. Dorothy Hilpert Roselius was born to Frederick and Lucy Roselius on December 13, 1910 in Morris Heights, Bronx, New York. Upon graduating from Flushing High School, she attended Ohio State University, soon transferring to Columbia University in New York City.

Until she was 103, she had lived all her life in New York State. In 1935 she married André C. Fontaine. They lived in Penn Yan, New York; and on Long Island, in the towns of Baldwin, Greenvale, Northport, and Lloyd Harbor. In 1965, they moved to Syracuse, New York.

Dorothy served in many volunteer and professional positions over the years. From 1929 to 1930, she served as President of the Young Peoples Fellowship of the Community Church of Great Neck, New York. From 1932 to 1933, she worked for Eleanor Roosevelt at one of the three centers for unemployed working women in New York City. She gave 25 years in the 1950's and 1960's to the Girl Scouts of America, who recognized her with a Volunteer Service Award in 1988. In Suffolk County, she began a career as a social worker, and went on to work with Services to the Elderly for the Syracuse Housing Authority, a component of the Metropolitan Commission on Aging. She volunteered for Syracuse Catholic Charities in the 1980's and 1990's. In addition, she worked for the Everson Museum of Art gift shop.

Dorothy enjoyed politics, and was involved for most of her adult life supporting various Democratic Party efforts in New York State. As a resident of Syracuse, Dorothy campaigned for, supported, and donated her time and expertise to the career of retired New York State Assemblywoman Joan K. Christensen (119th District). The two formed a strong friendship over the years, and came to think of each other as part of their 'Syracuse family.'

Dorothy was known as a generous hostess and gave long-term housing to several foreign students at Syracuse University. She had a life-long interest in both nature, and the welfare of young children. Dorothy was always heavily involved in the PTA efforts at her children's schools. She was also known for her artistic flare with the artifacts of nature.

Dorothy Fontaine is survived by her three children Deborah Fontaine McCormick; Mark Fontaine (Kathy); and Andrée Fontaine Lauterbach (David); ten grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her sister Winifred Castellanos, son-in-law Dennis McCormick (Deborah), daughter-in-law Patricia H. Fontaine (Mark), and former husband André Fontaine.
A private viewing was held on August 14, 2015 at Barranco & Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home.

Those wishing to honor Dorothy may make a donation in her memory to the Red Cross, or to a favorite charity.

Graveside services will be held at Nassau Knolls Cemetery and Memorial Park, Port Washington, New York, at a later date.