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Harding, Dorothy W. March 19, 1939 - February 2, 2021

Dorothy Harding was truly one of a kind, and there will never be another quite like her. Born in 1939, and raised in the Bronx she was a New Yorker through and through. She met the love of her life, Joseph Harding, at the age of 14 at a high school dance. Joe stole her heart when he grabbed one the stars hanging from the ceiling of the school gymnasium and gave it to her. They were married a few short years later, and became a mom to her three boys. Who were always “her boys” no matter how old they were. Her three sons, Joseph, Stephen, and Eugene were her biggest source of joy. She felt it was the honor of her life to have raised them, and loved to tell stories about their childhood growing up in the Bronx.

An avid feminist, as her sons got older, she was excited to take a job in event planning at Sarah Lawrence College. She spent several years there, making all who passed her door feel welcome. Many of the students felt like she was their mom-away- from-home.

However, her favorite role of all came about in 1987, when she first became a grandmother. Dorothy truly loved nothing more than to be a Grandmother to Stephen and Mary-Caitlin. She took great pride in every single thing they did, and she would tell anyone who would listen how proud she was of them. She felt very lucky to have gotten to spend time with her great grandchildren Carter and Piper. Nothing made her day more than getting sent a picture of her great grandchildren. She loved her family more than anything else in this world. She was fiercely loyal and a true force to be reckoned with. She instilled in her family the importance of putting family above all else, and that lesson will carry them all through this difficult time.

 

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 21, 2:30 pm at the Immaculate Heart of Mary  Church, Scarsdale, NY

Condolences(13)

  1. REPLY
    Meg Jensen says

    Dorothy was a shining light and I am so very very grateful to have known and loved her. Sending much love to the Harding Family, to whom her memory will be a blessing.

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    Flynn King says

    Rest peacefully, Aunt Dorothy. ?

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    Allison (Sunni) Easter says

    Dorothy was beloved by her family, and by everyone who encountered her, particularly the students and her colleagues at Sarah Lawrence. She would always say something to out a smile on your face. I feel so fortunate to have known her and to count her son, Gene among my dear friends. Rest in Peace, Dorothy.

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    Colin Casey says

    Dorothy was a quality individual who always put her family first! She was a great mom to Joseph, Stephen, & Eugene and a wonderful grandmother! I will always cherish the memories of our childhood summers in Monroe, NY with Joe, Dottie, and their boys. Godspeed, Dottie, you will be missed!!

  5. REPLY
    Eileen Van Hoek says

    Joe, Stephen & Eugene – the Mangans are all so sad to hear about your mom. She was simply the best and we will never forget her. Sending you lots of love.

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    Maryann Palermo says

    Joseph, Stephen, and Eugene-
    We are all so sad to hear of your Mom’s passing. She was such a wonderful friend to our Mom, and I treasure the memories of those St. Patrick’s Day parties!! We are praying for all of you and your family, and we will toast her memory-which will be a blessing upon all of us forevermore.

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      Lauri Jones (Siegal) says

      Dorothy was definitely my mom away from home at Sarah Lawrence. I worked with her in College Events and will always remember the fun times we had—especially playing that initials game with Grant G. She always sent me a Christmas card and when I had my first child 24 years ago she sent me a Christmas plate and cup for Santa’s cookies and milk which I use to this day. Love you forever Dorothy!!!

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    Mary Ellen Robinson says

    So sorry to hear about your Mom’s passing. may God bless you, Tommy and your family with comfort and peace. Much Love, Mary Ellen and family

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    Desiree Healy says

    Stephan, Joseph and Eugene – my heart is breaking for you all and the entire family. I will miss her wit, her advice and most of all her company. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Gone but she will never be forgotten. Love Desiree

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    Angie To says

    Gene, I am so sad to hear of Dorothy’s passing. I will always remember the moment she embraced me when I told her what my father did to me. I felt safe, protected, and most importantly having someone stand up for me. She always noticed when I was sad. She saw through the fake smiles and called it out. Showing me she saw through it. A silent welcome for me to open up. She gave me you. And you help me find me. I am forever grateful.

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    Christine Utchel says

    Dorothy’s presence will be sorely missed at the Bronxville Public Library. All of us in the library knitting group of which she was a member are so saddened by her loss. Her sense of humor always brought a smile to our faces and she was the life of the party. She will live in our hearts forever. On behalf of the Bronxville Public Library and the Library knitting group, I extend our sincere sympathies.

  11. REPLY
    Marie Flanagan says

    Joseph, Stephen, and Eugene
    My condolences on the loss of your mother. She will be missed by many. I have fond memories of her and and your father, actually of all of you, from our memorable days in 2305. She was a star!

  12. REPLY
    Kevin says

    I somehow stumbled across your mom when I was going through something similar…the passing of my Father.

    I found ‘Words with Friends’ on my Dad’s phone and I don’t know how it happened, but we struck up a game and played for a couple of years.

    Dorothy was a kind woman, strong…and helped me smile more than I think I should.

    I wish Dorothy and your family peace.

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