Obituary of Dorothy O'Leary

Dorothy O'Leary, whom we all knew as Dot, represented the best of the Greatest Generation. She was compassionate but not gullible, realistic and optimistic, eternally good humored - all at the same time. With her deep Catholic faith and velvet toughness she raised five children who loved her deeply. Hers was the kindest and most considerate of souls molded by the trials and challenges of the Great Depression, World War II and the heart break of sending her son and nephews to the challenges of the Vietnam War. It is not likely that anyone of her character will pass this way soon. Born in 1922 to James and Jenny Lares, Dot was raised on East 33rd St in Manhattan. Upon graduation from Washington Irving High School, N.Y.C., she worked for Hearst Magazines in the accounting department. One weekend while on leave her brother Jimmy bought a fellow soldier home, Captain Michael O'Leary, who later became Dots beloved husband of 37 years. Dot resided most of her life in the Camillus area where she was a devoted communicant of Holy Family Church, Fairmount and former member of the Altar and Rosary Society. Dot was employed with Marine Midland Bank for many years at the Fairmount Fair branch as the Commercial Teller. In retirement years every day was started with Mass and the Rosary followed by gardening, lawn mowing, reading, sewing and babysitting grandchildren. Dot was also a former volunteer at Community General Hospital in the Gift Department. Dot was predeceased by her husband Michael in 1983; grandchildren Mary Ellen and Jason Pringle; brother's Jimmy and Billy Lares; and extended family members Mike the Mutt and Jamison. Survivors include her children: Dottie (Syd) Pringle of Warners, Michael of Fairmount, Mary Jane (Michael) Korrigan of Strasburg, Va., Kevin (Robin) of Fairmount, and John (Laurie) of Wichita, KS; her eleven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and sister-in-law Mary Beth O'Leary. The family extends their gratitude to the staff on 3D at Van Duyn Home and Hospital. Services: 9:30 am Tuesday at Tindall Funeral Home and 10 am at Holy Family Church, 127 Chapel Dr., Syracuse where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. The Rite of Committal and burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, DeWitt. Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at the Tindall Funeral Home, 1921 W Genesee St, Syracuse, NY.