Sunday, November 1, 2020
Dora was an amazing woman and role model. I have had the privilege of knowing her since I was about 4 years old. She was always willing to help people who needed it or to just be that person to listen. When I was little, I couldn't wait to be old enough to be in her Sunday School class. It was a class where she made the Bible come alive and relevant, not just rote memorization of scripture verses. One thing that always stood out to me was that she always looked her best, even when she was cleaning. She always wore a dress or skirt and blouse, I don't believe that I ever saw her wear a pair of pants or jeans. She was extremely proud of her family and looked forward to every minute that she could spend with you. She was a big part of my family when she couldn't be with you when she lived in Jamestown. She was there for us when we lost my brother to cancer. We were there for her not long after when she lost Bob/your father. We spent many birthdays, Thanksgivings, Christmases, Easters, and Sunday dinners together. One particular memory that has stayed with me was when my parents had to be away for a church function and I had to take the SAT on a Saturday. Dora picked me up after the exam and spent the day with me. She didn't know that it had been a rough weekend, the guy I was dating at the time broke up with me for someone else and was very mean about it, and the SAT itself was stressful. She made me feel loved, important, and that no matter what, everything was going to be alright. (She also said I was better off without the guy. She was right.) Dora will be missed by everyone that was blessed to know her. She left behind a legacy in each one of you, her family and in those of us she invested time in and set an example for.
My prayer for all of you is that God will bless you and bring you comfort during this difficult time and that you share in her belief in the promise of eternal life and that you will one day be reunited with her in heaven.
Sincerely,
Jenifer (Hodgins) Van Buren
