Dorothy A. Brier

Dorothy A. Brier, 93, died on May 12, 2023 at her home in New York City. She was born and raised in Providence, RI and was the daughter of Benjamin and Florence (Genensky) Brier. Dorothy was predeceased by her siblings Shirley B. Lewis, Milton I. Brier and her stepsister Phyllis R. Berry. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Zita G. Brier and her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends with whom she maintained a long and loving relationship.

Dorothy was a graduate of Radcliffe College and the Smith College of Social Work. She spent her professional career as a social worker and retired in 1992 as the Assistant Director of Social Work at Lenox Hill Hospital.

Upon her retirement Dorothy became an active volunteer as a docent for the Museum of Natural History and with the American Red Cross Greater New York Region. Dorothy was a pioneer in the field of disaster mental health and established such programs at the Red Cross. She was present at many disasters to provide support including the 9/11 Terror Attack and US Airways Flight 1549 “Miracle on the Hudson” which led to Dorothy playing a Red Cross volunteer in the movie “Sully”. She also traveled on behalf of the Red Cross to aid victims of Hurricane Andrew in Florida and the Oklahoma City bombing. Dorothy received numerous awards and recognition for her 30 years of professional volunteer service to the Red Cross.

Donations in Dorothy’s memory may be made to the American Red Cross Greater New York Region, Smith College of Social Work Class of 1954 Scholarship Fund or a charity of your choice.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, May 14, 2023, at Riverside Memorial Chapel (180 West 76th St, New York, NY) with a graveside service and burial at 1:30 pm on Monday, May 15, 2023, at Lincoln Park Cemetery (Warwick, RI).