Dorothy Diffendorf “Grandma Diff” 96, a long-time resident of Kirkwood, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2024 surrounded by her family. She was the first baby born at Ideal Hospital in Endicott on July 2, 1927. The fourth of five children born to Helen and Elta Benjamin, she attended North High School before marrying the love of her live, Bill Diffendorf, Sr. whom she met at a Kirkwood barn dance run by her father. Married in 1945, they raised five children in Kirkwood. Dorothy is predeceased by her devoted husband Bill, parents Helen and Elta Benjamin, brother Murray Benjamin (Dotti), sisters, Cleo Reinecker (Jimmy), Anna Lou Friedman (Melvin) and Kimmie Kniffen; brother-in-law Don Diffendorf and sister-in-law Doris Hedges. Dorothy is survived by her five children: Sandra and Tom Smith, Dudley, MA, Connie and Gary Harding, Bill and Cathy Diffendorf, Marchie and Gayle Diffendorf, Jack and Becky Diffendorf, all of Kirkwood; 20 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren, 13 great great grandchildren, spouses, nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law Beverly Rounds, Betty Lou Kelly, Ginny Pompeii, and brother-in-law Gordi Kniffen (Kate). She was devoted to her husband and family and few things gave her greater pleasure than watching family members play sports, family gatherings with spaghetti, hot dogs, homemade chocolate syrup and sharing laughs around the crowded kitchen table. Our mom enjoyed making quilts for her grandchildren, watching the Yankees, playing shuffleboard and gardening. She was involved in many community organizations and served as the Town of Kirkwood Historian. Our parents proudly donated School House #2 to the Kirkwood Historial Society. Despite some hearing and memory loss, she never lost her zest for life, her sense of humor, or her adoration for her loving husband and family. We would like to thank her caregivers for their devotion and love shown to Mom to keep her in her home. A funeral service will be held Saturday, April 20th at 11:00 AM at the Kirkwood United Methodist Church on Main St. Burial will follow in the Kirkwood Cemetery on Main Street. Pastor Diane Prentice will officiate. The family will receive friends Friday, April 19th from 4-7 P.M. at Wm. R. Chase & Son Funeral Home, 737 Chenango St, Port Dickinson. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Dorothy may be made to Kirkwood Historical Society, PO Box 37, Kirkwood, NY 13795.
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