Dorothy Vail, age 98, passed away on March 16, 2023. She was born August 28, 1924 to J. Vernon and Huldah Mateer. She lived in Yonkers until she was 10, when her family moved to LaGrangeville so her father could find work during the Depression. She attended a one-room schoolhouse, then Millbrook High School, graduating in 1942. She attended college at New Paltz.

On November 10, 1946 she married Kenneth Vail and became an important part of life on the farm, preparing meals on the farm schedule and supporting her children in 4-H activities. She found time to be an assistant leader for Brownie and Cub Scout troops.

Dorothy was active in church all her life. For many years she was a member of the Hopewell Reformed Church, serving as Sunday School secretary and treasurer. Later she joined the First Presbyterian Church of Pleasant Valley where she attended faithfully. She was a member of the Grange for 82 years. She joined Arthursburg Grange in 1941, and became a member of Freedom Plains Grange in 1970.

She loved to send cards and letters to family and friends. As a young mother, she sent out 150 Christmas cards every year, always with a photo she had taken of her children. At 98 she was still sending birthday cards and get well cards to friends. Her quiet, gentle manner endeared her to all who knew her.

Dorothy is survived by her five children, Marilyn (David) Brands, Linda (Joe) Danieli, David (Lee) Vail, Janet Vail and Mark Duffy, and Daniel (Gulnara) Vail, and her grandchildren: Kenneth (Dara) Brands, Benjamin (Sarah) Brands, Kristy (Shawn) Stauffer, Cindi (Adam) Shantz, Joseph Danieli, Timothy (Christina) Vail, Debbie (Randy) Henne, Isaac Vail and Jessica Vail. She is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren and much-loved nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Shirley Smit and brother-in-law Jacobus Smit, her sister Joan Prince and brother-in-law George Prince, and her infant daughter Joanne Kathryn Vail.

Calling hours will take place at the Allen Funeral Home, 1605 Main Street, Pleasant Valley, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 24. The funeral will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 1576 Main Street, Pleasant Valley at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 25. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, Pleasant Valley.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Allen Funeral Home, Pleasant Valley.