Dodsley (Towner) Slusarczyk

Dodsley (Towner) Slusarczyk
Arrived home and into the loving arms of Jesus on November 26, 2020. Dodsley, age 82, died early Thanksgiving morning at Oak Hill Manor in Ithaca, New York from COVID-19. She fought the good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith. At long last, she is free from Alzheimer’s and reunited with her beloved parents, who she deeply loved and had missed for so long, two of her beautiful daughters, and her precious two firstborn grandchildren.

Dodsley was a treasure and exceedingly lovely inside and out. Her radiant smile and carefree youthful spirit will not be soon forgotten. Nor will her unconditional love for people from all walks of life or heart for ministering to older people. She will be profoundly missed by her family and friends all over the country as she lived in Wisconsin, Illinois, California, Washington state, Louisiana, and New York.

Dodsley was never without a full-time job and never left one job until she had another. She worked hard all her life, first as a Stenographer/Legal Secretary typing 140 words per minute and later as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She retired at age 72 from Kendal at Ithaca, where she cared for retired faculty members from Cornell University. She was the type of nurse patients requested at the end of their life.

Dodsley loved the California coast, pretty rocks, seashells, flowers, all types of music, and going to church. She loved visiting health food stores and the fragrance counter at Nordstrom’s. She had a thirst for learning and continued taking classes wherever she lived, well into her 60’s. As a devoted reader she had quite a library of books. She excelled at cooking, baking, sewing, crochet, and creative writing. She enjoyed skiing, ice skating, swimming, canoeing, and biking. She was an experienced camper, backpacker, and with her husband climbed mountains all over the Northeastern U.S. and Pacific Northwest. Most of all, Dodsley loved her four daughters and her heart’s desire was to spend time with her family and friends.

Dodsley was born on February 6, 1938 to former stage performers. In the early 1930’s, her mother had been a dancer/showgirl in grand Follies style and her father sang opera and played the violin. She grew up as an only child and lived on North Frederick Avenue on Milwaukee’s East side. While attending Bartlett Avenue Elementary School, she learned to read music and play classical music on her Steinway Concert Grand Piano, wrote short stories, took lessons at The Ethel Koch School of Dance, toured the Midwest with the Dorothy Hild Dancers, and performed ballet at the famous Pabst Theatre. Dodsley attended Riverside High School and in 1955, married Norbert “Pug” Pozorski and gave birth to four beautiful girls all one-year apart. The marriage did not last but she persevered despite difficulty and obstacles raising her children alone and without financial support. She met Paul Slusarczyk while living in California in the late 1970’s. They married in 1980, settled in Western New York, and recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. 

Dodsley was preceded in death by her parents Roland and Lucille Towner, daughters Jeannette Amparano and Catherine Cervantez, grandson Reigh Stratton and granddaughter Carolyn Cedillo. Dodsley is survived by her husband Paul Slusarczyk, daughters Lauren Stratton and Carolyn (Mark) St. Claire, granddaughters Denise Esquivel and Alexis St. Claire, grandson Christian Amparano, great-granddaughter Ariana Amparo Avila, great-grandson Roman Esquivel, great-great grandson Anthony Avila, sister-in-law Donna (Bruce) Tillapaugh, brother-in-law Jim (Roxi) Slusarczyk (Roxanne), nieces Marissa (Tim) Sodhi, Jen (Sam) Lewis, Kelly Tillapaugh, nephew Jason Tillapaugh, and six great nieces and nephews.

While Dodsley stepped through gates of splendor, right into Heaven, memories of her will remain along with great photos and her written words in letters, cards, and emails. Since Dodsley had a strong faith in God and had accepted Jesus as her Savior many years ago, it is not goodbye but "until we meet again."

There are no services planned due to the pandemic. Condolences to the family may be sent to PaulDods12@gmail. com. In memory of Dodsley, kindly consider donating a portal (smart video display) to your local nursing home. No one with COVID-19 should have to die alone.

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