Dorothy May Bruce Miner

Dorothy (Dot) May Bruce Miner, 90, of Plattsburgh, passed away Monday, December 12, 2016, at CVPH Medical Center with her family at her side. She was born in Beekmantown, N.Y. on June 24, 1926, the daughter and youngest child of Elizabeth Manley Bruce and George Henry Bruce. Dorothy was a communicant at St. Peters Catholic Church, Plattsburgh, N.Y. Dot married Henry E. Miner on February 3, 1945 at St. James Church in Cadyville, N.Y. She was predeceased by Henry on February 1, 1974 and infant son, George, in 1948. For several years Dot was employed by the J.J. Newberry Department store in Saranac Lake, N.Y. Later, she was the accountant for her husband Henry's automotive repair business in Lake Colby, N.Y. After Henry's passing, she worked at Saranac Lake General Hospital. She was an independent, self-motivated woman who went back to school and at age 55 completed a degree in Business Management at Clinton Community College. Following graduation, Dot went to work at True Value in Plattsburgh as an accountant. Also, while employed by the Green Thumb Program, she worked at the Center for Independence, United Way and Cornell Cooperative Extension. Dorothy became an active volunteer for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program and Al-Anon in Saranac Lake and Plattsburgh. Dot enjoyed playing cards, especially Canasta, at Miner family gatherings. She always had a camera in hand to take photos at special family celebrations. Sewing, reading and watching the Lawrence Welk show were favorite pastimes. She relished her trips to California and Kentucky for family visits and weddings. As well, Dot enjoyed country music and dancing the Polka. Often, she hummed music as she worked or shopped. As an active member of Newberry's bowling team, she traveled to New York State bowling competitions during lilac season. Lilacs were Dot's favorite flowers. Dot was a very special person, dearly loved by her family and friends. Her kindness, wit and determined spirit will truly be missed. Dorothy is survived by two daughters: JoAnn M. Dwyer (Robert) of Chazy, N.Y. and Gale Purick (Conrad) of Cadyville, N.Y. Also surviving are five grandchildren: Colleen Bell, Keely Dwyer-Matzky (Karl), Kevin Dwyer, Jeremy Purick (Heather), Nicole Fagen (Scott) and twelve great-grandchildren: Kayleigh, Samuel, Makenna and Jack Bell, Kieran, Keegan and Kirsten Matzky, Kaela and Kaden Dwyer, Brinkley Purick, Bailey and Michael Fagen. Predeceasing Dorothy were her parents and siblings: Margaret Manley Coopy (Victor), George Manley (Doris), George Bruce Jr., Clarence Bruce, Catherine Bruce Collins, Edgar Bruce and Harry Ira Bruce. Miner family in-laws were: Clarence Miner, Bernard Miner, James E. Miner and Madeline Miner Pellerin. Surviving relatives are: Margaret Rena Bruce (IN), Margaret Olsen Bruce (MA), Ethel Poland Bruce (TN), John Miner (Gloria), Clement Miner, (KY), Gladys Miner Collins (Roland), Winifred Miner Carron (Robert), Betty Miner (Bernard) and numerous nieces and nephews. Per Dorothy's request, there will be no public calling hours. A memorial celebration of Dorothy's life and interment will be at Assumption of Mary Church and Cemetery in Redford, N.Y. on June 10, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph's Addiction Treatment & Recovery Center, Attn: Jim Grant, PO Box 470, Saranac Lake, N.Y. 12983. Please indicate that the donation is for the Family Program. Arrangements are entrusted to the Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St. in Plattsburgh. (518) 561-3980. Online condolences and memorial candles may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com.