Obituary of Diane P. Dorset

Diane P. Dorset, 90, a long-time Cortland resident, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2025, at her daughter and son-in-law's home in Syracuse NY. She was born February 6, 1935, in Bedford Hills NY and was the daughter of the late Everett and Hazel Reynolds Pennie. She was predeceased by her husband of 42 years, Lynn (Pete) Dorset. Diane graduated from Bedford Hills High School in 1952 and attended the State University at Cortland, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Health Education in 1956. She would later go on to earn a master's degree in healthcare education from the State University of Cortland as well. Diane worked in public education as a substitute teacher for health and science in the Cortland School District for many years. Diane gave back to her community in many ways, working for Cortland County Social Services early in her career, and later serving on the SUNY Alumni board of directors, Cortland County Mental Health board of directors, the board of directors for Cortland County Office for the Aging. and board of directors for Cortland County Hospice. She also served as Regional Director for the American Cancer Society. Following her retirement, she continued her association with Hospice, working part-time for Caring Community Hospice of Cortland. Diane loved traveling and vacationing with family and friends anywhere near the water. Some of her favorite vacation destinations included Cape Cod and Rockport in Massachusetts, Lake Eden in Vermont, the Outer Banks in North Carolina, and the Myrtle Beach area in South Carolina. She and her husband Pete also loved golf vacations with friends in South Carolina and various islands in Caribbean, and going on family fishing trips to Canada with close family friends. Closer to home, she enjoyed many family summer vacations on several local lakes as well. As a grandmother, Diane was a keen supporter of all her grandchildren's endeavors, attending many of their sporting and music events while they grew up. She also loved to just go for a good walk, whether it was with family members or her good friends, and she never missed an opportunity for a good long chat along the way. She loved to read and always had a book in her hand or one nearby. Following her retirement, she worked part-time at the Homer Library, where she loved the opportunity to be surrounded by literature of all kinds. She was a member of the Cortland Methodist Church on Church St. in Cortland, and later in life became a member of the Homer Methodist Church. She is survived by her daughter Donna (Jeffrey) Taw, her son Kevin (Wendy) Dorset, her grandchildren Mackenzie Taw, (great grandson Quin) Erin (Brett) Rogers, and Ian Dorset, her sister Donna Noyes, and many nieces and nephews. A calling hour will be held Wednesday July 23, from 10:00-11:00 am with a brief memorial service from 11:00-11:30am at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home inc., 9 Lincoln Ave., Cortland NY, 13045. A burial service for the family will follow at Glenwood Cemetery, Homer NY next to her predeceased husband Lynn. Those who wish to make a donation in honor of Diane may make it to the Cortland County SPCA To offer online condolences please visit www.wright-beard.com