Dorothy M. (née Bednarczyk) Wier, who loved being a farmer and mother, pushing baby carriages in the field, died peacefully at home on Friday, July 12, 2024, with her family by her side. She was 86.

She was born in Mt. Carmel, Pennsylvania on Nov. 18, 1937 to the late Walter and Bertha Bednarczyk; her stepfather was William Millett.

When she was a young girl, her family moved to Schenectady, where she grew up and graduated from Mount Pleasant High School. After high school, she met and married Joseph Wier in 1957.

“She quickly became a homemaker, wife, mother, and farmer, spending countless hours on the family farm picking vegetables and pushing baby carriages in the fields,” her family wrote in a tribute. “This was her full-time job that she loved even though it was 24 hours a day with no overtime pay.

“When she did get away, there was one place that meant the most to her, their camp at Sacandaga Lake, where she water-skied and watched her children swim and play. That is also where she met her best friend, Sally Bibens. The two spent days together enjoying the lake, shopping (that always ended with an ice cream) and building a friendship that would last a lifetime.”

****

Dorothy M. Wier is survived by her husband of 67 years, Joseph, who held her hand till her last breath; by her children, Debra Platt (Eric), Joseph Wier III (Maryann), and Gregory Wier (Dawn); and by her grandchildren, RJ (Erica), Gregory, Carrie (Dustin), Katlyn (Kyle), Brittany (Cody), BobbiJo, Marlana (Nick), Ian, and Joseph IV (Meaghan).

“She was so proud to be called Great Grammy to 13 great-grandchildren,” her family wrote. “When they would visit her, she always got a hug before they got a piece of candy.”

She is also survived by her brother, Larry (Rose); by her sister-in-law, Ann (Bill); and by many nieces and nephews.

Her parents, Walter and Bertha Bednarczyk, died before her, as did her stepfather, William Millett, and sister, Eleanor, whom she missed very much.

“The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the care team from Home Instead; Allen from Community Hospice; family and friends Meaghan, Brittany, Linda, and Jacquelyn for being there to help with her care,” the tribute said.

Services will be held at the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home at 5216 Western Ave. in Guilderland on Thursday, July 18. Calling hours will be from 9 to 11 a.m. followed by a brief service and interment at Fishers Cemetery in Rotterdam.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice.