Obituary of Caroline E. DiNoto

Caroline Elizabeth ("Dolly") DiNoto, 95, of Bainbridge, passed away peacefully at home on January 26, 2023, with what appears to be only two gray hairs on her head. She passed on what would have been the 95th birthday of her husband, Sebastian "Sam" DiNoto, who predeceased her. She was born on April 15, 1927, in Bronx, New York, to the late Joseph and Josephine Spadaro. The midwife exclaimed that she looked like a perfect doll, and the moniker became her identity. Dolly graduated from Norwich High School where she was captain of the cheerleading squad. She worked in retail until her marriage to Sam, the love of her life, on July 25, 1953. The couple settled in Bainbridge, raising six daughters, and opening their home to many Rotary Youth Exchange students. Dolly worked as a teacher aide in the Bainbridge-Guilford School District and enjoyed visits with former students. Dolly was an active member in her community, with her strong faith and optimism making her a role model for family and friends. She was a proud election worker and a member of the Bainbridge Rec Club, rarely missing a meeting, even as one of the club's senior members. She served in many positions with the Bainbridge Women's Club and was involved in St. John's Catholic Church and a member of the Altar Rosary Society. She was recently named a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary District 7190 (Northeast NY). Dolly was tiny but mighty and will be remembered as her high school yearbook described her, "a dynamic bundle of restless energy." She enjoyed working in her vegetable and flower gardens and was a talented seamstress. She was a kind friend dedicated to making sure everyone in her orbit was comfortable and well fed. She was the life of most parties and up on her feet whenever "Hello, Dolly!" played. In addition to Sam, Dolly was predeceased by her parents, five siblings and her daughter and son-in-law, Mary Jane and Richard (Zip) Hughes. She is survived by her daughters Susan (Daniel) George, Donna (Doug) Holdrege, Sandra (Joe Parella) DiNoto, Caroline (Paul) Laing, and Denise DiNoto; grandchildren Chris George, Erin (George) Drummond, Cassandra (George) West, Sara (Hughes) Tribou, Joe Hughes, Karen (Hughes) Emmons, Jenny Holdrege, Randy Holdrege, Daniel Gally and Joshua Gally; and 14 great-grandchildren. She is survived by sister, Theresa Zieno, from Sidney, and dozens of nieces and nephews. The family is grateful to the wonderful nurses and staff from Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County, especially Logan and Melissa, for ensuring Dolly's final wishes were fulfilled. Dolly always said, "I don't want flowers after I die. I want them now!" In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County (https://hospicechenango.org). Dolly enjoyed one glass of wine with dinner or a good Manhattan on special occasions and would encourage all to raise a glass in her memory. Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, January 31, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St. Sidney. Funeral mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 15 Liberty St. Sidney at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. Final interment will be at Greenlawn Cemetery in Bainbridge. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.landersfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.