Dorothy Ann Spillane

Dorothy A. Spillane, 90
Silver Lake resident Dorothy A. Spillane (née Kashavsky), 90, died on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, at the home of her daughter, Eileen and her wife, Robin, in Whitehall, N.Y., surrounded by her family.
Born to Charles and Mary Kashavsky, Mrs. Spillane was a near lifelong resident of Staten Island and a proud graduate of St. Peter's Girls High School. In 1952, she married Richard E. Spillane, who preceded her in death in 2017 and whom she missed until her last breath. They lived briefly in Kentucky before he served in the Korean War and upon his discharge, they settled on Staten Island to raise their four daughters.
Mrs. Spillane never met a baby, child, or animal that she did not love and that did not return her love. In addition to raising her own children, she often looked after her many nieces and nephews. Though her life was also filled with many birds, cats, and dogs, one of her best friends was her dog, Sidney, who stayed by her side always.
Mrs. Spillane loved music and loved dancing. She would have happily continued to jitterbug her whole life had arthritis not slowed her down. She also loved to cook, becoming quite famous for her cheesecake, which is still much in demand. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, as well as games of all varieties. Mrs. Spillane always had a green thumb, reviving violets and coaxing reluctant cactuses to bloom. In recent months, she took great pleasure in helping her daughter, Eileen in the garden and was proud of their bountiful harvest.
Though she loved Staten Island and lived here most of her life, Mrs. Spillane learned to love the wonders of an upstate sunset and sunrise, as she spent the last six months of her life in Whitehall. She made great friends there, shared many a cup of coffee, and became the adopted momma and grandmother to her neighbors. Looking for Siddy upstate, she rechristened all red dogs, Siddy and embraced her new friends, Morgan, Poppy, Mickey, and Shakey.
In addition to Eileen and Robin, Mrs. Spillane is survived by her daughters, Kathleen, Clare, and Moira; and her brothers, John and Henry Kashavsky.
There will be a funeral service and memorial at Jillson's Funeral Home in Whitehall, N.Y. on Wednesday evening. Interment is at St. Peter's Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital .

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