Bethpage-Tribune_2007-11-16

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Volume 45 Number 43 329 Broadway., Bethpage, NY 11714 Nov. 16-22 , 2007 (516)681-0440 ext. 21 FAX (516)681-9354 Email: Nuz2u@aol.com 50 CeiltS
Bethpage Says Goodbye to DOROTHY RABAS
On Tuesday, November 13, Bethpage lost a lifelong resident, a true
friend and a unique and wonderful woman with the passing away of
Dorothy Rabas. If you had the privilege and sincere honor of knowing this
wonderful, giving and sincere woman you were truly lucky. Throughout her
eighty-eight years, Dotty always made time to give back to her community
and her fellow residents. She was one of the many reasons that make
Bethpage such a special place and the entire community will surely miss her
but never ever forget her.
This lovely lady, who was born on May 26, 1919 had been a member of
the Archie McCord Post #86, American Legion Auxiliary in Bethpage since
she was 16 years old, starting as a junior member. She was also an active
member of the Nassau County American Legion Auxiliary and served as
President from 1986-1987. As an active member for over 71 years, she
worked tirelessly on many projects to help and better the lives of Veterans.
From volunteering at the Veterans Hospital in Northport to visiting the
Veterans in nursing homes, raising money through Poppy sales and three
years ago raising funds for a piano for the Veterans to enjoy, Dotty was a
diligent and hard working volunteer. She also brought together a younger
generation of women to continue on with the tradition of the Ladies
Auxiliary to ensure that Veterans will always have people to care for them
and remember them. This year Dorothy was serving as 1 Oth District Vice
President of the American Legion Auxiliary for the Department of New
York
Dorothy was President of the Bethpage AARP from 2001-2005. She
planned and organized events for their meetings that have ranged from
Senior-housing, fire safety in the home, community affairs to floral arrang­ing
and more. She also traveled to Albany to lobby on behalf of Senior
Citizens. For the past two years she has been 2nd Vice President, involved
in planning activities for the meetings. In fact Dorothy was honored by New
York State AARP for her outstanding work and efforts in the community.
Dorothy has been involved in the Bethpage Memorial Day Parade
Committee as the Recording Secretary for the past four years and in fact
participated in the very parade she helped organize since she was a very
young girl.
Dotty was a life long resident of Bethpage but also a lifelong member of
St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Bethpage. She sang in the choir for over 30
years and served on the Church Council and was also a member of the Dor­cas
Ladies Aide Society. As a member of the Dorcas Aide Society she would
raise funds through Holiday Fairs and sales, using the money for Missionary
work and for the church. For the past 11 years she served on the Altar Society
and four years ago she was given the "Christian Service Award", which is
given to an individual who shows dedication and commitment to Christian
service.
Dorothy was also an active member of the Bethpage Fire Department
Ladies Auxiliary for over 58 years. She was always there to make sandwiches
and serve hot and cold drinks to the firemen during emergencies. Last year
she was President of the Bethpage Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.
For these accomplishments and for so many more on May 11, 2006
Dorothy was named "Senior Citizen of the Year."
And while I could go on and on about the accomplishments of this mar­velous
woman the one thing that perhaps I will miss the most about my dear
friend is her never ending smile and sincere kindness. Dotty never had an
unkind word to say about anyone and she was always ready eager and willing
to lend a hand to anyone who needed help. She always thought about the
needs of others and truly dedicated her life to making her community a better
place to live.
One of my fondest memories of Dotty was at a Fire Department Installa­tion
dinner a few years ago. I walked into the packed catering hall and the
first lady I saw on the dance floor was Dorothy Rabas. I walked over to her
to say hello and she told me if I stepped foot on the dance floor I best be
dancing. And so...I did...with her. When I think about that moment now I
realize that Dotty lived her life on a dance floor. Always smiling, always
moving and always making every moment special and worthwhile. She lived
life with a spirit in her heart that is unmatched and she made Bethpage and
the world a better place because of it.
So to my dear friend Dotty Rabas, I say with the utmost sincerity that we
will all miss you from the bottom of our hearts. There are no words to
describe how thankful we are for all that you have done for this community
for so many residents and Veterans but we can say that we love you and will
never forget your smiling face and endless energy. Your memory will serve as
a true inspiration to so many and your smile will be etched into the memory
of all of those lucky enough to have called you a friend.
Dorothy who was married to the late Richard Rabas for 36 years leaves
behind 4 adoring children, 8 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Ser­vices
for Dotty will be held on November 17 & 18 at the Arthur White Funer­al
Home in Bethpage from 2-5pm and 7-9:30pm. There will be a viewing at
White's Funeral Home on Monday November 19 at 9am with a 10:00 Service
at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Bethpage.
There is a very special song by Lee Ann Womack called "/ Hope You
Dance". The following lyrics were no doubt written with Dotty Rabas in
mind. They are dedicated to her and her family who we express our sincere
sympathy to.
/ hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat, but always have that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small when you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give fate a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance.
We'll never forget you, Dotty or how you taught us all to dance.