Obituary of Doris L. Navestad

Doris Lillian Navestad, age 89 of Burdett, NY passed away on Thursday, March 18, 2021 after a lengthy struggle with dementia. She was born at home in Ozone Park, NY on March 26, 1931, to Harry and Pauline (Voss) Croker. On April 24, 1954 she married Per J. Navestad at Community Methodist Church in Ozone Park, NY. They raised four children at their home in Oceanside, NY. For the 25 years prior to moving to Burdett in 1987, the family spent part of every summer, at first, tent camping, and then vacationing at their country cabin in Tyrone. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Per; daughter, Wendy (Robert) Wirth; sons Paul, Eric (Cheryll), and Gary (Tina) Navestad; grandchildren Amy (Anthony) Bo, Lori (Erich) Asperschlager, Gregory, Brian, Julie, Paige, and Perry Navestad; great-grandchildren, Andrew and Ryan Bo, Juliet and Leah Asperschlager, and special niece, Janet (Hurbert) Jordan. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sisters Charlotte Lanigan and Joan Croker, sister-in-law, Ann "Tula" Navestad, and grandsons, Ethan and Elijah Navestad. Doris was a stenographer for McCrory's Department Store in New York City before becoming a homemaker and stay-at-home mom. She was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church of Oceanside where she organized several successful craft fairs. When she returned to work, she was employed by the Town of Hempstead as an instructor of craft classes for senior citizens at five different Long Island locations. Even after she was a senior herself, she enjoyed telling stories about "her seniors" and the projects they worked on together. After retiring to Burdett, Doris became involved with several activities. She was a member of the Reynoldsville United Methodist Church, and was one of the founding volunteers of the Reynoldsville Food Pantry, a cause that was very important to her. She was also one of the Literacy Volunteers of Chemung and Schuyler Counties and an RSVP Reading Buddy. She belonged to the Burdett Ladies Wednesday Afternoon Club, was a member of the Vintage Red Hat Divas, Choose to Trust group, and several quilt guilds. She collected fabric, enjoyed sewing, making quilted clothing, and other quilted projects. She found great joy working in her flower garden, a hobby she shared with her grandfather. She loved to decorate her living room for holidays and at the change of every season. Doris enjoyed her family and the frequent, four-generation family gatherings that took place pre-COVID. She always joked about the saying "She who dies with the most fabric wins". As her family, we think she was the winner, but not for that reason alone. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and GG-ma who will be missed by all. A part of her will live on in the many handmade creations she leaves behind. Doris's wish was to remain in her home until the end. She received loving care from her daughter and granddaughters, Amy and Lori, and the wonderful CareFirst team of Dean, Patsy, Lori, Erica, Iva, Melissa, and Syd. Thanks to Shannon Slater of Schuyler County Office for the Aging for the years of caregiver support. There will be no visitation or services at this time. The family plans to hold a celebration of life when it is safe to gather again. Memorial donations may be made to CareFirst, 3805 Meads Creek Rd. Painted Post, NY 14870 or the Reynoldsville Food Pantry c/o Linda Jaynes, 5092 State Route 227, Burdett, NY 14818.