Dorothea Virginia Palumbo

Dorothea Virginia Palumbo, 86, of Syracuse, passed away peacefully on Thursday at Syracuse Home Association. Born and raised in West Ghent, she was a graduate of Ichabod Crane High School in Kinderhook, NY. Dorothea's profound commitment to the field of nursing began at Columbia Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Hudson, NY, and continued as she pursued her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing at Utica Rome University. She furthered her education, earning a Master’s Degree in Nursing and a PhD in Adult Education, both from Syracuse University. Dorothea’s impact on the healthcare community was immeasurable, notably during her tenure at St. Camillus, where she ascended to the esteemed position of director of nursing. A passionate educator, she inspired countless students during her time as a clinical instructor at SU. 

Dorothea’s altruistic nature extended beyond the realm of healthcare, as she devoted her time to volunteering at The Erie Canal Park and the Lupus Foundation of America, embodying the spirit of service and selflessness in all aspects of her life. Her dedication to lifelong learning was evident in her pursuit of knowledge and her active involvement in the Friends of the Maxwell Memorial Library. She found joy in activities such as spinning yarn, knitting, and tending to her immaculate garden.

Dorothea was predeceased by her husband, James, in 2021. 

Surviving are her sons, James (Kate) Palumbo and Steven (Marilyn) Palumbo; daughters, Shelley (Dan Handschy) Palumbo and Mary Beth (Jamie) Williams; grandchildren, Madeline and Elizabeth Handschy, Jack and Ben Williams, and Emileigh, Aiden, and Noah Palumbo; sisters, Gaby (James) Hunter, Gay (Gardner) Congdon, and Betsy Curtis; and several nieces and nephews. 

To celebrate Dorothea’s life, a funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 2 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus.

Dorothea will be laid to rest in Saint Columbkille Cemetery, Seneca Falls, NY.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Camillus Canal Society, 5750 Devoe Rd., Camillus, NY 13031, or to the Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 W. Genesee St., Camillus, NY 13031.