Dorothy E. Bednar

Dorothy E. Bednar passed peacefully on May 17, 2024 with the love and prayers of her family, who were by her side.  A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 22 at the Sheenan Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Piscataway.  Friends and relatives may visit on Tuesday, May 21 from 4-7pm at the funeral home.  Donations in her memory may be made to the good work of the Lupus Foundation of America or the donor’s charity of choice.

Dorothy was born in New York to the late Harry and Mary (Josefek) Settele.  She was lovingly called “Sissy” by her family.   Her childhood was spent living in Newark and Plainfield.  As a young adult she worked at the A&P in the bakery. As luck would have it, she met her husband on a blind date, and with fireworks, their love story continued, marrying on July 3, 1965. Their bond was as enduring as the car she drove when they met, which they still own today.

Settling in Piscataway, they started their family, raising their three daughters to be strong and independent women.  With Dorothy’s unconditional love and guidance and John’s devotion and work ethic they crafted a beautiful life for their family, fostering love, strength, and unity. She was an exceptional cook and homemaker. There was never a day when a bed was unmade, or dinner wasn’t on the table for her family.

These past few years she relaxed each evening with her husband, watching her favorite television shows including “Jeopardy”, “Survivor”, "Antiques Roadshow" and "This Old House”.  She kept her mind sharp each day with a challenging crossword puzzle, pen in hand – never a pencil! Above all, she loved having her family nearby. She adored babies and looked forward to receiving family pictures in Christmas cards every year.  She enjoyed weekly Sunday visits with her daughters and grandchildren, proudly displaying their portraits in her home.                                                                       

Dorothy leaves her devoted husband and best friend of 59 years, John Bednar; her loving daughters Annette Bednar, Wendy Bednar West and her husband Benjamin West, and Jennifer Bednar; and her beloved grandchildren Benjamin West and Annika West. She was predeceased by her sister Mary Ann McCann.  She is also survived by her sisters Carol Forte and Bertha Jacob, her brother Harry Settele, and several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.  Although we are deeply saddened by her passing, we know she will continue to watch over her family with love and pride.

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