Sondra Ryder Dorchester, 79, ascended peacefully into Heaven November 11, 2013 from Upstate University Hospital @ Community General. Although she battled courageously throughout more than 3 months hospital stay, her body simply could not respond to her continuing desire to "Go Home" and she passed away early Monday morning.

Sonnie resided, with her husband Robert in Marcellus. For 23 years they also enjoyed their winter residence at Ocean Breeze Park, Jensen Beach, FL.. She was looking forward to celebrating her 58th wedding anniversary in December.

Sonnie was born May 17, 1934, the youngest daughter of the late George and Frances Ryder. She graduated from Marcellus Central School in 1952 and from Cortland State Teachers College in 1956. She was a drum majorette leading her high school marching band, as well as a varsity cheer leader in both high school and college. Sonnie's beautiful smile was her trademark in these activities, and family and friends will remember that same smile she carried all through life.

With a final semester remaining at Cortland, Sonnie married Bob in December of 1955. The following fall, with college degree and teaching certificate secured, she began teaching second grade at Split Rock Elementary. Next she transferred to Marcellus Elementary, where she spent many years at second grade, then to fifth grade and later becoming a "floating" substitute covering grades K-12, retiring after a 33 year career. Sonnie loved teaching and loved the children she worked with, as she loved her own three children who had enlarged their family along the way in 1959, 1963 and 1967.

Sonnie was a wonderful wife, mother, teacher and homemaker and her family and countless friends mourn her passing. Their love for Sonnie will endure forever.
In addition to her loving husband Robert Sonnie is survived by her children Alison Dorchester of Solvay, Dr. Matthew (Maura) Dorchester of Scottsdale, AZ and Stacey (Doug) Bailey of Camillus; her sister Gerry (Garth) Snyder of Marcellus; niece Wendy (Steve) Osborne; nephews Craig (Lori) Snyder, Jeff (Gina) Snyder and Curtis Snyder.

The family of Sondra expresses its appreciation for the care and caring she received from the 4-north staff at Community General.

A memorial service is planned for 1p.m. Saturday November 16 at the Marcellus First Presbyterian Church, followed by a reception and light refreshments in the church hall.

Read Sondra "Sonnie" Dorchester's Obituary and Guestbook on www.plisfuneralhome.com.

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