UPDATED FUNERAL NOTICE - A graveside service for Dorothy Kleeman will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 21 at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd., Schuylerville, NY 12871.

QUEENSBURY – Dorothy Kleeman was born in the Bronx in 1928, and nicknamed "Hanni," a feminine form of "Hans" after her father.   The nickname stuck and was used by her family her entire life. When she was 18, her parents, John and Anna Barthel moved to the Glens Falls area, to a farm house on the Ridge Road next to the Old North Church. Dorothy worked for the Glens Falls phone company until she married Alfred Kleeman in 1947 and moved back to New York City.

She and Alfred were happily married for 68 years, spending their summers in a house they built on the Ridge Road, and swimming, boating and kayaking in Katskill bay, where Dorothy's brother Walter Barthel had a house on the lake and rented "Barthel Cottages." They spent the rest of their time in New York City, where Dorothy worked in the corporate offices of Alexander's Department store, while raising her daughter Laura. When Alfred retired, they moved to the Glens Falls area permanently, first in their house on the Ridge Road, and later to an apartment in Whispering Pines. For many years, Dorothy and Alfred were active members of the German Club, the AARP and various other organizations in the Glens Falls area.

Dorothy lived her 89 years with tremendous energy, optimism and perpetual positive thinking. She had a magnetic, upbeat, outgoing personality, and a devilish sense of humor. Full of energy, she rarely sat still for long. She was a roller skater in her youth, a great dancer, and a skillful, fearless driver even at the age of 88. Never one to dwell on the past or indulge in depression or self-pity, she was cheerfully making plans for the summer until only weeks before her death. Everywhere she went people talked to her, and she made friends easily. She kept friends too – remembered names, faces, birthdays, loved talking on the phone, and arranging get-togethers. She was caring, sympathetic, fun-loving, and good natured but with an inner reserve of strength and resiliency. Selflessly devoted to her husband and daughter, she lovingly took care of them for years, constantly reminding them to think positive thoughts, and look at the bright side of life. For all of us who knew Dorothy, a light has gone out in the world and she will be long remembered and sorely missed.

Dorothy is predeceased by her husband, Alfred and her brother, Walter Barthel of Katskill Bay. She leaves behind her daughter, Laura Kleeman, her cousins, Peter Salke and Linda Walker, and a large family of amazingly devoted friends who supported her daily throughout her illness, filled all the chairs in her hospital rooms and never left her side. Dorothy's daughter would like to especially thank Irene and, Linda, for all their support and assistance with doctors and hospitals; and our wonderful friends Nancy and Bob, Marcie, Marlene, Ann, Betty and Carol Crawley for providing so much love and for showing the true meaning of friendship.

In keeping with Dorothy's wishes, there will be no funeral services. There will be an interment at Solomon's Cemetery in July at a time to be announced.