Dorothy May (Hayes) Monroe, 85, of Youngstown, NY passed away on Sunday May 27, 2012 surrounded by her family at Niagara Hospice House in Lockport, NY. She was born in Niagara Falls, NY on November 18, 1926 to the late James and Eva May (Norton) Hayes.

Dorothy moved to Youngstown, NY as a child with her family, and was a lifelong resident of the Youngstown and Lewiston, NY area. She attended local schools and graduated from the former Youngstown High School in 1944. Dorothy worked in the dental clinic at Fort Niagara during World War II. It was here that she met her husband of 30 years, Henry Monroe. They were married in 1945 at Youngstown First Presbyterian Church, and together they raised five children. Mr. Monroe predeceased her on June 13, 1975. Dorothy enjoyed gardening, cooking and needlework. She was a lifelong and active member of Youngstown First Presbyterian Church where she served as a Deacon and Elder. Dorothy also attended First Presbyterian Church of Lewiston, and worked many years as a teacher’s aid for their pre-school program. The remainder of her time was devoted to her friends and family, especially her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Dorothy is survived by her two sons, Robert (Joy) Monroe of Newfane, NY and Gregory Monroe of Youngstown, NY; three daughters, Pamela (Bob) Hill of Youngstown, NY; Susan (Chris) Schmitt of Clifton Park, NY and Lisa (David) Ludewig of Highland, NY; a legacy of nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, one sister Nancy Gauerke of Columbus, OH; as well as several nieces and nephews. Dorothy was also the sister-in-law of, Barbara Blackwell, Julian Monroe and Judy Dutton all of Connecticut, and was predeceased by two brothers, Edgar and Robert Hayes and one sister Orma Fischette.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday May 31st at the Youngstown First Presbyterian Church, 100 Church Street, Youngstown, NY. A reception will be held at the church following the service. Immediately following the reception, loved ones may gather for final interment at Oakland Rural Cemetery, Lake Road, Youngstown, NY. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive Lockport, NY 14094 or to Youngstown First Presbyterian Church. Arrangements by M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY.