Dorissa Booser

Dorissa Luave (Blair) Booser, 87, left this world for Heaven on September 15, 2026 in Waterloo, New York. Dorissa, daughter of the late Wylie Reed Blair and Louella Grace (Hindman) Blair, was born in Porters Township, Clarion, PA on November 25, 1938. She was one of 8 children. We loved hearing stories of her mishaps growing up. They were taught to keep the Sabbath. Every time the kids snuck out to play ball on Sundays, someone always got hurt and they’d get caught (huge splinters, broken bones, etc.). At one point, they nursed an injured deer, but their dad made them return him to the wild once he was well.

She was preceded in death by all her brothers: Samuel Ray, Warren Dostie, Leslie M. and Wylie (Buzz) and sisters Helen Doutt and Amber Shoemaker. Surviving Dorissa are sisters Anna Grace Nida (Kansas City, KS) and Nola Youngman (Portersville, PA).

Dorissa graduated from Redbank Valley High School in 1956. After high school, she studied elementary education at Clarion College in PA. However, it became too difficult to study, clean, cook, do laundry, and help with kid’s homework where she boarded. Her role there ceased immediately when Dorissa’s father learned that the oldest 12 year old son pulled a knife on her.

Dorissa’s next adventure started when she received a card in the mail from the FBI asking if she would apply. After a conversation with her mother, Dorissa filled out the application. Next came background checks, followed by interviews to neighbors, family and schoolteachers. Dorissa left for Washington, DC where she worked at the FBI from 1957 to 1960. Hoover was in charge at the time and she was a personnel clerk in the Administration Branch; she also worked on a special case.

Dorissa left the FBI after her engagement to Russell F. Booser. Russ was in his Junior year at Houghton College, Houghton NY when they married on June 18, 1960. Dorissa worked for the Development Office at Houghton College for Robert Lucky using her secretarial and organization skills and handled college donations. After two years of work while Russ finished his undergrad degree, they moved to Richmond, NY. However, the college wanted her back for summer work and she agreed.

In 1963, Dorissa and Russ began their family. Russ accepted a position as a guidance counselor in Penn Yan, NY. First, they lived in an apartment on East Main and then moved into their first house at 109 Chapel Street where they would live and raise their five children: Lori Luave Henderson (Don), Ryan Russell (Denise), Jonathan Russell, Vonda Allison/Laci and Deeann Renee Booser-Czjaka.

Dorissa was active at Emmanuel Baptist Church and Christian School. From 1975-1992, she was the board secretary, assistant treasurer and payroll clerk (treasurer after Russ died). In the 80’s, Dorissa worked for the PY Central School, subbing for various secretaries. From 1985-1989, she worked for the Drummer as a clerk/typist. In 1989-1993, she also worked at Chronical Express as a clerk & typist.

Dorissa’s son, Jonathan, preceded her in death in 1989 (motorcycle accident) and in the next year, 1990, her husband Russ preceded her in death (Leukemia). In 1994, Dorissa looked for a new work opportunity. She began work as a caregiver/aid to the elderly in their homes. She continued that work until she retired as her own health was becoming a challenge.

Dorissa loved plants and flowers and nursed dying ones back to life. For many years, she played on the church’s softball team; she was a great hitter. Her favorite flower was lilies; she loved purple. When she was young, she would go to a neighbor’s house to watch The Lone Ranger. She never tired of The Sound of Music. In her later years, she played Bingo at every opportunity and won prizes every time. She loved reading and puzzles, listening to the radio, music and travel. She went to Kiev, Russia to hand out Bibles. She was fortunate to travel to Alaska & Ireland. Her family ties took her to Pennsylvania multiple times a year. One year she and her sisters made and sold 50+ pies to support the Herman Cemetery in PA where she will be buried alongside Russ and her son Jonathan.

Dorissa loved babies and loved being a grandmother to Pierce, Eilish, & Reed Henderson (Lori), Mackenzie Booser (Ryan), Zachary & Destiny Mitchell (Vonda/Laci), & Jonathan and Preston Czajka (Deeann). Every birthday, a grandchild could count on Grammy sending them a dollar amount for their age. For Dorissa’s 70th Birthday Party, she got $70 in $1 dollar bills. She said, “That’s a LOT of ones!”

Dorissa loved God and wanted others to know His love. Mom accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior near when she was 16. She was a faithful member of Emmanuel Baptist Church for most of her life. As her health started to fade, she spent hours listening to radio and TV preachers, some who yelled more than they taught truth. Dorissa had a stubborn streak and once she was convinced on a subject, she rarely considered another opinion or side. She often said having a bit of stubbornness was “necessary” to get through life!

When her kids were young, she’d cook and sing to songs on the radio. She loved a good cup of coffee, black with hazelnut creamer, shared with friends. She was a great conversationalist and enjoyed laughing. Talking to any of her kids or grandkids on the phone, she’d say, “I love you bunches and bunches. “We love you too, Mom, bunches and bunches – always.”

Services for Dorissa Booser will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at Weldon Funeral Home, 102 East Main St, Penn Yan, NY. Calling Hours: 1-3 p.m. Memorial Service immediately following at 3 p.m. A graveside service will be held Monday, Oct 5 at noon at Herman Cemetery, Linwood Dr, off Rte. 861, between Rimersburg and New Bethlehem, PA.