Obituary of Dorothy M. Hensel

Dorothy “Dot” Hensel, 91, of Poughkeepsie N.Y., passed away Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at the home of her daughter.

Born December 25, 1929 in N.Y.C., she was the daughter of the late John Furphey and Dorothy Fitzell.

She was predeceased by her husband of 68 years by less than 2 weeks. Dorothy and Arthur Hensel were married on July 22, 1952. They met when they were teenagers working at the Midway Theater on Queens Blvd. in Forest Hills, N.Y.

Dot was a long time resident of Rosedale, N.Y., where she and Art raised 4 children. Over time, their family grew to include 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Dedicated to her family, she made each of them feel special and loved. With a spirit full of energy and determination, she lived by the motto “nothing ventured, nothing gained”. She shared her unique outlook with those around her, making life an adventure.

Throughout her life, Dot had a variety of interests. In her younger years, she was a legal secretary. After raising a family, she taught Religious Instruction at St. Clare’s Church in Rosedale, N.Y. for many years. She was an Auxiliary Police Sergeant in the 105 Precinct in Queens, N.Y. and finally a tax preparer at H&R Block.

Dot and Art moved to Lake Ariel, PA., where they enjoyed their retirement and made many friends. Their home in Wallenpaupack Lake Estates became central to their family, where they all enjoyed many memorable times together.

In addition to her husband, Dorothy was predeceased by her sisters, Rose Franz and Margaret Furphey. She leaves to cherish her memory her children and grandchildren; Arthur Hensel (Ann) of Bayville, N.J., Darice Pomerantz (Glen) of Red Hook, N.Y., Debra Goodman (Jeff) of North Bellmore, N.Y., Gail Mills (Terrence) of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

A memorial service and interment at St. Mary’s Church Cemetery in Ledgedale, Pennsylvania will be held this summer for both Arthur and Dorothy.