Story by Sara Gorelick, photos by Carol Montana
Dorothy Shapiro is a loving and doting mother, grandmother and friend. She paints a beautiful picture of Sullivan County with her words, using loving expressions to describe her life in the area. “Our countryside is magnificent,” she said. “We have good people here. I’m a country girl, and I love having the clean environment around me.”
Dorothy was born Brooklyn, but raised in the region, a girl from Ellenville with deep connections to her roots. In the 1970s, she produced a talk show called “Conversation with Dorothy” on Ellenville radio station WELV. Her show was about community activity and the work of the people who lived there.
In the 80s, Dorothy began recording first person stories with Michael Gold. In 1987 they developed a video guide showing how to capture stories of family and friends. And in 1999, Dorothy appeared on Martha Stewart Living to discuss the video.
Dorothy moved from Ellenville in 1978 to live with her second husband, Irving Shapiro. (Her first husband passed away when she was in her mid-thirties). Irving was the owner of Sullivan’s Department Store in Liberty. Dorothy calls Irving her hero for all he did for the residents of the county. 
“He was active with our local hospital, where he served on the Board of Trustees for 35 years, the Industrial Development Agency, the Anti-Defamation League, the resort industry in the early days and much more,” she said. “He created a department store for the area that provided for the shopping needs of the community and gave employment for thousands of residents over 46 years of having been in business.” Dorothy also recently helped to reopen The Liberty Mall (formerly the site of her late husband’s department store). At the recent Business Expo held there, Dorothy was honored for her work in the community.
Dorothy has always had an affinity for helping others. Throughout her life she has participated on both national boards and local committees. Continuing on her colorful history, she worked to help create a recycling program in the 1970s, which became the first recycling center in New York state.
In addition to being a producer, historian and legal secretary, Dorothy has also dabbled in writing. She recently wrote a book about recycling, reusing and renewing called “Grandma Goes Green.” Along with her co-author Lucy Smassanow, the book is geared towards children and opens a discussion about the environment between generations. Dorothy also tried her hand as a playwright with “Memo from Mom,” produced and directed by Carol Montana of Big Sky Productions. The two-hour play took Dorothy three years to write, and culminated in two sold-out performances at Sullivan County Community College in 1998, celebrating the 25th anniversary of Sullivan Performing Arts. The play followed the reunion of senior sisters, working through family values, responsibilities and memory loss. “It was very time consuming,” Dorothy noted, “having to write and re-write!”
Of all the work Dorothy does and her involvement in the community, her greatest treasure has been raising a large family. With her first husband she had three children, giving her eight grandchildren. She sees her family as often as possible and is extremely proud of each and every member of her tribe.
While her family lives near the bustling city of New York area, less than three hours south, Dorothy doesn’t see herself relocating anytime soon. “I like the quieter country style of living.”
Dorothy Shapiro loves her life in Sullivan County. For the past 32 years, she has spent her time in Liberty raising a family, fostering important relationships and remaining active in the community. Her kind words and intelligent conversation are a winning combination and make her a great asset to the county.
The Catskill Chronicle 
Dear Dorothy:
I am so happy to know that you are being honored. You certainly have earned this recognition.
Marv and Irving had a special friendship. I still remember the morning walking club.
Hope to see you when I go back to Liberty to visit. Love you, Ruth
What a lovely article about my friend Dorothy! Dorothy, you certainly deserve to be honored. It is our good fortune to know you and count you as a friend for many years. Even though we live many miles apart, you are always in our thoughts and in our hearts. May you continue to contribute to your community, your family and continue to enrich your community and your life with good deeds.
Our love and congratulations.
Jack and Meira Applebaum
Kochav Yair, Israel
Wow !!!!!! Such a beautiful article describing the life and times of our amazing mother. Though filled with so many wonderful stories of her accomplishments it merely scratches the surface on all she does to enrich the lives of others. Mom you are a wonderful role model to your children and grandchildren and we are so proud to claim you as “ours “.
With love,
Susan and Ervin Braun
Dorothy Shapiro is all that was beautifully written above, and oh, so much more. But rather than simply “an asset,” I’d term her a priceless resource, precious gem, and extraordinary individual, who has continued doing so much for so many others, despite her own daunting challenges, over the years.
May G-d grant Dorothy the best of good health, such that she can continue her countless “winning ways,” meanwhile celebrating the ongoing growth and accomplishments of her extended family, like its matriarch, gorgeous in every imaginable respect.
With heartfelt appreciation, love, and best wishes,
Susan Kross, DVM
Dairyland, NY
Dear Dorothy,
What a lovely article and so well deserved! You are all those things and more. Your combination of grace and efficiency is always inspiring. But for me, it’s your friendship I value the most. I have learned so much from your wisdom and your outlook on life. Thanks for sharing!
Love, Anne
Joe and I are so proud of you and grateful that you are such a wonderful friend. Reading this article only serves to enforce our feelings. Keep up the good work and be healthy and happy. Love, Blossom
Aunt Dorothy,
Congratulations on all of your achievements! Great article written about you. You look great in the photos! I loved Uncle Irving, he was such a great person. I remember my last conversation with Uncle Irving & he and I just laughed and laughed and laughed. I still have your cheeks!
Love,
Susan Goldsmith
What a beautiful article (well deserved). You have been, and still are, an asset to your community and the mainstay of your family. Your history of service to others can serve as an inspiration to others. I am proud to call you “cousin”.
Judith Sunray Schoolsky (her 1st cousin)
We feel so fortunate to be Dorothy’s cousins. She is a kind, wise and caring person.
Dorothy is cherished by her family, her friends, and by all who know her. The work she has done in her community, has rightfully earned her the respect and appreciation of all of its residents.
We are delighted to see Dorothy recognized in The Catskill Chronicle.
Dearest Dorothy,
Thank you for your friendship and for sharing your life and your fabulous insights always. You so deserve this recognition. Thrilled to see you in this article — miss you and miss the mountains…. so many happy memories and here and you (and Irving) figure in them all. Love, Kim
Lovely article. We are all very proud to know you.
Dear Dorothy,
Congratulations for your lifetime achievements in your community. Wishing you the very best. Keep up the wonderful work you are doing. Regards, Cousin George.
I am very proud of you.
Joel
A great article about an outstanding person – A true lady in every sense of the word – And a wonderful friend to me
We are very proud of Dorothy. She is a role model for many who know of her endeavors. I am her sister and have learned a great deal from her. We congratulate her!
Harriet and Gunther Goldsmith (her sister and brother-in-law)