Obituaries
Dora Cecelia Dennison, 88
December 04, 2025
Dora Cecelia Dennison, 88, of Lancaster, entered into rest on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Lancaster General Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late Robert E. and Sophia M. (Sedgwick) Dennison.
Though small in stature, Dora was a true giant in the lives of all who knew her—the steady anchor of her family and the living definition of love in action. Every morning began with her on her knees, thanking God for another day, a testament to her deep and abiding faith. A devoted member of Bethel AME Church, Dora’s life was a living reflection of God’s love—the kind of pure, selfless, radiant love that could only come from a woman who truly understood what it meant to serve, to give, and to lift others up simply because that’s who she was.
A hardworking woman who gave her all, Dora spent more than 40 years at RCA, now Burle Industries. She never cut corners, and she certainly never short-cut life. A woman of her word—strong yet kind, disciplined yet deeply generous—Dora was a mother not only to her children, but to her community. Her servant’s heart meant she would do anything for anyone in need. If there was a fundraiser her children or grandchildren were involved in, you could trust Nan to champion the cause; she made sure they never went without.
Her home wasn’t just a house—it was the beating heart of the family. Birthdays, Easter mornings with every grandkid dressed to the nines after trips to Boscov’s, after-church Sunday dinners, football games, and Super Bowl parties—Dora made sure her home was everyone’s home. You could always count on her famous potato salad at any function, and when family came to visit, there was always a pan of chicken and rice in the oven, made with love.
A proud Philadelphia Eagles fan, Dora loved football and could often be found leading the football pools at Joe Capps. She was always impeccably dressed—her closets overflowing with clothes, shoes, purses, and wigs and she never left the house without her signature red lipstick and sunglasses.
She loved fiercely—not always through elaborate words, but through her unwavering presence, her tireless care, and the countless quiet actions that spoke louder than anything she could say.
Saturdays meant trips to Central Market, where she’d sample grapes before buying them, much to her grandkids’ playful dismay (“Nan, you can’t do that!”). Sundays smelled like her dried beef gravy. Every single day, she read the Lancaster newspaper from front to back, and everyone who crossed her path remembered her warmth, her sharp wit, and her generous spirit.
Her legacy lives on through her family—in their mannerisms, their voices, and the way they love one another.
There will NEVER be another Dora D. Her strength, her style, her faith, and her love were one of a kind, and the space she filled in this world can never be replaced. Her family takes comfort knowing she is at peace and reunited with her loved ones. As Dora often reminded those she loved, “We plan and God unplans”—a truth now deeply felt in her passing, as our plans to keep her with us were gently undone by God’s plan to call her home.
We honor you today and always. Our love for you knows no end, and words will never be enough to capture the depth of your impact on our lives.
She was preceded in death by her beloved siblings Mary A. Wickenheiser, Lewis S. Dennison, Granville P. Dennison, Helen M. Dixon, Raymond L. Dennison, Ida E. White, Margaret L. Watson, Christine M. Culbreath, Shirley S. Wright, Agnes R. and Joseph L. Dennison, Kathryn A. Boyer, and her goddaughter, Devon. God has truly smiled on her, and we are grateful for His covering over her 88 years. She went in peace, right behind her dear sister Margie.
Dora is survived by her children: Migdalia R., wife of Alvin Blakely; Kim M. Dennison; Monica F. Dennison, wife of Lawrence Williams; and Michael S., husband of Stephanie L. Dennison. She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Fidel Sr. (Wife: Candice), Kaylah, Brittany, Sharinna, Brianna, Kiersten, Malana, Michael, Marcus, and Mariana; great-grandchildren Dimitrius, Jacinda, Dorian, Fidel Jr., Samirah, Yasmeen, Xylah, Lyric, L’Nyiah, Brea, Iyanna, Micaiah, and Micai; and great-great-grandchildren Laylanie, Luca, and Patience.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a funeral service on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. There will be a time of visitation with the family from 9:00 AM until the time of service. Interment will follow at Riverview Burial Park, Lancaster.
Those wishing to honor Dora’s memory may send contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
December 15, 2025
Dalia and the entire Dennison Family, please know you all are in my thoughts and prayers. Ms. Dora, what an amazing Lady……To Gos Be the Glory for a life well lived. Dalia, I wish I had known, I definitely would have attended the service.
Peace and Blessings, Arlene Hudson and the Weeks-Hudson Family
December 15, 2025
To my dear Cousins, Migdalia, Kim, Monica, and Mike,
I’m sorry for the passing of your mother and my great-aunt, but I’m thankful for the time that God gave her to us. Life is fleeting, but the memories last. Aunt Dora was always the first one to greet me with a hug and kiss when I walked into Grandmom’s and Grandpop’s house through the kitchen. She was the last of a legendary generation in our family, but she’ll always be in my heart.
Love you all.
Bobby
December 15, 2025
Kim, Brianna, Kiersten and family,
Continually praying for you all especially during this time. May God continue to cover you with his love. James, Tanya and family
December 14, 2025
Cousins truly heartbroken 💔 Aunt Dora was so loving such a roll model to me in my younger years spent at 718 S. Lime with us having her & Aunt Christine making sure we had breakfast, lunch,& dinner ! ” GM Sofie & GP Rob for that little Taste ” We Stong through GOD’S Divine Grace. ❤️
Tina Teeter
December 14, 2025
Miss Dora!!! Yet another amazing soul we were introduced to by our father, “Pidge”. Her and her sisters, Miss Shirley, Aunt Aggie were always impeccably dressed or “clean”.💖 Jukebox playing at “Banzhofs”, shuffleboard to the left, and something sports related on the TV. One memory was at Christmas time. “Silent Night” by the Temptations. Everyone would sing along, and at the end, folks would try to “out bass” Melvin’s “Merry Christmas from the Temptations”.🤭🥰 Just good times with even better people. Thank you Miss Dora for sharing yourself with all of us. We’ll always remember that smile and your unwavering spirt. Dahlia, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. She was special, and truly loved. Every blessing going forward.
The Williams Family. Jo-Anna, Charles Jr., “Ducky”, Jennifer, “Cissy” (RIP), Charmaine.
December 14, 2025
To the Dennison family, from the Charles E. Williams Family, (Pidge’s Kids)
Miss Dora was always kind and funny every time i saw her. She was part of the Joe Capp’s Family.
Her and my Dad had jokes and enjoyed each other company every time they saw each other. I was happy to know her, and express my deepest condolences from my family to her family. Miss Dora was loved and will be missed.
From, Jenny Wiilams Wilson, Chuck Williams Jr, Charmaine Williams and Jo Anna Williams
December 14, 2025
Dear family, we are going through the deepest hurt life can dish out but we are stronger than ever. The love that flows in and through us has been given to us from God and our ancestors. Even when we aren’t physically present we are together in spirit. Sending love to all of you.
Georganna Green
December 13, 2025
AUNT DORA ❤️ WAS BIGGER THAN THIS PLANET NOW HER LOVE WILL BE UNIVERSALLY CELEBRATED MY CONDOLENCES TO MY BEAUTIFUL COUSINS MAY HER FAVOR FOREVER SHINE ON.EARTHLY MELANATED GODDESS GREAT AUNT DORA.HUG MY BROTHER DARIEN WHISPER I LOVE N MISS HIM SO MUCH.
Monique J Humphrey
December 13, 2025
Please accept my deepest condolences . Claudette myer
December 13, 2025
My sincere condolences. Ms. Dora will definitely be missed. Lakeisha D Caldwell
December 13, 2025
Sending my deepest condolences to Mike/Dennison family. May God give you all peace that surpasses all understanding. Tisha/Grimes family
December 11, 2025
My deepest sympathy for all the Dennison family Miss Dora had a long happy life and will be welcomed by all her brothers and sisters at the gates she so deeply believed in rest peacefully . Douglas Wickenheiser
December 11, 2025
Kim and Family,
Please know you and the Family are in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult season of grief. May God’s peace, strength and love sustain you with the sweet memories of your love one, your Mom. May God’s grace continue to comfort and keep you.
Sis. Bernadette McFadden
The Women’s Life Group
Life Source International Church
Michael McDermott, Pastor
December 11, 2025
Kim,
Please know that you and your family are in the thoughts and prayers of each member of the Women’s Life Group of the Life Source International Church in Baltimore. Please know during this difficult season of loss, that your Love One is not gone but continues to live in the hearts of her loved ones. Praying God will grant you all peace in your remembrance of your Mom and comfort from day to day of her memories. Bernadette McFadden
December 10, 2025
Sending our deepest condolences to the the family. From Priscilla Gardner Murphy and Mildred McClain.
December 10, 2025
Our heartfelt condolences to the Dennison family on the passing of Dora and Margie. I have many fond memories of the both. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Louise Williams and family.
December 10, 2025
My condolences praying for the family
Rip Ms. Dora
Valerie Newbold Hubert
December 09, 2025
My deepest condolences to family my she sleep in peace rest in peace. Dorothy Blackman aka Nookie
December 09, 2025
I worked with Dora at RCA. She was so kind and I loved her laugh I will keep the family in my prayers . Barbara Peterson
December 09, 2025
Cousins, such a difficult time for all .Rest assure we’re not alone. This family is surely Covered with the Comfort of our Lord JESUS 🙏🏾 Tina Teeter
December 09, 2025
My Condolences to the Family,Ms Dora will be truly miss. Marie Williams
December 08, 2025
I speak on behalf of the Boots family, we send our deepest condolences to the family. Ms Dora was a gem. The upbringing of Bonnie’s children Nick and Monique on Susquehanna street was so closely intertwined with her own that a closeness automatically existed. Papa’s work and engagement with the kids at the club created a fondness that would never go away; and lastly the lifelong friendship shared between Ms Dora(lovingly known as Aunt Dora) and Earl and Mary was timeless. Even at the end of Earl’s life Aunt Dora was determined to come to his funeral in May, and she did with Dalia by her side. Two families knitted together in Love! Our love for Aunt Dora and her children knows no bounds, she will be terribly missed and forever loved!
Monique Boots
December 08, 2025
Grace and Peace to the Dennisons and their families. May the Peace of God which surpasses all understanding be in and around you all as you go through this difficult time of mourning. Hold close to God and one another 🙏🏼
Sincerely
Niya Foxx
- Visitation
- Monday, December 15, 2025
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Monday, December 15, 2025
- 11:00 AM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions >
