Dora R. Birks

Dora R. Birks, 86, of Camillus, passed away Monday, March 30, 2015 at home. She was born in Syracuse to Chester and Josephine Rifenbary in 1928. Dora graduated from Nottingham High School and Syracuse University College of Home Economics. She was a proud member of OMICRON NU, the national home economics honor society and belonged to PI Beta PHI sorority where she met her future husband, Harold "Hal" Birks, on a blind date. They married in 1952 and have called Camillus their home since 1957. Dora's favorite place was her log cabin on Skaneateles Lake with swimming, boating and enjoying the sunsets. After her husband retired, winters were spent in Sebring, Florida escaping the cold days of the North. She especially enjoyed the many cruises they took together with their children and friends and visiting cities and islands. Dora was a former member of Camillus First United Methodist Church where she was a former chairman of the Board of Trustees and a member of the choir. She was predeceased by her sister, Margaret Chase. Surviving are her husband, Hal; children, Cynthia (Michael) Wessing of Westmoreland, Donald (Carol) Birks of Clifton Park and Amy (Stephen) Jenness of Baldwin, MD; grandchildren, Samantha, Karrie and Laura Wessing, Heather Birks and Sarah and Kyle Jenness. At Mrs. Birks request there will be no calling hours or services. Burial will be private in White Chapel Memory Gardens, DeWitt. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Camillus First United Methodist Church, 12 Genesee Street, Camillus, New York 13031. Share condolences at www.BuranichFH.com