In Memory of Dorene J. Bullwinkle

Obituary

Dorene Bullwinkle, age 96 of Clinton, NY and formerly of Utica, NY died on December 10, 2025 at Katherine Lutheran Home. She was born in Utica, NY, the daughter of Alexander and Ann Rakwich. She attended Whitesboro schools and was a graduate of Utica College. She was married to Robert Bullwinkle for twenty years. She worked as a Head Start teacher and as a telephone operator for NY Telephone. She was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church.

She is survived by her son, Robert (Catherine) and daughter Dody (Matthew), four grandchildren and spouses, Christopher, Michael (Wesley), Kristin (William), and Olivia. She had three great grandchildren, Willow Anne, William, and Luke. Dorene, had a special aunt relationship with her three nieces Dona, Debbie, and Coco and nephew Steven as well as their spouses, Steven and Brian, and their children and grandchildren.

She had many wonderful friends including her childhood friend, Jeanette Carroll.

She was pre-deceased by her parents, sister Evelyn and brother-in-law Leonard Gifford, as well as nephew-in-law, Gerald Macner.

The family would like to thank Dr. Amy Gorzynski and her staff for the wonderful medical care, Lutheran Care Adult Home staff for the excellent care she received and especially for Michelle Cole, Carrie Roth, Amela, and Cheryl for their care and kindness to Dorene and to her friends at Lutheran Adult Home and especially Carm, her good friend and exercise buddy.  

Per Dorene’s wishes, there will be no public calling hours. A family celebration of her life will be planned for Spring 2026.

If lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Lutheran Adult Home in Clinton, N.Y. for their Resident Recreation Program.

 Arrangements are through Friedel, Williams & Edmunds, 13 Oxford Rd, New Hartford. 

For online expressions of sympathy, please visit fwefh.com.