September 28, 1942- April 10, 2026

SWANTON, Dorothy M. (nee Zieja) of Buffalo, entered into rest April 10, 2026. Devoted mother of Deborah Swanton, Daphne (Robert) Snyder, and Dorene (Michael) Polizzi; cherished Gigi of Jackson David Snyder, Mia, Gabriel, and Isabella Polizzi; loving daughter of the late John and Irene Zieja; dear sister of Judy (Jim) Orrange; also survived by family and friends. 

Relatives and friends may visit the LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME (Southtowns Chapel) 3060 Abbott Rd., near Lake Ave. on Thursday (April 16th) from 3-7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, 3148 Abbott Rd., Orchard Park on Friday morning at 10 o’clock. Please assemble at Church. Interment St. Stanislaus Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dorothy’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Dorothy worked for the Buffalo Board of Education for over 30 years as an account clerk typist, as well as working second jobs as needed for Mary Kay and as a clerk for evening classes at the city night school. Her main goal was always to provide the best that she could for her three daughters who she raised on her own in the West Side of Buffalo. Later, she was extremely proud of the home she purchased for her family in South Buffalo.

The thing you always heard the most when someone met Dorothy, was ‘Oh she is so sweet’. Her kind spirit and way of welcoming people never failed to endear her to others. She had a way with animals that always drew them to her, she loved to travel, loved her black coffee and liked her wine. She valued her family, especially her grandchildren, above all else. She loved the summer and being outside, as well as going for long rides along the 219. She was proud of her Polish and Hungarian heritage and made sure to pass that on to her loving children.

She leaves a legacy of many things, but mostly the memory of how she always knew how to make you feel better with just a few words, her kindness and her humor at silly things. Her love will live on and continue through her children and their children. She will be deeply missed and always remembered.