Dorothy Canzano

January 28, 1930 - November 23, 2020

The passing of Dorothy Mykityshyn Canzano at age 90 on November 23, 2020 is marked by a celebration of her long life. Born in Jersey City, it was her love of dancing that led to meeting and eventually marrying her husband, Anthony Canzano. A marriage of 65 years (and having 5 children) resulted in many great memories. Dorothy was witness to graduations, weddings, baptisms and confirmations. She hosted many grand dinners, especially during holidays, in all of her NJ homes – Jersey City (until June 1970), Hillsborough (1970-2000) and finally in Brick (2001+). Her life focused on family which she valued more than clothes or jewelry, although later in life she insisted on owning a good wig and a nice purse. Dorothy did most of the things she wanted to do while alive and well. A clue as to how her life would pan out could be found in one story she told with delight. In high school she played hooky with a friend and biked to New York City for a day traveling on the ferry. The delight came with saying her parents never found out! Much later after her children left her home, she traveled extensively with her sisters and with her husband and his relatives. Her most treasured trip was to Russia and the Ukraine where Dorothy’s family originated. These travels were made possible because of her greatest personal accomplishment: climbing the administrative ladder at her NJ State job allowing her to retire with her own pension and healthcare benefits and the ability to buy her own car. Dorothy was a practical person, not one to spend, speak or act in excess but was always ready to make you smile with her witty humor. She enjoyed Swing dancing and amazed many a wedding guest dancing with her husband. She was always an avid reader and crossworder and loved to play games, especially card games. She took great joy in hosting and participating in “game nights” with her relatives at the Jersey Shore. Her greatest challenge over the last 20 years was Macular Degeneration. It progressively got worse and despite only having very limited peripheral vision, Dorothy still opted to live on her own after the death of her husband Anthony. Although it became increasingly difficult to do everyday things we may take for granted; like cooking, dressing, shopping, walking, watching TV and reading, her determination to meet this disease head-on was a testament to her spirit and an inspiration to all who knew her. She leaves the last of six sisters, Nettie Mykityshyn Macrae of Bloomfield NJ; and her children, Dorothy Canzano Beach, Anthony Canzano, Daniel Canzano, Peter Canzano and Michael Canzano along with six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Remembered with love, Sister, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother, Aunt and friends have had their lives enhanced by her outreach, support and concern. May she rest in strength. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to BrightFocus Foundation 22512 Gateway Center Drive Clarksburg, MD 20871. http://support.brightfocus.org/cure Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no services.