Obituary of Dorothy Downs Rady

Dorothy Downs Burnett Rady, 96, of New Vernon, NJ, passed away in her home on September 29, 2023.  Funeral service and visitation will be held at Gallaway and Crane (101 South Finley Ave Basking Ridge, NJ) on Saturday, October 7^th, 2023, from 2:00 – 4:00 PM. 

Dorothy (affectionately known as Dot) was born in Madison, NJ to William and Florence Burnett on March 30, 1927.  She attended Madison High School, Class of 1944.  She married Thomas Gardener Rady in October of 1953 and they were happily married for 31 years until Thomas died suddenly in 1985.  Together they raised their three sons in New Vernon, NJ:  Duffy, Billy and Peter.  Dorothy enjoyed the companionship of her dogs and owned many Boxers throughout her lifetime.  She hiked many miles with them through the trails of Jockey Hollow Park in Morristown. Dorothy was an enthusiastic NY Giants and NY Yankees fan. She was an avid gardener and volunteered at Reeves – Reed Arboretum in Summit, NJ.  She was a school bus driver for Barkman Bus Co and worked at Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home.   Dorothy was a longtime member of the New Vernon Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.  Having lived in the family home for 67 years, she was a familiar face to many New Vernon residents and earned the love and respect of all who knew her. 

Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her son Peter.  She is survived by her son, Thomas “Duffy” Gardener Rady (Kathy) and her son William “Bill” Andrew Rady.  Dorothy is also survived by her grandchildren Heather Rady, Thomas “Tommy” Rady (Christin) and Shannon Rady. She was also blessed to have 3 great-granddaughters: Makayla, Kendall and Sierra.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center at 575 Woodland Avenue in Madison, NJ 07940