Mrs. Dorcas Grant-Tonzi

Amherst, NH - Mrs. Dorcas Grant-Tonzi, 75, of Amherst, NH, a former executive director at Genesee County Homemakers in Batavia, died Thursday, May 8, 2008 in New Hampshire.

Mrs. Grant-Tonzi was born May 11, 1932 in Rochester, NY, the daughter of the late Maxwell and Edna  (Callan) Grant.

Dorcas grew up in Caledonia, NY.  She was a member of the last nursing class graduating from St. Jerome School of Nursing in 1955.  Upon graduation, she worked for St. Jerome Hospital in Batavia and later at the Veterans Administration Hospital, Genesee Memorial Hospital, and taught nursing at McCauley Hall.

In 1976, Dorcas was appointed Executive Director of the Genesee County Homemakers organization.  Under her leadership, this home health care agency funded through the United Way, grew to over 16000 families helped in Genesee and neighboring Orleans County and employed over 100 nurses and aides.

Dorcas was also involved in community activities as a member of the Board of Housing at Birchwood Village Apartments and Zonta International.

Her husband, Richard Tonzi died in 1999.

Survivors include three daughters, Maggie (Chris) Bochynski-Paul of Amherst, NH, M. Beth (Steve) Bochynski McKenna of Niskayuna, NY and Martha (Ted) Bochynski Lazarcheff of Rochester, MI; a son, John Bochynski of Batavia, NY.  Dorcas will be dearly missed by her grandchildren, Katie and Danny Paul and Max and Jake McKenna.  She is also survived by several nieces and nephews and was the sister of the late James Grant.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia, NY.  Services will be at 9:30am, Tuesday at St. Joseph's Church, 303 East Main Street, Batavia.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Senior Foundation, Inc. 2 Bank Street, Batavia, New York 14020.  Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery, Caledonia.