Senior Lifetime Achievement Awards

Dorothy Haker

Delmar, New York

Birth Date:     January 10, 1915

Faith Community: Westminster Presbyterian Church, Albany

Nominator: Wilma Jenssen, Westminster Presbyterian Church

 Early Life: Dorothy Haker was raised in Greenville, New York, with two brothers. She played basketball for Greenville High School when girls played by different rules. She attended Spencerion Business School in Kingston, New York, in 1933-34.

 Family: Dorothy was married to Willis B. Haker for 49 years, until his death in 1990. They had three children -- Joy, Jonathan and James. She has five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter, Emily.

 Career: Mrs. Haker was a full-time mother and homemaker. She was employed outside her home for about 10 years, at two different jobs.

 Volunteer Activities: Dorothy has been a volunteer at Albany Medical Center since 1966. She volunteered for the Red Cross at about that time, working with the Bloodmobile in the neighborhoods. She also was a Boy Scout and Girl Scout leader and active in the Parent-Teachers Association. At Westminster Presbyterian Church, Albany, she taught third and fourth grades in the church school and worked with the Service Guild. Dorothy also has done flower arranging for the church altar for more than six years. She was a deacon at the church for many years.

 Senior Activities: After she turned 50, Mrs. Haker took swimming lessons at the Jewish Community Center and now swims often, finding pleasure in the exercise.

 Dorothy has been a member of the Delmar Craft Club for some 30 years, enjoying a variety of craft and needlework projects. She designed the embroidery in the Westminster Peace Banner, selected as one of five outstanding pieces in the State and displayed in Washington, D.C., for many months. Her creativity has expressed itself in many ways.

Dorothy Haker is a loyal friend and devoted family member. She has formed strong bonds in her community and with her church family. A very creative craftswoman, she enjoys life and all that it has to offer! She brings a very special sensitivity to all her relationships. Dorothy remains active and creative. She is a gardener, avid reader, vacation traveler and happy swimmer!