Dorothy I. (Jasnocha) Bish

Dorothy I. (Jasnocha) Bish, 86 of Ware peacefully passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at home surrounded by her loving family.  Born in Enfield, MA, a town disincorporated to make way for the Quabbin Reservoir, and the daughter of the late Joseph Carl and Sophie (Szydla) Jasnocha.  Dottie moved to Amherst at a young age and attended school there until her family moved to Ware.  She graduated from Ware High School in 1953 and enjoyed playing basketball, golf and cheerleading throughout her time there.    

Dottie leaves behind those she cherished dearly, her husband of 64 years, William J. Bish, Jr.; her daughters, Susan Norman of Princeton, N.J. and Nancy Fontes and her husband William of South Hadley.  She was predeceased by her only son, Jeffrey Bish.  She leaves behind her eight beloved grandchildren and their spouses, Tiffany Alrefae and husband, Hasan Alrefae, Joseph Norman and wife, Jessica Norman, Stephen Norman, Katherine Fontes, William Fontes, Damien Bish, Sierrah Bish, Derrick Bish as well as her precious great grandchildren, Layla, Yasmine, and Zidane. She also leaves behind her sister, Barbara Surprenant, a niece, two nephews and many loving cousins.

After staying at home for many years to raise her family, Dottie returned to work in the Ware Public School District for 25 years. She retired in 1999.  She will be remembered for her kindness, patience, and love of learning by countless students and coworkers that she helped during her time at the various schools and events.

A very caring and loving person, Dottie’s generosity and energy was seemingly endless.  She was an accomplished baker who was known for her amazing treats and desserts; including her famous chocolate chip cookies, coffee cakes, and pies. Dottie’s treats made their way around the world because her family loved them so much.  Dottie will also be remembered for her amazing blueberries that were grown at her home and were enjoyed by her family and friends.

Dottie’s life was built on her love for her family. Over the years, she enjoyed hosting many family gatherings. In her later years, the center of her life was watching her grandchildren grow up.  She enjoyed watching them participate in sports, hosting “Camp Grandma” during school breaks, teaching them to cook, bake, knit, garden, and sharing stories about her beloved Quabbin where she was born. Dottie spent extensive time visiting the Quabbin with her family and friends, including the site of the Jasnocha family homestead. 

Dottie loved all sports, but especially the Boston Red Sox, Bruins and New England Patriots. Either a game or the Hallmark channel was always on in the living room where she would watch with family and friends. Also, an avid reader, Dottie fostered a love of reading in her family members through trips to the library and stacks of books close at hand.

She was deeply devoted to her faith, a longtime communicant of All Saints Parish in Ware, a member of the St. Mary’s Women’s Guild and a patron of the Friends of the Quabbin.  

A Memorial Mass for Dottie will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations would be greatly appreciated towards either The Friends of Quabbin, Inc., 485 Ware Road, Belchertown, MA 01007 or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Jimmy Fund via website in memory of Dorothy I. Bish.   https://www.jimmyfund.org/ways-to-give/

Charbonneau Funeral Home, 30 Pleasant Street in Ware is assisting her family with the arrangements.

An online guest book is available at charbonneaufh.com. 

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