Obituary of Lorrene M. "Rennie" Dwyer

CHITTENANGO . . . Lorrene M. "Rennie" Dwyer, 75, of 1877 Clay Hill Road, Chittenango, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at Upstate Hospital, Syracuse, surrounded by her family. She was born on November 12, 1947, in Syracuse, the daughter of the late Harry and Achsah (Smith) Bixby. Rennie spent her early years in Chittenango, graduating from Chittenango High School in 1965. She later graduated from the Utica School of Commerce in Canastota with an Associate's Degree in Administrative Assistance. Rennie lived in Canastota most of her life and has lived in Chittenango for the last nine years. She worked at Oneida Healthcare for more than 20 years, retiring in 2008. Rennie was a member of St. Agatha's Church in Canastota. She was a passionate volunteer at We Rise Above The Streets, in Syracuse, and was named volunteer of the year in 2019. Rennie enjoyed knitting, camping, fishing, traveling, and loved spending time with her family. She married the love of her life, Michael E. Dwyer, on August 5, 1967, in Chittenango. Rennie was a devoted wife for thirty-nine years, until Michael passed away on October 7, 2006. Surviving are: five children, Michael T. and Bonnie Dwyer of Canastota, Kathleen and George Stoddard of Lee Center, Sean and Rebecca Dwyer of Chittenango, Brian and Donielle Dwyer of Chittenango, and Patrick and Erika Dwyer of Canastota; one brother, Bernard "Bernie" Bixby of Star Lake; two sisters, Achie and James Blasier of Cleveland, and Earla and Terry Allen of Chittenango; one brother-in-law, Martin and Sharon Dwyer of Cicero; thirteen grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. Rennie was predeceased by two grandchildren; two brothers, Ronald Bixby, and Gordon Bixby; and one sister, Elizabeth "Ann" Smith. Calling hours will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota. A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at St. Agatha's Church, 329 N. Peterboro Street, Canastota. The Rev. Christopher J. Ballard, Pastor, will officiate. Entombment will be in St. Agatha's Cemetery, Canastota. In lieu of flowers, Rennie would prefer that contributions be made in her memory to We Rise Above The Streets, 220 W. Manlius Street, E. Syracuse, NY 13057, with envelopes available at the funeral home.