Dorothy Agnes Laible

November 04, 1947 - March 19, 2025

Obituary For Dorothy Agnes Laible

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved Dodie, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She left this world surrounded by love and family, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, compassion, and unwavering dedication to her family and those she cared for throughout her life.

Dodie's warmth and kindness knew no bounds—she always greeted the world with a smile, offering comfort and care to anyone in need. She was selfless in her love for her family and found her greatest joy in the time she spent with them. She shared a beautiful life with her soulmate, Robert Laible, and was a devoted mother to James (Nicola) Barilla, Jennifer (Brett) Maiorano, Cristina (Josh) Rutyna; stepmother to Tommy Stark, Heather (Brian) Johnson, and John Laible; and aunt to Scott (Cheryl) McNeill. She was the proud and cherished grandmother of James, Carly, Brook, Beatrice, Carter, Caeden, Brian II, Jacob, Cassie, and Megan; they each lit an instantaneous smile with every visit and call. Dodie's love extended beyond her human family to her beloved Yorkies, Daisy and Lily, lucky recipients of her constant affection and companionship.

Raised in Upstate New York and the daughter of Donald James and Rose May (Gaines) Bickley, Dodie embodied the work ethic rooted in her mother's upbringing on a dairy farm in DeRuyter, NY. Dodie spent her career as an extraordinary nurse, touching countless lives with her gentle hands and even gentler heart. After many years administering patient care as an R.N., Dodie became a respected leader in geriatric care in Syracuse, NY. She initiated the Infection Control curriculum at what was then The Jewish Home of Central New York and pioneered a memory care program for its residents. Later, she led the former James Square nursing home through 12 years as Director of Nursing before relocating to North Carolina in 2004 to be nearer to her children.

Dodie's biggest desire outside of her career was to spend time with her family. While she was most content with relaxed day-to-day and holiday gatherings, her vibrant nature sparked occasional adventures that included earning her yellow Karate belt, dancing, learning to downhill ski, admiring giant sequoias and climbing Mount Tam in California, and exploring parts of England.

To know Dodie was to be embraced by kindness, to feel the warmth of unconditional love, and to witness the beauty of a heart so full of giving. Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we find comfort in our endless memories with her—the laughter, the love, and the immeasurable impact of her gentle spirit.

An intimate family service led by Deacon Stephen Andrews of St. Francis of Assisi will be held on Wednesday, March 26, at Renaissance Funeral Home before entombment at Raleigh Memorial Park.

For friends who have inquired about honoring Dodie with a charitable donation, she was a regular supporter of the SPCA and Saving Grace Animals for Adoption.

Mom, you will always be in our hearts, and your love will forever guide us until we meet again.

Services

26 Mar

Funeral Service

10:00 AM

Renaissance Funeral Home 7615 Six Forks Road Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »

26 Mar

Entombment

12:00 PM

Raleigh Memorial Park 7501 Glenwood Avenue raleigh, NC 27612 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

March 26, 2025

Maureen Nolan

What a beautiful tribute to Dodie! She, her sister and parents lived in the upstairs apartment of my parents house. We were dear friends growing up and thru high school. After graduation we took separate paths but rekindled that friendship when my Mother was a resident at James Square. I'm so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers to her family.
March 26, 2025

Helen Dutton

How sad. A very caring and professional woman. Many fond memories from the James Square era.
March 25, 2025

Scott Murphy

I had the privilege to work with Dodie while she was at James Square. She was always a dedicated, caring professional who had the respect of all who worked with her.
March 25, 2025

Nancy Harris

Dodie and I worked together at James Square for quite a few years. She was a tremendous director of nursing, as well as a nursing administrator. She always put her all in everything she did. Respected and admired by administrators and employees. She was genuinely caring and compassionate. I am so sorry for your loss. She often spoke about how much her family meant to her♥️ Nancy Harris
March 25, 2025

Dan and Lynne Garguilo

Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute to your Mom. I feel like I know her better. She lived a beautiful life, to which her children, stepchildren, and husband are a testament. Sending so much love to you all.