Mrs. Audrey Ann (Mastrovito) Dorn

NEW HARTFORD – Mrs. Audrey Ann (Mastrovito) Dorn, age 43, was called home to the Lord on Thursday, March 3, 2022, with her beloved husband by her side and those she loved most in her heart. Audrey was born in Utica on May 25, 1978, to Peter M., Sr. and Ann (Arrigo) Mastrovito. She attended Jefferson Elementary and graduated from T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1996. Audrey then pursued higher education, going on to receive her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from SUNY Oneonta and then her Master’s Degree in Reading & Literacy from SUNY Cortland. A lover of literature, Audrey most enjoyed her English classes and knew that teaching would be her chosen vocation. On July 29, 2006, Audrey married the love of her life, Michael T. Dorn. She was a passionate woman with a strong conviction for family and her husband deeply admired this about her. Those who knew the couple easily recognized the ways in which they completed each other. Audrey and Mike were blessed with three beautiful children whom they raised with outstanding parenting skills. Mike will complete their shared mission and passion to lovingly raise their children with the help of Audrey’s boundless love, the way that Audrey would have wanted. She will always live on in their hearts and remain their foundation. Audrey enjoyed a stellar career within the Utica City School District. She was a trusted presence in the classroom and fostered countless personal relationships with her students. Audrey taught the primary grades, where her students were her ardent fans. She began her career at Kernan Elementary School, and then moved to General Herkimer in North Utica for the remainder of her tenure within the district. Audrey’s hard work produced numerous fruits, as she enjoyed the countless successes she experienced with her students. An outstanding teacher, Audrey was attuned to the needs of each child in her classroom. Her career was legendary for the many students she taught, as her authentic attention to them individually made them feel seen and safe. She will be remembered as a “favorite” teacher who will never be forgotten by generations of students. Her fellow teaching community, with whom Audrey shared mutual affection and admiration, will keep alive her empowering ability to make dreamers from those young minds who sat before her. An accomplished athlete, Audrey had been figure skating and ice dancing since the age of seven. She was coached by Regina Burton, who adored and believed in Audrey. Led by her spirited nature and consistent practice, Audrey qualified for the highest levels of competition. Along the way, she acquired many skills that not only built her tremendous character, but also built the foundation for her later mentoring experiences. Audrey was also an accomplished dancer and cheerleader; and even went on to coach Varsity Cheerleading at T.R. Proctor High School. She formed a special bond with her girls and her goal for her athletes was for them to not only do well with their cheering, but more importantly, for them to build confidence along the way. She also emphasized developing teamwork skills and commitment. To her parents, Audrey was a true blessing. She learned how to be an exemplary mother by modeling the actions of her own parents. When Audrey’s first child Alexandra was born, Audrey was intuitively a good mom. If there were anything Audrey couldn’t figure out, she would use all resources available to determine the best course for her children. When the twins arrived, Audrey and Michael were excited to know they would have two boys that shared a special bond and always be best friends. They couldn’t have done so well in raising their three beautiful children had they not received the support of their two wonderful families, with whom they bonded deeply. To her children, who were Audrey’s world, it is their father’s wish that they may always know how much their mom loved and adored them; she will always be in their heart and be there to guide them through life. As a mother, Audrey knew each of her children individually and intimately. Bed time was her favorite, for it was a special time to read to them. She considered it her sacred time with her precious ones. Audrey considered her motherhood her greatest accomplishment. An additional virtue of Audrey’s personality was her traditionalism in her belief system, her commitments, and the values she perpetuated. Living life with kindness, good friendships, great neighbors, and her family community, was exactly where Audrey wanted to be. Her entire family was her greatest source of comfort. Audrey especially delighted in family gatherings and adventures. The Mastrovito Christmas Eve celebrations were so memorable, as was “Cousin Night” and family dinner every Sunday. Additionally, the family enjoyed travelling to the Outer Banks in North Carolina with the Mastrovito “clan” in the summer, which was something she always looked forward to. These trips were beautiful and many memories of searching along the beach for sea shells will be treasured forever. She loved the beach! Mike and Audrey had even visited Hawaii for their honeymoon, when the couple relaxed by the water, reading books. Then, for her 40th birthday, Audrey’s husband whisked her way to spend time on Marco Island, which is a sea shell heaven. There, they loved watching the sunrises and sunsets over the Gulf. A devout Roman Catholic, Audrey attended church faithfully, but even more importantly, she had a special relationship with her Lord. This love for God was passed on to her children. Her display of faith will be a blessing to her children as it comforts them, and by which they can follow their mother and father and grow in their beliefs and spirituality. Audrey lived a full life on earth. All of her good works will be remembered, and her life will be an everlasting light for others to remember and follow. Audrey is survived by her beloved husband, Michael; her daughter, Alexandra Ann (age 12); her sons, twins Michael Thomas and Matthew Peter (ages 9); her devoted parents, Peter M., Sr. and Ann Mastrovito; her brother who she loved dearly, Peter M., Jr. and sister-in-law Sarah Mastrovito, and their children, Peter M. III “PM3” Mastrovito, and Emily Elizabeth Mastrovito; as well as her paternal grandfather, Frank J. Mastrovito. Audrey will live on in the hearts of her uncles and aunts, Frank A. and Mary Ann Mastrovito, Robert L. and Patricia Mastrovito, and Karen Arrigo and her late husband Frank. She leaves behind her cousins, Gina Mastrovito-Smith and husband Kristian, Frank P. and Coleen Mastrovito, Michelle and Michael Forszen, Lisa Mastrovito, Robert and Amy Mastrovito, and their families; and Frank A. Arrigo, Jr., Renee and Philip Johnson, and their families. Audrey will be fondly remembered by her in-laws, Donald and Joan A. Dorn, Timothy and Crystal Dorn, and Thomas and Rebecca Dorn and their children; as well as many dear aunts, uncles and cousins from the Kunkel and Zuccaro families. Audrey shared in a great number of wonderful friendships, surrounded by love, especially with Liz Caruso, Heather Delia, and her cousin, Gina Mastrovito-Smith – with whom she shared a sister-like relationship. She also shared a special relationship with a tight group of couples who shared great times with her and Mike. She will also never be forgotten by her family of fellow educators who touched her life daily, as well as the members of the Skating Club of Utica, whom Audrey never forgot. Audrey was predeceased by her paternal grandmother, Marie D. Mastrovito, and her maternal grandparents, Frank C. and Theresa Arrigo. Michael, the kids, and Audrey’s family are so grateful for the outpouring of support that has shown up in the many kind gestures from true friends – to all who have offered their love, they ask that you accept this as a sincere thank you. The family will commemorate her life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial honoring Audrey’s life on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at 12:00 noon at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Avenue. After the final blessing, the family will receive those who are in attendance of the service. In lieu of flowers, a Scholarship Fund will be established by the family to benefit the education of Audrey’s children; memorial contributions to this fund will be gratefully accepted. Envelopes will be available at the service.

Mrs. Audrey Ann (Mastrovito) Dorn

May 25, 1978 - March 3, 2022