Dorene Best

Dorene Mangan Best, 80, of Louisa County, formerly of Ridgefield, New Jersey, passed on January 12, 2026, and was reunited with her beloved husband, Anthony E. Best Sr. She was welcomed home by her parents, Paul Mangan and Hazel Loeb Mangan; her sisters, Carol Best, Grace Bischoff, and Barbara McKeown; her nephew, Michael Thomas Best; and her cherished mother-in-law, Maria Palattella Best (“Nanny”), whom Dorene loved as if she were her own mother. Their bond was deep, enduring, and a treasured part of Dorene’s life.
Dorene’s life was defined by love—love for her family, her friends, and all blessed to know her. She is survived by her children and grandchildren:
• Denise LeBlanc (Danny Byram) and their children Desiree and Nicholas
• Laura Paige (Seth Levy) and her children Thomas and Michael
• Kenny Zakar
• Bonnie Allen (Eric Allen) and their child Riliane
• Deborah Best Diemer (Steven) and their children Jenna, Shawna, and Steven
• Carol Best McGuirk (John) and their children Jean Thomas, Timothy, and Joanna
• Donna Oropallo (Mike) and their children Nicole and Megan
• Sharon Best Phillips and her child Trevor
• Anthony Best Jr. (Melanie) and their child Dylan
• Paul Best (Lisa) and their children Emily and Elora
She was a proud grandmother to all of them and loved her many great-grandchildren, who will continue to carry her light forward. She will also be fondly remembered by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Dorene loved deeply and gave selflessly. Her home was always warm, welcoming, and full of life. She cherished reading with her book club, traveling in her RV with Tony, and spending time outdoors. In her younger years, she enjoyed waterskiing on Lake Monticello and was an exceptional bowler, spending many seasons in leagues beside her devoted husband. She also treasured biking with her family and the joy those moments brought.
Her love for animals was evident in her bond with her two loyal companions, Cookie and Bella, who never left her side. In her final years, Dorene was cared for with compassion, devotion, and tenderness by her children and her beloved caregivers, Chelsea and Autumn. Their kindness was a true blessing to the entire family.
Dorene’s spirit was gentle, generous, and steadfast. She was an extraordinary wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Though her absence leaves a profound emptiness, her family takes comfort knowing she is held in the arms of our Heavenly Father, with the promise of reunion in God’s eternal light.
Services:
• Family Viewing: January 18, 2026, from 5–7 PM at Preddy Funeral Home, 301 S Main St, Gordonsville, VA, 22942
• Graveside Service: January 19, 2026, at 11 AM at Monticello Memory Gardens, Charlottesville, VA
In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to the Louisa County Rescue Squad, Inc.