QUEENSBURY
Dorothy Margaret Quaresima passed away on Friday, April 8, 2011 at the Glens Falls Hospital.

She was born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts on March 25, 1923 to the late Thomas and Mariam (Lavalley) McGregor. After completing her high school studies she attended the Burbank School of Nursing in Massachusetts where she earned a certification in nursing.

As war broke out in Europe, Dorothy chose to volunteer for military service, and in 1944 she enlisted in the United States Army. She was assigned as an Army nurse in a surgical ward operated by the 94th Evacuation Hospital. By the time of her separation at the rank of 1st Lieutenant in 1946 she had served in Italy and Europe as a charge nurse supervisor. She was awarded the American Campaign Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one battle star, and the World War II Victory Medal.

On April 3, 1948 Dorothy married Alfred F. Quaresima, and they shared many years together raising a family. He passed away on February 28, 1993.

After her military service, Dorothy began what became a 25 year long career as an Emergency Room nurse at Mercy Hospital in Rockville Center, New York. She loved her job and often said she just couldn’t wait to go to work. Caring for others in one way or another was always her personal mission in life.

Dorothy was a long time and strongly devoted member of the Catholic Community throughout her entire life. She most recently was a parishioner at Our Lady of the Annunciation Roman Catholic Church in Queensbury. Those familiar with Dorothy know that only her family came before her religious beliefs. Her care, nurturing, and considerate thoughtfulness to others were the hallmark of her life. Once you entered her sphere of influence you were her friend for life. Her family affectionately remembers her as the “prayer warrior”. Through the power of prayer for herself and countless others she lived her life to the fullest and set the standard for her family to follow.

First and foremost in Dorothy’s life were her six loving children and their extended families. Her greatest times and happiest moments were when she was with her children, 18 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, Dorothy was predeceased by her daughter Claudia Quaresima; her sister and brother in law, Sal and Mary Pollastri; and her nephew, Douglas McGregor.

Dorothy is survived by five children: Dr. Thomas Quaresima and his wife Barbara, Rich Quaresima and his wife Diane, Vanessa Egbert, Janine Kandora, and Robin Egbert and her husband, Michael; her grandchildren: John Quaresima and his wife Jennie, Thomas Quaresima and his wife Alissa, and Mark, Peter and Laura Quaresima; Dawn and her husband Dave, and Steven Quaresima; Robert, Daniel and Christine Egbert; Dr. Sarah Jones and her husband Matthew, Dr. Brian Kandora, and Michael, Douglas Richard, and Rebecca Kandora; and Kailey and Matthew Egbert; two great grandchildren: Julian Quaresima and Amelia Quaresima; three brothers, James McGregor and his wife Bea, William McGregor and his wife Nancy, and Philip McGregor and his wife Connie; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

At Dorothy’s request there will be no calling hours.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 16, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Annunciation Church, 448 Aviation Road, Queensbury, NY 12804 with the Reverend Joseph G. Busch, pastor, officiating.

The Rite of Committal will take place at the convenience of the family at the Cemetery of the Holy Rood in Long Island.

Arrangements are under the direction of the M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 136 Main Street, South Glens Falls, NY 12803. Online condolences may be posted at kilmerfuneralhome.com.

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