Dorothy J. Hilligrass

Loudonville- Dorothy "Dottie" Hilligrass- Born on September 18, 1944. The Lord brought Dottie home to heaven on May 17, 2022. She was lovingly surrounded by her children.

Dottie is predeceased by her parents, John F. Brunner and Inez Brunner; brother, John "Jack" Brunner. She is survived by her sisters, Maryann Sesock, Lonnie (Joe) Navejas; children, Matthew (Katie) Hilligrass, Jason (Bhavna) Hilligrass, Jennifer Lawlor; grandson, Anthony Lawlor and nephew, Kenneth (Josephine) Sesock. She is also survived by numerous cousins, great nieces and nephews.

Dottie grew up in Colonie, NY. She was a 1962 graduate of Colonie Central High School. She worked as a secretary for many years, followed by working for The Visiting Nurses Association of Albany. At the age of 50, she returned to school to obtain a nursing degree. She worked as a nurse for St. Joseph's Provincial House in Latham, NY up until her retirement in 2011. She loved being a nurse and took great pride and pleasure in taking care of her patients.

Dottie was a lung cancer survivor, beating the odds, she was treated successfully in 2004. She returned to work as a nurse for several years thereafter.

Dottie was an avid reader and a coffee connoisseur. She loved nature, animals and photography. She enjoyed bird watching. She had many pets over the years. Her children have carried on her great love of animals. She was a baseball enthusiast and a New York Yankees fan. She loved music and particularly loved modern and classic rock. She had a vast knowledge of music. She surprised and entertained many with her appreciation of modern music and even hard rock.

Dottie was a devoted friend to many. She greatly enjoyed traveling and spending time with her friends. She was known for her great sense of humor, her generosity and compassion. She was always willing to help those in need, regardless of her own circumstances.

She was a beloved mother to her three children. Her children will remember her most for her unconditional love, selflessness and for her hilarious, unique sense of humor. She opened her heart and home to all of her children's friends and was known as a "second mom" to many.

One of Dottie's greatest joys in life after her retirement was spending time with her grandson, Anthony. Dottie was Anthony's beloved "Mimi". She absolutely adored watching Anthony grow and mature over the past 9 years.

Dottie will be missed tremendously, however, we can take comfort in knowing that she is breathing easy amongst the angels- probably rocking out to AC/DC or Dire Straits.

Memorial visiting hours will be at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie on May 25, 2022 from 4-7 pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Mohawk Hudson Humane Society 3 Oakland Ave, Menands, NY 12204 or to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association 8401 Colesville Rd, Suite 200, Silver Spring, MD 20910.