Rosalee Q. Lewis

Rosalee Q. Lewis, 96, of Albany, New York made her transition on June 9, 2021 in the comfort of her home after a brief course of illness. She was attended by loving family and friends.

During her 90th birthday party her daughter in law, fondly instructed family and friends that the "Q" stood for "Queen" and to bow to the "Queen." And that is how we shall forever remember our dear Rosalee—as our "Queen."

Rosalee was born to the late James and Wilhelmina Quattlebaum, September 13, 1924, in Savannah, Georgia, the eldest of 10 siblings. She had two children from her marriage, Catherine Olivia James (transitioned, 2013), Oliver James Jr. (Schenectady, N.Y.) and an adopted son Jermaine Lewis (Troy, N.Y.).

After many years of dedicated service as a Certified Nurse Assistant, Rosalee retired from Albany Medical Center. Upon retirement she found her true life purpose by providing a home and caring for foster children for greater than 22 years and a residential sponsor for disabled Veterans for 10 years. Moreover, Rosalee further exhibited her entrepreneurial spirit by opening and managing a restaurant in the Albany area.

Queen received several awards and recognition from Albany County and the community for her committed service to foster children and disabled Veterans. Notably, she is one of the first recipients of the "Albany County Foster Parents Recognition Award" honored for her devotion to foster children in which she was presented with an honorary award for foster parent of the month.

Rosalee worked faithfully and tirelessly within the Church of God and Saints of Christ and the Praise Tabernacle. She was instrumental in raising funds to establish her family church, the Eight Tabernacle Beth-El by selling dinners and making her famous sweet potato pies. The Temple of Beth El honored her with a community service award for "enhancing the quality of life for residents of the Capital District." Queen also served her community with the order of the Eastern Star for many years.

Queen was most proud of her great lineage of children and their successes. She said the most rewarding thing about growing old was sharing her wisdom and experiences with her family and caregivers. Her advice to family and loved ones is to treat people the way you want to be treated—with love and compassion.

Rosalee leaves to cherish her memory her son, Oliver James Jr, (Ethel), her sister Mary Ellen Quattlebaum, a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great, great grandchildren, her caregivers who became her extended family, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.