Obituary of Dorothy Stevens

Dorothy Belle Shenton Stevens "Dottie", 91, passed away peacefully Monday, September 26 2016, at the Joan Nicole Prince Home, after a long illness. She was born in Coudersport PA, the daughter of the late Alice Belle Colcord Shenton and Reginald Shenton. Dottie moved to Schenectady as a young woman and has resided in Niskayuna for many years. She worked for the GE High Frequency Lab during WWII, was an alumna of Russell Sage College and also the proprietor of Dorothy Belle Antiques. Dottie lovingly volunteered her time as a past editor of the Broadcaster for the Niskayuna School District, as a past PTA President, Van Antwerp School and was instrumental in establishing the Friends of Music and the award winning music Program for Niskayuna Schools. Dottie was a longtime advocate and pioneer for the rights of people with disabilities. As a recipient of Living Resource's 2010 Bishop Hubbard Award, she was especially passionate about ensuring that young people with developmental disabilities receive the services they need and that all children get a quality education. As a trustee of the Living Resources Foundation Board, Dottie gave generously of her time, wisdom and support on this and to many other organizations throughout the Capital Region. Dottie was a Board Member of the Joan Nicole Prince Home, a member of Union College's Annual Campaign Executive Committee, General Electric's Elfun Society, the Mohawk Gold Club and an active communicant at St. George's Church, among others. Her selfess dedication to so many in need has been memorialized by the acclaimed sculptor, Terri Cosma Boor, who dedicated her sculpture of the Madonna and Child to Dottie. The sculpture is now on display at the Cathedral of All Saints in Albany. She was a poet and a prolific writer, most often famed for "Dottie's Ditties." Dottie was predeceased by her husband of 47 years, Harry Earle Stevens Jr.; and by all of her brothers and sisters. She is survived by her children, Harry E. Stevens III (Jose) of Schenectady, NY, Sherryl S. Haight (Steven) of Sumrall, MS, Jacqueline S. Ahl (Francis) of Niskayuna, NY, Cynthia M. Wyatt (Elston) of San Diego, CA and David B. Stevens of Albany, NY; grandchildren, Allison Ahl, Alice Nedd, Donna Stevens, Joseph Haight, Elston Wyatt, Jennifer Wyatt and James Wyatt; three great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to Pat Hallenbeck for her many years of unwaivering friendship. In addition, thank you to the staff and volunteers of the Joan Nicole Prince Home for their kindness and compassion, and especially to Pat Salm for her loving guidance through Dotties's final journey. A requiem eucharist will be held on Friday, September 30, 11 a.m. at St. George's Episcopal Church, 30 North Ferry St., Schenectady. Anyone wishing to pay their respects may do so from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow at Park View Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Joan Nicole Prince Home, 22 Glenview Dr., Scotia, NY 12302 or Living Resources Corporation, 300 Washington Avenue Ext., Albany, NY 12203