Dorothy Vieira, 82, died Friday, September 5 at her home in Schenectady, NY.

Dorothy was born on May 18, 1943 in Plymouth, MA, daughter of the late Antonio and Mary Vieira. Dorothy was the second of the three children with her older brother Alfonso and younger sister Theresa. She was raised and educated in the Plymouth Schools, graduating from Plymouth High School in 1961. She attended Burdett Business College in Boston, later working at MIT in Cambridge, MA for 9 years. After living in Florida and Germany, she moved to New York, living in Rochester, Clifton Park, and Albany, where she attended the State University of New York, receiving a master's degree in political science. Dorothy then worked for the New York State Government in the Budget Department for 20 years serving under Governors Mario Cuomo and George Pataki. Dorothy retired from the state in 2004. Later she moved to Schenectady in 2008.

Dorothy was not one to sit still in retirement. She could be seen taking her daily walks around town, learning yoga in her 60's continuing it until her passing. She was an incredible gourmet cook and baker. She loved planning and hosting dinner parties. Dorothy was also an avid Classical music and Opera enthusiast. She traveled regularly to New York City with her opera club, including a trip to Prague, Czechia, touring all the great concert halls and opera houses. Dorothy was a regular attendee to concerts at Tanglewood, Bard and Union College. Dorothy loved helping others, volunteering with Niskayuna Neighbors Network, and driving people to appointments. She was an essential member of Kingfisher Sangha, a mindfulness community in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. She helped with the resettlement of a refugee family in the early 2010s. Dorothy was dedicated in sustaining those relationships by offering support with rides and friendship. She had a wonderful gift of fellowship, reaching out to people when they needed support, benefiting from her kindness and delicious meals. Dorothy's energetic personality and warm smile lit up every room.

Dorothy leaves her sister and brother-in-law, Theresa & Dennis Silva of Plymouth MA, nephew Andrew Cook of Avon, MA, nieces Jeanne Vieira of Middleborough MA, Dorothy Vieira of Sagamore Beach MA, Mary Tufts of Bridgewater MA, Susan Vieira of Plymouth, MA, including grand nieces and nephews.

A memorial service in her honor will be hosted by Kingfisher Sangha at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady, 1221 Wendell Avenue in Schenectady on Saturday, October 4th at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dorothy Vieira's honor to the Kingfisher Sangha, c/o Helen Carroll, 2004 Grand Boulevard, Niskayuna, NY 12309.