Doris Rutkowski Obituary

Rutkowski, Doris ST. JOHNSVILLE, N.Y. Doris Shirley Rutkowski, 76, formerly of Van Wies Point, Glenmont, N.Y., died August 29, 2009 after a lengthy illness, at St. Johnsville Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, N.Y. Doris was born March 2, 1933 to Caroline and Russel Colbert in Cortland N.Y.She was married to Nicholas Rutkowski on October 31, 1953 at St. Philip's Church in Norwood, N.Y. Survivors include her beloved husband, Nicholas; brother, Russell Colbert and his wife Barbara; son, Jeff and his wife Judith Dopp; daughters, Phyllis Markle and her husband Dan, Nanette Rutkowski Nelson, Elizabeth Rutkowski, Janet Graven; six grandchildren: Melissa Snitzer, Aimee Markle, Laura Ferrari, Hannah Rutkowski, Nicholas Rutkowski and Benjamin Rutkowski. Doris was a graduate of Norwood High School, and Mercy School of Nursing in Watertown, N.Y. where she earned her RN in 1953, and was a dedicated career nurse. She was well known and respected by patients and staff alike during her long employment at Albany Medical Center Hospital, ending her career as assistant head nurse in the ICU of pediatrics when she retired in 1988. Doris helped to initiate job-sharing for the nursing staff at the medical center during her tenure there. Known to many as a real "North Country girl," Doris grew up on her parents' dairy in northern St. Lawrence County, N.Y. where she developed a strong work ethic and respect for all living things. Doris' great love in life was her family, whom she always put first. She loved spending time with her six grandchildren. She instilled a strong sense of independence and "can do" in her five children. Doris and her family were members of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Elsmere, N.Y., where she devoted herself to many many years of service. Doris enjoyed serving as a Girl Scout troop leader for many years in Delmar, N.Y. Doris was an avid walker and voracious reader, and loved nature and the natural world. She had a great love of horses growing up, and enjoyed being around them in her later years as well. She met her husband Nick, a New York State trooper, when she ran into trouble while riding her horse near the family farm in Norwood, N.Y. She enjoyed traveling, seeing new places and meeting new people. She said that if she were a young woman of today, she would like to join the Peace Corps and help less fortunate people around the world. Doris' favorite season was spring, when the world was reborn. Doris' family sends special thanks to the caring staff at the St. Johnsville Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, St. Johnsville, N.Y. for years of loving care for Doris. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her memorial service at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 16 Elsmere Avenue, Elsmere, N.Y. on Saturday, September 12, 2009 at 4 o'clock p.m. A reception to follow. The family requests that those who wish to remember Doris make a memorial contribution to the Alzheimer's Association, Dr. Zimmerman/Albany Medical Center Research or other Alzheimer's research organization in her memory. For a family guest book, obituary, photos and memorial service directions, please visit www.eneafamily.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Albany Times Union on Sep. 9, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Doris Rutkowski

6 Entries

Halina Duda

September 30, 2009

Dear Nan and family:

I am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time.

Laura Snell

September 17, 2009

Nan, I'm sorry to hear about the death of your mother. It sounds like she was a lovely and interesting lady.

Funeral Home Site

September 15, 2009

Messages of Sympathy for Doris Shirley Rutkowski
Post a Message Of Sympathy

I am glad she is finally home!!

Written by Brenda Yung of Albany, NY
9/3/2009 8:28:30 AM

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Our thoughts and best wishes to you and your family in memory of Doris. Thank you for your support in the obituary. We will report what we receive and it will be used for continuing research in better treatment of and hopefully eventual prevention of Alzheimer's Disease. EAZ

Written by Earl Zimmerman of Albany, New York
9/3/2009 8:28:48 AM

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Oh my word Betsy,
We had no idea, and are so sorry for this difficult time for you and all your family. I loved your mom from the first tme I met her. From the photo, it's easy to see how much you take after her. I will be in prayer for hearts to be open, and words to be given. I pray everyone there comes to know where they are going when they die. Most people dont' know that they CAN know. Much, much love, Shanon and Jonathan

Written by Shanon Thatcher of Liberty, SC
9/3/2009 11:29:19 AM

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Dear Nick and Family,
I was so saddened to learn of Doris's passing. I worked with her on Pediatrics at Albany Medical Center.
No matter how difficult
the evening shift was becoming, we could always count on Doris for a laugh or two. She perked things up and was a delight to have as a co-worker.
I am so sorry for your loss. The memories you have of her will endure and help you during this difficult time.

Written by Ginny Leitch of Powell, Ohio
9/3/2009 9:20:21 PM

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I was fortunate to not only work with doris at Albany Med for the years she was there, but also say Doris and Nick frequently in Florida, as she was the reason my folks bought into the same gated community that Doris and Nick were in! Seeing Doris "tool" around the community was something, as she was Miss energetic. She was a good friend, great human being, and will LONG be remembered! I'm sure Doris is hiking in heaven as we speak!! :)

Written by steve jones of averill park, ny
9/4/2009 1:49:51 PM

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Nick and family,

I also worked with Doris on Peds at AMCH...A few of us were new grads and Doris just fell into the "mother" figure role - we could always go to her with questions, ask for help and she was right there...she was so positive, and so encouraging . You have my deepest sympathy for your loss. For me, I think I felt worse when I heard that this energetic, empathetic, and fun loving woman was diagnosed with Alzheimer's...she still had so much more to do.

Written by Dianne Dully of Delmar, NY
9/4/2009 2:29:29 PM

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To our dearest friend Nan and her family,

Your friends in the Department of Earth Sciences at Syracuse University send their deepest sympathies to you and your family at this time of loss.

May all your wonderful memories fill your heart now and in the future.

Written by Julie Neri of Syracuse, New York
9/9/2009 9:30:12 AM

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Nick & Family
My sympathy & prayers are with you and your family at this
difficult time.

Unfortunately I will not be able to attend the Memorial service as I will be attending a Memorial event for my wife
(deceased 2003) the same day.

Larry (ret. NYSP).

Written by Larry Moyer of Loudonville, NY.
9/9/2009 12:00:38 PM

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We send our love and deepest sympathy to the family of Doris Rutkowski. Doris was a wonderful friend at St Stephen's church. You are all in our prayers. Nancy and Herb Steele

Written by Nancy Steele of Glenmont, NY
09/09/2009 8:52:16 PM

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She's beautful; looks just like Betsy. Rejoice. She's singing with the heavenly hosts now...and I look forward to joining in her song someday.

Written by Terri Zuelsdorf of Glenmont, NY
9/10/2009 10:48:11 AM

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Mr.Rutkowski and Family

I was so sorry to learn of your Wife/Mom's passing.

While growing up your Mom was like The "neighborhood
mom" - always there to put a band aid on all the kid's cuts & scratches & making everything "all better".

You have my deepest sympathy for your loss.

Written by Dave Peeney of Loudonville, NY
9/10/2009 7:10:24 PM

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Our prayers and thoughts are with your family in this difficult time.

Written by Joe & Collette Freer of Douglaston, NY
9/11/2009 6:14:10 AM

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To Nan and Family: So sorry to hear about your mother. My thoughts are with you!! Take care.
Kim

Written by Kim Wentworth of Homer, NY
9/11/2009 11:59:06 AM

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So Sorry for your loss, she was a very special lady. I loved working with her in Pediatric ICU. Very loving, hard working and fun. She spoke lovingly of her husband and children. May your memories help you all through this period of loss.
Sincerely,
Tish Kahn

Written by Tish Leedy-Kahn of Los Angeles, CA.
9/12/2009 3:42:33 PM

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Mr Rutkowski and Family

I'm sorry to here of Mrs Rutkowski passing. The memories I have are great ones."Easter egg hunts and making ice cream are just a few.

Written by John Peeney of Albany, NY
9/12/2009 6:42:35 PM

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Cool, classy, lady. That was the Doris, I knew from Albany Med.

To separate the nurse and the person is an impossibility. They truly were one and the same.
As a nurse, I found Doris to be caring, compassionate, and always willing to help both the staff, and the patients. She was a tremendous influence on me, as a new graduate, and guided me through my many insecurities, without being judgmental.

Doris, "the gal", helped, me, also. When I became disabled, she would frequently stop by my home just to say "hi".
Doris realized that I was the type of person that found it difficult to ask for help. This nature-loving, energized bunny, would access my situation and treat me accordingly.
There are many stories that I could share, today, about my adopted, "Ma".
"Ma", was the name I bestowed upon her during one of her visits. She, laughed, being we were too close in age for her to be my mother, and said, "hey watch it." The name stuck, as to me, "Ma Doris was, in every sense of the word, a mother, to me. She cared, she nourished, she protected, and touched many, many lives, as both a woman and a nurse.
In closing, I must say she was FUN, and ADVENTUROUS, also. I recall when she took me for a couple of rides, I became frightened as to not knowing if I would ever see civilization again.
Ma and I shared numerous laughs, and for this, I shall always be grateful for having met her.
To have her in my life, first as a co-worker, next as a true friend, and finally as my adopted, Ma, This cool, classy lady will be greatly missed by me.
June Sano, RN

Written by June Sano of Bethlehem Center, NY
9/13/2009 8:12:16 AM

Betty Peeney

September 10, 2009

I remember the coffee we shared everytime the Bookmobile would come to Mosher Rd. Mary Reid, Jean McCullough. Marilynn Evans,Doris and I all had great times together.
My deepest sympathy to you all.

September 9, 2009

To Doris' husband Nick and family, Just wanted to let you know that Doris was one of the people I worked with when St. Stephen's had their church bazaars. What fun we had. I remember her fondly.
Patty Lutzy

September 9, 2009

i remember doris when i worked with her in the 80's she was a remarkable woman and always pleasant to work with... she will be missed..

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