Alison Quartermain Gersten

In Loving Memory of Alison Quartermain Gersten
South Natick, Massachusetts
Alison Quartermain Gersten, a beloved wife, sister, aunt, nurse, leader, and friend, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on May 18th of natural causes. Her sudden departure has left a deep and immeasurable void in the hearts of all who knew her.
She is lovingly survived by her devoted husband for twenty-five years, Sam Gersten; her cherished sister, Leslie Quartermain Wilson; brother-in-law John Wilson; nephew Johnny Wilson; nieces Mamie and Courtney Wilson; and Sam and Alison's loyal golden retriever, Archie, who brought Alison daily joy and companionship. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Ceil Gersten and was the daughter-in-law of the late Adelle L. Gersten.
Born in Newton, MA, Alison was the treasured daughter of William L. and Mary S. Quartermain. A proud graduate of Natick High School, she earned her nursing degree from Salve Regina University in Newport, RI, and later received her MBA from Northeastern University in Boston.
Alison's career was a testament to her unwavering dedication to the wellbeing of others. As a registered nurse with business acumen, she became a trailblazer in the healthcare field, leading the early charge to implement electronic medical records across greater Boston - a transformative effort that has impacted countless lives.
Faith was a cornerstone of Alison's life. A devout Catholic, she served as a Eucharistic minister and devoted herself to helping those in need, often visiting the homebound to bring them comfort and connection to the church. She embraced and honored Sam's Jewish heritage with grace, participating actively in synagogue life and celebrating Jewish holidays as part of their shared spiritual journey.
Service to others was second nature to Alison. For over 36 years, she was a vibrant force in the Junior League of Boston, including serving as its President. She also held leadership roles with the Institute of Contemporary Art, the Vincent Club, the College Club of Boston, and the Beacon Hill Women's Forum. Whether chairing scholarship funds, supporting arts and culture, or lending her talents to garden clubs, Alison gave generously of her time, heart, and wisdom.
Outside of her many civic commitments, Alison was an avid Boston sports fan and a lover of tennis - frequently traveling with Sam to grand slam events around the globe, from Wimbledon to the U.S. and Australian Opens. Yet, her favorite simple pleasure was taking frequent walks through Boston Common with Archie at her side, savoring the beauty of her city and the joy of quiet moments.
To know Alison was to be touched by her kindness, her humor, her deep sense of purpose, and her fierce love for family and community. Traveling the world with Sam or Leslie brought her great joy and leaves behind a legacy of shared laughter, unforgettable adventures, and a lifetime of beautiful memories.
She lived fully, gave generously, and loved deeply. Alison will be missed beyond words but remembered forever in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known her.
Visiting hours will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home 477 Washington St. Wellesley on Friday, May 30th from 4-8pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Paul's Church 502 Washington St., Wellesley on Saturday, May 31st at 11am. Interment will follow at Newton Cemetery. For more information, please visit
George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Homes
477 Washington Street
Wellesley, MA 02482 781-235-4100