Dorothy Jean Cervo Parente

Loudonville-Dorothy "Dotty" Jean Cervo Parente, 89, of Loudonville entered into Eternal Life with her family at her side on Monday, July 15, 2019, at home. Born in Rome N.Y. on September 14, 1929, she was the cherished daughter of John and Agnes Ekl Cervo. Dorothy attended Rome City Schools and graduated from the Rome Free Academy in 1947. After graduation, Dotty attended Faxton St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing, while lovingly caring for special needs children at the Rome State School. During WWII, Dorothy lost her oldest brother, Pvt. Joseph Cervo of the 101st Airborne Division in the Liberation of Holland's Operation Market Garden. As a Gold Star Family, Dotty together with her mother Agnes attended numerous veterans functions representing her fallen brother Joe. It was at such an event, she met the evenings’ keynote speaker and soon to be her husband, Donato ‘Dan’ Parente. The two of them represented America’s Greatest Generation. Dotty was a homemaker and wonderful mother, and she worked hard to make home and family in ways that transcended the boundaries of brick and mortar. Dorothy kept a clean house, and filled it with music, singing, beautiful sculpture, fantastic meals, splendid Christmas decorations and being the best possible mother to her children– all while working a full time job outside the home. She taught her family by example the need to work hard, and how to stretch a dollar, but most importantly to never give up. Dorothy worked many jobs over the years, including Norton Company, J. deBeer and Son and Albany County Nursing Home. Dorothy’s tenderheartedness never turned away a stray soul in need be it human or animal always allowing room for more; always lending an ear or helping friends and family. Her wisdom and good sense will always be cherished and remembered. Dotty's greatest joys came later in life as she gleefully embraced the title of Grandmother, thoroughly enjoying, loving, and spoiling all four grandbabies. Dorothy’s family dinners were bountiful and legendary, as the kitchen was the place she enjoyed the most. Her hands were gifted whether it be making Tiramisu, crocheting beautiful blankets or cradling a baby. She always had fun on April Fool’s Day, loved a good game of badminton or bocce, and was always ready to take her grandchildren for ice cream, car picnics, and adventure. She went without most of life’s advantages and pleasures so her children could have more than she did; she was not born into a life of privilege, she only drove one new car in her life, and never owned an expensive wardrobe or ate at fine restaurants. She was not able to keep up with the newest gadgets or trends, and at first cable TV was a luxury for her and her family. But in all the other ways…. all the ways that were important, she was a rich woman, and given the greatest gift of all, the title ‘mother.’ Dorothy was the wife of the late Donato Daniel Parente; beloved mother of MariAgnes Parente Malkonian, Danielle Leach (Jon). David Agostino Parente (Kristin McVeigh), Frank J. Parente (Laura) and her late infant son Agostino Parente; cherished and beloved grandmother of Frankie Joe, Jr. Parente, Anthony David Parente, Kyla Marie Parente, and Eva Christine Parente; sister of the late Pvt. Joseph Cervo, Carmen Cervo, and Marion Kelley; daughter-in-law of the late Agostino and Maria Zanonni Parente; dear family friend of the McVeigh Family and the late brothers Gulley, Jim and Tony; Dorothy is survived by nieces and nephews, especially Mickey Kelley (Rebecca). Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Dorothy’s family Thursday, July 18, 2019 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany, NY 12206. Funeral services Friday, July 19, 2019 at 9:00 am at Blessed Sacrament Church, 607 Central Ave., Albany, NY 12206. The Rite of Committal will be held at Albany Rural Cemetery (South Gate Entrance) immediately following the Mass. To leave a message for the family, please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com Understanding that when a death occurs, we often express ourselves by supporting a good cause in the community. The Parente family suggests the New York State Funeral Directors Association Tribute Foundation, 1 S. Family Drive, Albany, NY 12205, or the Food Pantry at Blessed Sacrament Church, or The Community Hospice. And May flights of Angels Sing Thee Into Thy Heaven Pax Vobiscum

Tributes

Dorothy Jean Cervo Parente

September 14, 1929 - July 15, 2019