Dorothy Reese

Dorothy Moretti Reese, 92-loving wife, adored mother and grand-mother, most faithful friend, loyal and generous daughter, sister and aunt, died peacefully after a short illness, surrounded by her children, on Sunday June 14, 2015. Dorothy's life revolved around her family, faith, friends and work. She was a devout parishioner of St. Anthony's Church in Elmira, St. Michaels in Penn Yan, NY, Holy Family in Hilton Head, SC, and Holy Ghost in Rochester, NY. Dorothy is survived by her six children: -August Moretti and Audrey (Kavka), Piedmont, California and their 2 sons: David and Matthew; -Sharon and Alan Jameson, Rochester, New York; -John Moretti and Polly (Atkins), Elmira, New York and their 3 children-Benjamin, Daniel and Anna; -Michael Moretti, Chattanooga, Tennessee and his 3 children-Reta, Michael and Roman; -Carol Moretti, Bronx, New York; -Maria and James Bernitt, Rochester, New York and their 2 daughters-Alexanda and Caroline. Born in Au Sable Forks, NY, a small rural town in the Adirondack Mountains, Dorothy moved to Elmira with her many siblings and mother and supported the WWII effort through her assembly work at the Bendix plant in Elmira Heights. Dorothy attended her high school reunions in Au Sable Forks faithfully each year until her death to reconnect with life-long friends and dear family. After her marriage in November of 1945 to John A Moretti, Dorothy worked by his side and behind the scenes, at his family's Elmira restaurant, Moretti's, while raising her 6 children. After John's death in 1969 she became a partner in the restaurant where she, with her effervescent smile and welcoming nature, greeted customers until 1978. In March of 1984 Dorothy married Carl W Reese at St. Anthony's Church in Elmira. They shared many happy years together in Cleveland, Hilton Head and at Keuka Lake in Penn Yan. Dorothy's later years were spent living both in her cherished home on Keuka Lake (even though she never learned to swim!) amongst her dear neighbors and in the loving homes of her two children-Maria and John and their families. Their support, along with that of Sharon, Augie, Mike and Carol, ensured that Dorothy was able to indulge her favorite pastimes- long rides in the country by car and along Keuka's shores by boat, traveling to Italy to reconnect with her family there, visiting her beloved Hilton Head and California, traveling throughout Europe with Augie, Audrey and their kids, crocheting warm blankets for her grandchildren and preparing wonderful home-made meals for family and friends. Dorothy's always present smile and comforting, generous nature enriched the many lives she touched. Her life was one of compassion for all and judgment for none. She would often be heard saying "God had been good to her". We, her children, their spouses and her grandchildren, always agreed and are so thankful to a woman who taught and gave us more than we could return. The family would like to offer our deepest gratitude to the staff of volunteers at Aurora House hospice home in Spencerport, NY. It was through these amazing, compassionate and caring individuals that our hope in the human spirit was renewed. Their kindness, along with her nurse, Kendra, will never be forgotten. Calling hours are Friday 5 to 8 PM, June 19 at McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W Water Street, Elmira, NY with Mass on Saturday, June 20, at 10 AM at St. Patrick's Church (Blessed Sacrament Parish), 604 Park Place, Elmira, NY. In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations made in Dorothy's memory to: Aurora House of Western Monroe County Inc. PO Box 21 Spencerport, NY 14559 memorials@aurorahousewmc.com