SARATOGA SPRINGS — Dorothy (“Dottie”) J. Olucci of Saratoga Springs passed peacefully into the loving arms of the Lord surrounded by her family after years of courageously battling chronic illness on Monday, July 13, 2015. She was 69 years old. Born on August 12, 1945 in Gloversville, New York, she was the daughter of the late Betty and John Harris. Dottie graduated from Northville Central School and later attended Fulton Montgomery Community College. She worked for several years as a social worker/counselor for troubled teens until an injury limited her ability to continue and she retired as a homemaker in Saratoga Springs where she spent the majority of her life.
On January 21, 1969, Dottie married the love of her life and the man who would devote the next 46 years taking care of her and making her laugh. A woman of remarkable faith, she attended Grace Fellowship Church where she always felt welcomed and encouraged and was saddened when her physical limitations prohibited her from attending regularly. In her leisure time, Dottie was an avid reader; she loved to do games and puzzles and spent countless hours journaling which was a form of therapy to her. Dottie was an animal and bird lover and was particularly fond of cardinals and hummingbirds. She especially loved the ocean where she felt most at peace and eagerly awaited her trips to New Hampshire every summer with her husband. Proud of her Irish/American heritage, she enjoyed listening to Irish music and looked forward to the occasions when she could get out to see various Irish bands play. Mr. Kevin McKrell, who was very near and dear to her heart, was her personal favorite and brought her many years of smiles and happiness.
Her greatest joy, however, came from her children and grandchildren. She was blessed to be called “Mimi” by her granddaughter to whom she referred as her “Sunshine Girl” and her grandson, “Moonbeam Boy.” She loved her children passionately and would do anything she could for them. Dottie had a very gentle, kind spirit and cared for those around her deeply. The world lost an amazing person, but Heaven gained an extraordinary angel. “You fly with the angels now, Mom, but you will always be with us.”
Dottie is survived by her loving husband, Eugene (Gene) Olucci of Saratoga Springs, her son, Matthew James Olucci of Fonda, her daughter, Gaia Beth Anderson and son-in-law Richard (Rich) Anderson, Jr.; beloved granddaughter, Olivia Jeanne Anderson and beloved grandson Richard (Richie) Louis Anderson, III all of Wilton; her special “Aunt” Gretchen Savage of Schenectady, her brother and sister-in-law Pat and Louise Olucci of Johnstown, her nephews Peter Olucci of Johnstown and Joseph Olucci of Gardner, KS; her great-nieces, cousins and best friends Tess and Mary. Dottie also leaves behind her cherished Corgi companion, Panda, who will miss her terribly.
Dottie’s family would like to extend their appreciation to Dr. Christopher Hoy who was a source of comfort, direction and strength to her for many years and also to the ICU nurses Adrienne and David who took meticulous care of Dottie during her final days and provided the much needed compassion and comfort to her family as well.
