ALBANY – Dorothy Hart Mehleisen passed away from natural causes on Sunday, June 26, 2022 at St. Peter’s Nursing Facility just shy of 98years of age. A free-spirited and truly authentic soul, Dorothy loved life and was a woman ahead of her time. She was devoted to her family and her door was open to any who needed hospitality.
Born in the South End of Albany in 1924 to Frederick Hart and Annamae Marsch Hart, Dorothy graduated from Cathedral Academy and married William Charles Mehleisen. The two shared 66 years of marriage together, living in Albany.
After losing her father in her teens, Dorothy worked to support her mother and sister. She held positions at State Bank, Grand Union, Unigard Insurance, and Excelsior Credit Union. Work was a joy to her, as it offered her the ability to travel and engage in her favorite hobby: befriending people. Living as her father taught her, Dorothy loved people from all walks of life. Many called on her for advice and a friendly ear. She really enjoyed making people feel special. One of her favorite tricks was dropping pennies, or as the years went on, dollars, just so others could find them and make a wish.
She will be remembered for her feisty spirit, playful humor, open-mindedness, and mischievous laughter. Those fortunate enough to cross her path are better for her having touched their souls.
Dorothy is survived by her sons Bill Mehleisen (Patricia) and John Mehleisen (Debbie); her loving niece Kathy Ravida; her grandchildren Billy (Lindsey), Tommy (Samantha), Chris (Jessica), Danny (Kaity) and John (Tristan), as well as 8 great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, Dorothy was predeceased by her sister Kathryn Ravida, her brother-in-law Anthony Ravida, and her cousin Beatrice Walsh.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in All Saints Catholic Church, 16 Homestead St, Albany (behind CVS) at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 6th. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave, Albany, Wednesday morning prior to the mass from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Interment will be in Our Lady Help of Christians Cemetery, Glenmont. In lieu of sending flowers, the family encourages donations in Dorothy’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Diane and John Elias
Dear Bill, Pat and Family,
While reading Dorothy’s obituary I was awestruck by her many accomplishments and influence on those who knew her throughout her life . We met Dorothy later in her life but her zest for life was very apparent even in her senior years. I could see how important and loved she was by her family. Our sincerest sympathies, Diane and John Elias
Marion McAllister
Bill, John and Families:
My condolences on the loss of your mother and my Aunt Dorothy. She is back with her beloved husband and my mom., (Madalen Mehleisen Mitchell). Your mom was a very sweet lady. May she Rest In Peace. Marion Mitchell McAllister.