FULTON – April 28, 2024, Dorothy Decatur Engell, 100, of Fulton, NY, passed away on Sunday, April 28, 2024. She was born in Cohoes, NY, the daughter of Fannie Mae and Frederick Decatur. Moved to Schenectady and spent her childhood there, graduating from Nott Terrace High School. She then attended secretarial training at GE. Dorothy worked in the Navy Department at the International GE building then at the main plant until her marriage to Theodore Engell in 1949. After which, they moved to Fulton, NY for his position at Armstrong World Industries.
She became involved in community affairs; she was a member of the committee who established the first preschool. She also served as the chairman for the A.L. Lee Memorial Hospital gift shop and was an honorary member of the Fulton’s Women’s Club where she also served as a treasurer for 15 years. Dorothy was also a member of the Fulton Garden Club where she won several awards. She also belonged to a bridge club. Dorothy was a proud member of the All Saints Episcopal Church where she taught church school. She worked as a secretary at the Victory Paper Mill and then became the secretary at city hall for Mayor Johnson and Mayor Rowlee. In 1960, Dorothy and her husband adopted their daughter, Karen Engell. She later worked parttime as a product tester for the lab at Nestle’s then went to the Nestle store, where she retired.
Throughout her 100 years, she was fortunate to experience many amazing things. Dorothy remembered a horse and carriage delivering ice for their icebox. Since her father worked at GE, she was one of the first families to own a refrigerator. Dorothy believed she belonged to the Greatest Generation. Her age never slowed her down. She was as sharp as a tack and as sassy as ever. In her last decade she continued to travel, loved to drive, and even went for a ride on her granddaughter’s motorcycle and sidecar. She was extraordinary.
Dorothy’s family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Lori Marshall for always providing exceptional care throughout the years.
Dorothy was predeceased by her husband, Ted Engell; brother, Frederick Decatur; her daughter, Karen Engell and a very special granddaughter, Daisy Ruiz.
She is survived by her son-in-law, Modesto Rivera; her much loved granddaughters, Liliana Rivera, Kristina DiCicco, Wendy Ruiz, Luisa Ruiz; nephew, Gary (Rose) Decatur; great niece, Christine Decatur Simonds; great nephew, Adam Decatur; she will also be missed by Andy and Maria Ruiz, Ann LaBombard; several great grandchildren, and her “white cat” Willa.
A funeral service will be held at 10 am on Thursday, May 9th at the All Saints Episcopal Church, 153 S. 1st Street, Fulton with a burial to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fulton. All are invited to attend her Celebration of Life at 1 pm at the Fulton Polish Home, 153 W. 1st Street, Fulton following the burial. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the All Saints Episcopal Church. Foster Funeral Home has care of arrangements.
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