Dora R. Alves (Ross) Obituary (1925 - 2019)

ALVES, Dora "Tommy" 93, of Breesport, NY and Mesa, AZ was born on August 20, 1925 in Jackson Heights, NY and died on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at St. Joseph's Hospital - Skilled Nursing Facility. She is predeceased by her parents John Atkinson and Dora Wotherspoon Ross, her beloved husband Mario Alves, her sister, Ann Atwood and her son-in-law, Brad Vieselmeyer. She is survived by her children, Jeffrey (Tina Gottesman-Alves), Christine (John) Reiff, John W, MD, Susan Vieselmeyer, Marybeth (George) Gillis all of Breesport, and Matthew (Cynthia) of Kalamazoo, MI, and sister-in-law, Otilia Makara of New Bedford, MA. She delighted in her sixteen grandchildren; Madeleine Alves, Heidi Reiff Cooper, Amy Reiff Bernstein, Gretchen Mosereiff, Sarah Alves Powers, Christine Alves, Hannah Alves Hagy, Abigail Alves, Alicia Vieselmeyer Patchoski, Kayce Vieselmeyer, Paul Vieselmeyer, Emily Gillis Smith, Eric Gillis, Louise Alves, Martha Alves, and Claire Alves and her twelve great grandchildren, Sara Cooper, Nina Cooper, Ella Cooper, Gracie Bernstein, Felix Mosereiff, Hugo Mosereiff, Kimberlee Alves, Skylar Alves, Juniper Bliecher, Jacob Patchoski, Lucas Patchoski, and Charlotte Patchoski and several nieces and nephews. Tommy earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Simmons College and worked as a community health nurse in Long Island and Steuben County. She retired as a community mental health nurse at the Elmira Psychiatric Center where she was highly valued and respected. In addition to trying to keep up with six active children, she was active in the leadership of Girl Scouts and Zonta International. Once retired, she enjoyed her second family at Red Mountain Community Church through the Bible studies she attended while spending her winters in Mesa, AZ with her husband. Tommy and Mario travelled to Portugal and Scotland to explore their heritages. They went digging for gold in Alaska and for sapphires in Montana. Tommy's hobbies included cross stitching, knitting and quilting. But she took greatest pride in her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, all of whom share stories of how her advice, support, and love enriched their lives. The family would especially like to express its deep gratitude to the staff at St. Joseph's Skilled Nursing Facility for the love and care given to our mother. The family will welcome relatives and friends to Sullivan's Funeral Home, 365 East Franklin St. at Rt. 13, Horseheads, NY from 1pm to 3pm on Saturday, June 22, 2019 followed by a Funeral Service. Tommy will be laid to rest at the convenience of the family.