Obituary of Doris S. Fallis

Doris S. Fallis, of Gloversville, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday morning, November 14, 2020 with her family at her side. She was 101 years of age.

 

She was born June 10, 1919 in Gloversville, the daughter of the late W. Bert and Irene Cook Seney. She was a 1937 graduate of Gloversville High School and a 1938 graduate of Gloversville Business School. Doris married former Postmaster Mathias S. Fallis on February 7, 1942. He died July 18, 1972.

 

Doris was the Executive Director of the Gloversville YWCA from 1968 to 1976. She was a member of Sacred Heart Church and the Church of the Holy Spirit, the Nathan Littauer Hospital Auxiliary, the Board of Directors of United Way of Fulton County and the Ida McGinness Senior Citizens.

 

Survivors include two children, Patricia A. Fallis of Gloversville and Atty. Mathias J. Fallis of Delaware; a grandson, Mathias S. Fallis; a sister, Jeanette Kiuber of Ballston Spa; several cousins, nieces and nephews.

 

In addition to her parents and husband, Doris was predeceased by a daughter, Kathryn J. Fallis on December 3, 1989; a brother, Gardner C. Seney and a sister, Joyce Womack.

 

Private visitation and service will take place at the convenience of the family at Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, Gloversville.

 

Interment will follow at Ferndale Cemetery, Johnstown.

 

Our mother made us promise that at her funeral service we would not speak about her life.  She insisted that we acknowledge and thank her many friends who made her life so special. Since we cannot have a formal service, we decided to do it here.   So, we ask the question, “How did our mother get to enjoy a life of 101 years on this earth?  The answer is simple, surround yourself with family and friends who love you endlessly.

 

First and foremost is her daughter, Patricia, who gave up the freedom of retirement to live with her mother, take care of her and to love her day and night. No words can describe the love, sacrifice, dedication and concern she has given to her best friend these past years. Without this love and total dedication, we would not have enjoyed our mother for all the years we had. She is a “saint” in my eyes and I know in God’s as well.

 

And then there are you, her many friends, who have done so much to make her life so wonderful. 

 

At our mother’s one hundredth birthday celebration, more than 75 of you visited her home to wish her a happy day. Some of you cooked, you made party favors/balloons/sent flowers/sent cards that filled every table and mantle in our home. Some called to wish her day be special and it was.  You took the time to do something for her because you loved her and that was so much appreciated.

 

But that was just for one day, we are talking about a lifetime of friends. On every special occasion, holidays, birthdays, Mother’s Day, flowers and cards overflowed our house.  Phone calls were made, special visits - - you came to wash, cut and style her hair, you would call just to say hi, a most beautiful quilt made of love, a Minister with a prayer, a Eucharistic Minister with holy communion, a neighbor with warm rolls straight from their oven.  You came to give my sister some personal time, you brought her treats, you sent your favorite recipes, you called just to tell my mother “I love you Doris”. You were there with any specialized party favor that fitted the occasion.  So many of you kept praying for our mother, a special prayer, that strengthened our spirits.  And then there are some of you there for my sister near the end.  Changing sheets, diapers etc. acts of mercy, kindness and love for our Mom.  You are all so special in the ways you have demonstrated your love for our mother these past years and months as she faced her final days with us. 

 

So, please realize how much each of you meant to my mother.  That you gave of yourselves to be part of her life.   Your laughter, your concern, your kindness your friendship kept my mother here living a life of love amongst family and friends. The word “friend” doesn’t quite describe what you have done.   You are “angels” in the many loving ways that you expressed your love for her.  

 

God gave us the ability to love and asked that we share this love with one another.  You surely have listened and fulfilled God’s wish. For God is smiling down on you today with my mother at God’s side.  They are saying thank you for all you did over these many years and for being the angels and a saint that you are.

 

Now I lay me down to sleep,

 I pray the Lord my soul to keep,

If I shall die before I wake,

 I pray the Lord my soul to take,

I thank my angels and saint for loving me,

 I’m now with our loving God waiting for thee.  Amen

 

Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Avenue, Gloversville, NY 12078.

 

Online condolences to the family may be made at www.brbsfuneral.com

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