Obituary of Dorothy Ann Zukas

Dorothy Ann "Dottie" Zukas, 88, went home peacefully to her heavenly Father on Thursday January 11, 2018 after a brief stay at the Wilkinson Residential Health Care Facility in Amsterdam. Dorothy was born in Passaic, New Jersey on May 13, 1929, the daughter of the late Harry and Minnie (Miller) Getsloff. She was of the Protestant faith and a 1947 graduate of the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School in Amsterdam. Known as "Grandma Dot" to her family. She married her beloved husband, John, on November 6, 1948. He passed away on January 16, 2005 after 56 wonderful years together. Dorothy was employed as a switchboard operator at the former Amsterdam City Hospital for many years. She greatly loved and also enjoyed working as a stay at home mother. Later in life she worked for the Board of Elections and also for the county as a licensed home health aide for over 30 years also doing private duty. She had a special gift working with the elderly and Dorothy was greatly loved by all those she cared for. In addition, Dorothy fostered a seeing eye dog, Casey. Grandma Dot's loving family includes one son, Jeffrey Zukas of Hagaman, two daughters, Barbara Hidde and her husband Larry of Fort Hunter, NY and Betsy Agresta and her husband Pat of Amsterdam. Three grandsons, Vince Zukas (Dave Howard) of Albany, Erik Hidde of Los Angeles, CA and Seth Hidde (Rachel) of Sammonsville, NY. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends. Besides her husband, John, Dorothy was predeceased by her brother, Richard Getsloff and her sister Lillian Raila. Dorothy was a woman of strong faith in God. She was an elder and a very active member of the former Trinity Reformed Church in Amsterdam, many years until its closing. She enjoyed spending time with her beloved family, cooking and puzzles, and playing cards. Her favorite place was out on her deck watching the geese in the pond. She especially loved spending winters in Myrtle Beach SC, with her husband, fun times with her grandsons and grand-dogs. Dorothy had a knack for fashion and would design and create her own clothing. Dorothy was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was a giving person always serving others her entire life right up until the end. Her family would like to thank Dr. Snider, Dr. Carstens, and the 3rd Floor Nurses and Staff at the E.L. Wilkinson Facility for the kindness and care given to their mother. In accordance with her wishes, there will be no services. Mrs. Zukas graciously donated her body to the Albany Medical College Anatomical Gift Program. By her request, donations may be made in her memory to the Shriner's Hospital for Children, C/0 Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, NY 12010 or directly to the Shriners Hospital at 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa FL 33607 or donorrelations@shrinenet.org.