Dorilee Ann Stilsing

Dorilee Ann Stilsing, 94, went peacefully through Heaven’s Gate on August 30, 2026, at home. 

She was born on July 11, 1932 to Ivan Reed and Alice Hedrick.

Dorilee was a woman of extraordinary beauty, strength and grace. She began her life from humble beginnings on a small farm where the plumbing arrived years later. After her morning chore—feeding the chickens, she would walk many miles to attend school.

She met her lifelong, true love Harold Stilsing when he “came across the river,” as many would refer to as the other side of the Hudson, to attend a dance.

Dorilee was defined by her devotion to Harold and her children. She worked from their home as the dispatcher and secretary during the start up of Stilsing Electric Inc until becoming a homemaker. She loved cooking and was good at it.

Dorilee and Harold embarked on many life adventures. Learning and growing together through all their hobbies and experiences. Constantly on the move, life was never boring.

Family camping trips led to building “on their own” an A frame camp on the Great Sacandaga Lake where they enjoyed the closeness with their young children, introducing them to hiking, games, boating, water skiing and Dorilee’s amazing cooking. They welcomed many friends and created very fond memories.

Many times Dorilee and Harold would slip away to Montreal for a weekend, before they changed directions, traveling in their motor coach to warmer destinations.

Dorilee loved the ocean and made collecting shells a hobby. They were involved in antiquing, enjoying vintage furnishings. They would return several times a year to Coastal Maine to cook lobsters in the park.

Dorilee had a special love for the outdoors, and flowers. Another hobby where she created a small company named “Victorian Faire.” She would host a sale once a year, consisting of all her own floral creations. But the greatest joy in her life was always family. She loved being a grandmother and frequently involved the grandchildren in their lives and outings.

Dorilee was a loving mother to two predeceased daughters, Linda Spring and Cheryl Stilsing.

She is survived by two daughters, Lisa (Steve) Ort, Jenise Stilsing; her only son, Lloyd (Kathy) Stilsing; Grandchildren, Mike, Kristen, Vicki Stilsing, Gear Kowalchyk, Dean and Megan Senecal, William Stilsing, Jason Barber; and Great Grandchildren, Leila, Haylee, Kalin, Lilianna, Katarina and Freya.

Dorilee’s family would like to express our gratefulness to the most loving and caring AIDS that probably ever existed. Contributions to Dorilee’s memory may be made to Albany Hospice.

Services will be held privately.