Dorothy Tarasevich, 90, died peacefully at home on June 4, 2021, surrounded by her loving family.. Dorothy was born to John and Mary Peregrim on December 26, 1930, on the family farm in Johnsonville, NY. At the age of four, she announced she wanted to be a teacher and toddled off after her older siblings to the local one-room schoolhouse. And never looked back. She graduated from Greenwich High school at 16, Russell Sage College at 20 earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in teaching. She taught English in Warrensburg and Rhinebeck, NY, and then earned a Master of Science degree in Library Science from the State University of New York at Albany.
She was married to her partner-in-adventure, John Tarasevich, for nearly 50 years, raising their four children in Vestal, NY where she continued her career working as a librarian in the Vestal school district for 25 years. Dottie was an avid bridge player, bowler, golfer, and gardener, and phenomenal cook, baker, maker, and crafter of projects large and small. She was an active member of SS. Peter & Paul's Russian Orthodox Church where she often led the kitchen in their annual pierogi making fundraisers but may be better known for exquisite and massive homemade Christmas cookie collection that she generously shared with family friends, and neighbors.
Dottie traveled the world over with her husband and found beauty and joy wherever she went. But New York State — the majesty of the Adirondacks and the magic of New York City and everything in-between—was the place she loved best. Loving mother, doting Baba, Dottie was the salt of the earth. Known for her welcoming bear hugs, “Aunt Giggle-itis” had a wonderful laugh which she shared easily and often. Dottie was eternally optimistic, gracious, and kind. And filled with gratitude for the incredible life she lived.
Dorothy is predeceased by her parents, her brothers Frank and John Peregrim, sister Helen Sarich, nieces Susan Krough and Lori Flynn, and her adoring husband, John. She is survived by and will be missed dearly by her brother Joe Peregrim and her children Barbara Tarasevich (Alan Joly), Deborah Tarasevich, David Tarasevich, and Joan Tarasevich (Jim Power), and grandchildren Lemat and MinFa Joly, and Kyra and Cullen Power, and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Friday, 11:30 AM from the Leon Pucedo Funeral Home, Inc. 1905 Watson Blvd. Endicott and at 12:00 PM at Sts. Peter & Paul Russian Orthodox Church 210 Hill Ave. Endicott. Burial will be in St. Basil’s Russian Orthodox Cemetery 86 Elm St. Watervliet, NY 12189 on Saturday at 11:00 AM. The family will receive friends at the Pucedo Funeral Home Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Rev. Alexey Karlgut will hold a Parastas Service Thursday at 7:00 PM at the funeral home. In Lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy in memory of Mrs. Tarasevich may be made to Sts. Peter & Paul Church Legacy Fund 210 Hill Ave. Endicott, NY 13760.
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