Mrs. Dorothy Nellis-Pealer

Mrs. Dorothy Nellis-Pealer, 105, most recently of the North Wing at Medina Memorial Hospital, formerly of Oak Orchard on the Lake, Waterport and Port Orange, Florida, died peacefully Mon., March 28, 2022.

Born on July 3, 1916, in Amsterdam City Hospital, NY lived in Nelliston, NY (named after her ancestors) with her father and mother, Harry and Lena Nellis. She was educated at the Fort Plain High School and married Gilbert Palmateer in 1933 and had a daughter Kayleen. She was employed with the Federal Government for 31 years in upstate NY. She married Casius Pealer on April 16, 1983 and resided in Port Orange, Fla. for 31 years. He preceded her in death on May 8, 2005.

Dorothy was a very talented singer performing at various widespread community functions, weddings, etc., and was choir director at the Fort Plain Lutheran Church. She was Village Treasurer for 5 years and served as registrar of Vital Statistics for the Village of Nelliston and the Town of Palatine, like her mother before her. She was a lifetime member of Eastern Star and was a member of the Elk’s Club and very active in the choir at West Minster By-the-Sea Church in Port Orange, Fla.

She loved to travel with Casius in their motor home crossing the country- twice to Alaska. She grew up loving the water, immersed in fishing and boating, at 102 she wanted to go on a sailing race regatta with her two grandsons and their crew. She enjoyed making new friends and always claimed she was happiest when she was “behind the wheel;” which she was right up until 102 years old (independent and resourceful) – she was an inspiration to many who knew her. People would inquire “what is your secret?” Her reply was “everything in moderation.” Her immediate family knew her as the “Matriarch”, determined, strong willed and always embracing life itself- a true “pioneer.”

Dorothy Nellis-Pealer is survived by her daughter, Kayleen Muscarella of Waterport, NY; son-in-law, Robert Muscarella; grandsons: Christian Muscarella of Sparta, NJ, John Muscarella of Rochester, NY and great-granddaughter, Nina Muscarella of Sparta, NJ; stepsons: Casius Pealer and David Pealer- both of Fla.; nephews: Harry Zoller, Richmond, VA, William Smith of Sagle Idaho, Gary Davis of Texas, and Barry Davis of NC; many cousins, nephews, great nieces, and nephews, along with many admirers.

Burial will take place in Fort Plain Cemetery on June 30, 2022. Friends and family are invited to her celebration of life at the Muscarella cottage (on Lake Ontario) the weekend of July 4th – the exact date will be announced as the date gets closer.

Contributions in memory of Dorothy Nellis- Pealer may be made to Medina Memorial Hospital – North Wing.