Dorothy F. Mergi

May 31, 1924 – February 7, 2025

Surrounded by love, Dorothy F. Mergi of Lancaster, NY, passed away peacefully at the age of 100 on February 7, 2025.

Born on May 31, 1924, in Buffalo, NY, to John and Frances Czech, Dorothy cherished her childhood memories—especially the time spent with her Sister, Lorraine and her Grandma Czech in Batavia, NY. She married William Mergi on September 11, 1948, and together they enjoyed 48 years of marriage while raising two beautiful children, Donald and Susan. Dorothy graduated in the Class of 1948 from the Buffalo General Hospital School of Nursing.

For 26 years, Dorothy dedicated herself to leading the Labor and Delivery Nursing Team at Buffalo General Hospital, providing loving care to countless families and their newborn babies. She later went on to teach aspiring nurses, imparting her knowledge and compassion to the next generation of caregivers. After her lifelong nursing career, Dorothy worked at Kaufmann's for many years, where her love for jewelry only grew stronger.

Dorothy was a woman who embraced life's little pleasures. Whether challenging friends to a spirited game of Scrabble or Bingo or delighting in the excitement of television classics like The Price Is Right and Wheel of Fortune, she found joy in every moment. Her love for elegant clothes and sparkling jewelry was matched only by her refined taste in music—loving both the violin and piano—and the simple beauty of sunflowers that brightened her days. Her home was a sanctuary of warmth and laughter, a place where friends and family gathered to share in delightful conversations and homemade treats. Dorothy's cooking talents were always a favorite; especially her most perfect lemon meringue pie, which became a symbol of her love for entertaining. Deeply proud of her Polish heritage, Dorothy carried her culture with grace and joy, ensuring that her traditions and values were passed on to those she loved. She also treasured her companionship of her beloved dog Taffy, sunlit days of traveling and time spent in Florida with her best friend, Stan Shaw. Above everything else, Dorothy's family was her world. Their love and support were the foundation upon which she built her joyful life.

Dorothy is survived by her son, Donald (Debbie) Mergi; her son-in-law, Paul Korn; four grandchildren, Dustin (Cassandra) Mergi, Diana (John) Del Corso, Timothy (Leah Sciabarrasi) Korn, and Jennifer (Steve) Zeller; and four beautiful great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Julianna, Alexander, and Annaleah. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and amazing friends who were an extension of her family.

Dorothy was predeceased by her husband, William Mergi; her parents, John and Frances Czech; her sister, Lorraine Mikoll; her daughter, Susan Korn; and her lifelong best friend, Stan Shaw.

Dorothy's family would like to say a special thank you to all those who have played a huge part in caring for Dorothy; especially the staff at Greenfield Court and Greenfield Rehabilitation Center. Her journey these past 6 months would never have been the same without each of you and your unwavering care & support not only to Dorothy but to her family. Your extra love and dedication to her is something her family will never forget!

Dorothy's Celebration of Life will be held at St. Mary on the Hill, 1 Saint Mary's Hill, Lancaster, NY, 14086, on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 9:30 AM.

Afterward, please join us for a celebration of Dorothy's 100 years loved at Creekside Banquet, 2669 Union Rd, Buffalo, NY 14227 for a luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to one of Dorothy's most cherished causes: supporting the next generation of nurses. Donations can be made to the Kaleida Health Foundation Nursing Scholarship Fund.

Please make checks payable to:
Kaleida Health Foundation
1028 Main Street, 4th Floor
Buffalo, NY 14202

Please mark your check: "In Honor of Dorothy Mergi"