Dora Luisa Saya, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away on July 24th at the age of 95. Her birthplace was the town of El Seibo in the Dominican Republic, where she married Basilio Saya, and daughter Rosario was born. In 1962 she emigrated to the United States, realizing a lifelong dream. The family settled in New York City – the place Dora came to love and consider home – and grew to four when she gave birth to daughter Ana.
An excellent homemaker, and a skilled seamstress, she later went to work in the payroll department of Elmhurst City Hospital, where she was employed until retirement. Some of her favorite pastimes were listening to music, dancing, and traveling in the U.S. and abroad. She lived in Miami for a couple of years, but missed NYC and moved back. In 2017 her daughter Rosario convinced her to live closer and move to Alabama. This past June when her health declined, she moved from assisted living to her daughter’s home, where she passed away surrounded by family.
She is survived by her daughters, Rosario (Stephan) and Ana (Jim); grandchildren, Eve, Alex, William, and Hailey, and extended family in the Dominican Republic, including niece Ines, nephew Ramon, and sister Ida.
Dora’s wishes were to be cremated and have her ashes taken back to New York City, where there will be a Catholic Mass in her name. If you are so moved, the family suggests making a donation to breast cancer research.
Thank you to the caring and attentive staff at Brookdale and The Pearl of the Shoals, and to the compassionate and invaluable nurses from CenterWell Home Health and Alabama Hospice of the Shoals.
