Doris Shirley Rutkowski, 76, formerly of Van Wies Point, Glenmont NY, died August 29, 2009 after a lengthy illness, at St. Johnsville Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, New York. Doris was born March 2, 1933 to Caroline and Russel Colbert in Cortland New York.She was married to Nicholas Rutkowski on October 31, 1953 at St. Philip's Church in Norwood New York. Survivors include her beloved husband Nicholas, brother Russell Colbert and his wife Barbara, son Jeff and his wife Judith Dopp; daughters Phyllis Markle and her husband Dan, Nanette Rutkowski Nelson, Elizabeth Rutkowski, Janet Graven; six grandchildren: Melissa Snitzer, Aimee Markle, Laura Ferrari, Hannah Rutkowski, Nicholas Rutkowski and Benjamin Rutkowski. Doris was a graduate of Norwood High School, and Mercy School of Nursing in Watertown New York where she earned her RN in 1953, and was a dedicated career nurse. She was well known and respected by patients and staff alike during her long employment at Albany Medical Center Hospital, ending her career as Assistant Head Nurse in the ICU of Pediatrics when she retired in 1988. Doris helped to initiate job-sharing for the nursing staff at the Medical Center during her tenure there.Known to many as a real 'north country girl', Doris grew up on her parents' dairy in northern St. Lawrence County NY where she developed a strong work ethic and respect for all living things.Doris’ great love in life was her family, whom she always put first. She loved spending time with her six grandchildren. She instilled a strong sense of independence and 'can do' in her five children. Doris and her family were members of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Elsmere NY, where she devoted herself to many many years of service. Doris enjoyed serving as a Girl Scout Troop Leader for many years in Delmar NY.Doris was an avid walker and voracious reader, and loved nature and the natural world. She had a great love of horses growing up, and enjoyed being around them in her later years as well. She met her husband, Nick, a New York State Trooper, when she ran into trouble while riding her horse near the family farm in Norwood NY. She enjoyed traveling, seeing new places and meeting new people. She said that if she were a young woman of today, she would like to join the Peace Corps and help less fortunate people around the world. Doris' favorite season was Spring, when the world was reborn. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Memorial Service at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church,16 Elsmere Avenue, Elsmere NY on Saturday September 12, 2009 at 4 o'clock PM. A reception to follow will be held at her home at 279 Van Wies Point, Glenmont, NY. The family requests that those who wish to remember Doris make a memorial contribution to the Alzheimer's Association, Dr. Zimmerman/Albany Medical Center Research, or other Alzheimer research organization in her memory. Doris' family sends special thanks to the caring staff at the St. Johnsville Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, St. Johnsville New York, for years of loving care for Doris.