Doris A. Ernisse

Doris Ernisse (Peglow) passed away on June 5, 2025 at the age of 89. She was predeceased by Elmer (Jack), her loving husband of almost 70 years, a little more than four months ago. Doris was also predeceased by sisters, Lucille Phippen and Carol Simonds; brother, Bud Peglow; brother-in-law, Merle Phippen; and son-in-law, Bill Chambers. She is survived by children Patricia (Kenneth) Connor, Barbara Ernisse, Bonnie (Bruce) Dalious, and David (Cathy); grandchildren, Kristen (David) Klink, Chad (April) Ernisse, Katie (Jason) Polcyn, Corey (Kristen) Ernisse, Hannah Connor (Brandon) Hector, Karla Dalious, Amanda Chambers, Kyra Ernisse, Kayla Ernisse; great-grandchildren, Kaitlin Marsh, Bennet and Davey Ernisse, Jackson Hector; sister-in-law, Nancy Peglow; brother-in-law, James Simonds; and several nieces, nephews and dear friends. Doris was born in Canandaigua, NY to Ermil and Lucille Peglow; one of four siblings. She grew up in East Victor and graduated from Victor High School. Doris went to work at Gleason Works in Rochester where she met Jack. They were engaged in 1954 and married in Victor in 1955. One of the family’s first homes was on North Street in the City of Rochester. Mom was a Girl Scout leader, school room mother and PTA member, and attended many school concerts, school sports activities, and other school and church events. Holidays were spent with relatives, summers brought picnics at Hamlin Beach. There were memorable family trips to nearby forts, Niagara Falls, a trip around Lake Ontario and the Adirondack Mountains—especially to Inlet. When Dad won an Opel Kadett in a raffle at Athena High School, and sold it, we traveled to Gettysburg, PA, Washington, DC and Williamsburg, VA. Mom worked part-time during some of these years for Victor Comptometer. In 1968, the family moved to Greece, NY and Mom went to work as the office manager for Allright Parking. Harvest Drive was home for over 50 years. Neighbors became lifelong friends. It’s no secret that Dad enjoyed music and loved to sing. Mom accompanied Dad to countless out-of-state Male Chorus Big Sings and Barbershop Chorus conventions and competitions. She was a member of the Gennys, a group that supports the activities of the Chorus of the Genesee, and together with Dad, ran the Barbershop concessions at conventions for many years. Lasting friendships were made. Mom and Dad were members of Salem United Church of Christ where they both sang in the church choir and belonged to the Married Couples class. Mom was a member of the Women’s Fellowship and made countless cookies for the coffee hour after worship services. When grandchildren came along, they attended many of their sports and musical events; traveling out-of-state to visit those who didn’t live in Rochester. Great-grandchildren added more dance recitals and musical theatre to their events. While Dad was a football fan, Mom followed Syracuse Orange basketball and avidly watched March Madness. She enjoyed gardening and missed her yard and flowers when they moved to St. John’s Meadows in 2020. In the last few years, Mom was lovingly by Dad’s side during his journey with dementia. While we are sad and will forever miss our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents, we are comforted in knowing they are reunited in heaven. Our family is especially grateful to the staff of Rochester Regional Hospice Care and to Tonya and Bridget for the heartfelt compassion and care they provided during Mom’s final days. Friends and family are invited to Doris’ memorial service on Saturday, June 28th at 1pm in the Briarwood Building at St. John’s Meadows, 1 Johnsarbor Dr. W. Rochester NY 14620. In lieu of flowers, please call or visit an old friend.