Dorothy Quaglia passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 7, 2025, at Our Lady of Peace Health Care Facility in Lewiston, NY. Dotty, as her friends and family knew her was born in Ware, Massachusetts on May 27, 1935 to the late William and Lydia (Benoit) Taylor. The family moved to a farm in West Brookfield, Massachusetts when Dotty was a child. It was here that Dotty began her love of animals and dancing.
Dotty was a dance instructor from a young age- she owned her first of two dance studios at just 13 years old. While Dotty was instructing, her mother would often play the piano during classes and recitals. Later in life Dotty would move away from her beloved West Brookfield to become a dance instructor at Arthur Murray’s Dance Studios. At Arthur Murray’s she would supervise “the girl dance instructors”; naturally, with her supervision, they always out sold their male counterparts.
It was at an Arthur Murray studio that Dotty met the love of her life, fellow dance instructor Frank Quaglia. The two married October 1, 1975 (which was also the anniversary of their first date). Not long after marrying moved to Frank’s hometown of Niagara Falls, NY. In Niagara Falls they opened a tourist shop behind The Bit restaurant and bar on Niagara Falls Blvd. Frank sold tours while Dotty sold souvenirs. Later they opened Mary Carter Paint Store on Pine Ave.
Eventually they closed up the paint business, Frank retired (passing away in 1992) and Dotty went to work at AM&A’s and the Bon Ton in the Summit Park Mall before she retired. During this time working in Niagara Falls Dotty also volunteered with PALS (People Animal Lovers Society) and the SPCA.
Dotty never forgot the many friends she made along the way; she loved to reminisce about the great times she had with so many; her late sister-in-law Ursula who volunteered with her at PALS and the SPCA, her dear friends Sharon and Earl, and Mary and Eric, just to name a few. She also never forgot her beloved German Shepard, Sheba.
Dotty will be fondly remembered for many things, her love of animals, her strong and lasting friendships, her love of Ford Mustangs (she proudly owned seven in her lifetime), but maybe most of all she will be remembered for her style- her high heels, matching handbags, her fondness for leopard print and her sassy attitude. Even in her later years when she was unable to wear the high heels, and no longer needed the handbags, the leopard print and the sass remained.
Dotty is survived by her stepchildren, Cheryl Wagner, Gloria Wiltse, Susan Brown, Patricia Quaglia, Frank Quaglia, Jr., sister-in-law Anne Trane, as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband of 17 years, Dotty was predeceased by her brother, William Taylor, Jr.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 14 from 4 – 6 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304, where funeral services will begin at 6 PM. Private interment at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY, will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to the Niagara County SPCA, www.niagaraspca.org. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.
Visitation
Friday, March 14, 2025
4:00 PM – 6:00 PMM.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel
2730 Military Road
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Get Directions on Google Maps
Funeral Service
Friday, March 14, 2025
6:00 PMM.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel
2730 Military Road
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Get Directions on Google Maps
