Dorothy "Elaine" Mazzarese, 83, of Gloucester, Va., passed away peacefully on Dec. 17, 2011.

She was born March 13, 1928 in Johnstown, Pa., to the late Harry M. and Adelaine Gavura Bothwell and was the oldest of three daughters.

She married the love of her life, John, and together they lived a military life where they traveled the world and raised their five children. Elaine worked civil service as they moved with the military. She retired in 1989 from Fort Eustis. After retirement she enjoyed traveling.

Her greatest joy in life was her children and grandchildren. Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, John; sister, Hilda Jansson, and granddaughter, Courtney Mazzarese.

She is survived by daughters, Sharon Westrich and husband Ken, Debra Nisbet and husband Steve, Joanne Redding and husband Ron, Donna Williams and husband Ken; son, David and wife Sheree Mazzarese; sister, Nancy Breakey; 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to send a special thank you to the caregivers at Commonwealth Assisted Living, Kilmarnock.

The family received friends at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec 28 in the chapel at Windsor Gardens Cemetery. Funeral services followed at 11 with Pastor David Edgell officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements by Andrews Funeral Home, Gloucester.