Obituary of Dede C. Andersen

Dede Cummings Andersen, 65 of Niskayuna, NY, died October 29, 2014 with loved ones at her side. Dede is blessed to be held in the arms of Jesus and is joining her Mom and Dad in heaven. Dede was born in Niskayuna, New York on February 13, 1949. She was the beloved daughter of Dudley and Elizabeth (Murphy) Cummings. Dede was a lifelong resident of Niskayuna. She graduated from Niskayuna High School, University of Miami, and received her Master of Education from St Rose College. Over the years. Dede worked with multiply disabled preschool children, was coordinator of an occupational development program for troubled youth and spent many years as a real estate associate broker with Welbourne & Purdy. Dede was the first woman member of the Niskayuna Rotary Club and she was a Paul Harris Fellow. She was active in Pan-Hellenic and the Rose Society. Dede was a woman of deep Christian faith and was a life member of First Presbyterian Church in Schenectady. Her unwavering belief in Jesus was the guiding force that carried her through all her trials in life. Her sustaining prayer was, "Please Jesus, quiet my heart and bring peace to my soul for you are in complete and total control." All who knew Dede, knew her for her kind, loving and generous spirit. They also knew how she had a very special place in her heart for cats. A cat who was fortunate to be one of Dede's cats, knew they would be loved and have a forever home. She sends a special love and remembrance to her "kittas" both past and present: Baby, Sparkle, Sissy, Gabriel, Camden, Greyson, Michayla, Malachi, Cassandra, Mary M, Jellico, Shilo, Nina Lee, Buddy and Kooky. Dede is survived by Michael R. Liszewski, the love of her life. In addition, her cousins Robert and Howard Schlansker, her 'sisters of the heart', Nancy Rimany, Beth Soto. Martha Abrams and Elizabeth Kane, three 'adopted nieces', Laura Lieb, Jessica Rowe, Kristen Swaney, and numerous cousins. Dede was a warm, loving and engaging person. She made friends easily and she nurtured many friendships throughout her entire life. Dede greatly appreciated all of the care and support to her from family and friends near and far during her courageous battle with cancer. She wished to give a special thank you to Rob Schlansker, Rimany family, Lieb family, Martha Abrams, Mike Bradshaw, Joan Schaefer, Steph and Ertugnl Berkcaan for their constant support during this time. God be with you until we meet again. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Sunday, November 2nd from 5 PM to 8 PM at Jones Funeral Home, 1503 Union Street, Schenectady, NY. A service in celebration of Dede's life will be held on Monday, November 3rd at 10:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church, 115 Union Street, Schenectady, NY. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in her name to: Covenant House, 460 West 41st Street, New York, NY 10036 - or - Animal Rescue Fund or Care Fund of your choice.