WATERFORD – With deep sorrow and broken hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother, Fillareta Dragoj, who left us unexpectedly  on September 15, 2025.

Fillareta was born in Korçë, Albania, to Bari and Kadime Skenderasi. She married the love of her life, Idajet Dragoj, with whom she shared 38 beautiful years of marriage until his passing. Together they built a family grounded in love, strength, and tradition.

She is survived by her devoted children, Denisa Dragoj and Arber Dragoj, and her cherished grandchildren, Lucas and Lydia Shukle, who brought immeasurable joy to her life. She is also survived by her loving brothers, Hysen, Bardhyl, and Nevzat Skenderasi, who cherished her as their youngest and only sister, along with many dear nieces and nephews who held her close to their hearts.

In Albania, where she lived most of her life, Fillareta worked tirelessly in different jobs to support her family, though her true passion was always retail. After moving to the United States, she worked in hospitality before achieving her dream job in retail at Macy’s, where she worked with dedication until her last day.

Beyond her work, Fillareta’s greatest love was her family. She expressed her care through cooking, keeping her mother’s recipes alive and sharing them as an act of love and tradition. She found peace and joy in her garden, tending to her flowers with tenderness and pride. She believed meals and coffee always tasted better surrounded by loved ones, and she was happiest during family gatherings. She also loved to travel, finding excitement and beauty in exploring new places.

Her life was filled with treasured moments, such as reuniting with her children in the United States, the joy of learning she would become a grandmother, and the pride she carried when her son graduated from the academy.

To those who knew her, Fillareta represented love, kindness, respect, justice, and strength. Her memory will forever live in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were touched by her warmth and grace.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Friday, September 19, 2025 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at The Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Rd., Latham.  A prayer service will begin at 12:00 pm followed by interment at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Waterford.

For further information, to order flowers, or express a message of condolence, please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.