In Loving Memory of Alison Quartermain Gersten

South Natick, Massachusetts

Alison Quartermain Gersten, a beloved wife, sister, aunt, nurse, leader, and friend, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on May 18th of natural causes. Her sudden departure has left a deep and immeasurable void in the hearts of all who knew her.

She is lovingly survived by her devoted husband for twenty-five years, Sam Gersten; her best friend and cherished sister, Leslie Quartermain Wilson; brother-in-law John Wilson; nephew Johnny Wilson; nieces Mamie and Courtney Wilson; and Sam and Alison’s loyal golden retriever, Archie, who brought Alison daily joy and companionship. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Ceil Gersten and was the daughter-in-law of the late Adelle L. Gersten.

Born in Newton, MA, Alison was the treasured daughter of William L. and Mary S. Quartermain. A proud graduate of Natick High School, she earned her nursing degree from Salve Regina University in Newport, RI, and later received her MBA from Northeastern University in Boston.

Alison’s career was a testament to her unwavering dedication to the wellbeing of others. As a registered nurse with business acumen, she became a trailblazer in the healthcare field, leading the early charge to implement electronic medical records across greater Boston — a transformative effort that has impacted countless lives.

Faith was a cornerstone of Alison’s life. A devout Catholic, she served as a Eucharistic minister and devoted herself to helping those in need, often visiting the homebound to bring them comfort and connection to the church. She embraced and honored Sam’s Jewish heritage with grace, participating actively in synagogue life and celebrating Jewish holidays as part of their shared spiritual journey.

Service to others was second nature to Alison. For over 36 years, she was a vibrant force in the Junior League of Boston, including serving as its President. She also held leadership roles with the Institute of Contemporary Art, the Vincent Club, the College Club of Boston, and the Beacon Hill Women’s Forum. Whether chairing scholarship funds, supporting arts and culture, or lending her talents to garden clubs, Alison gave generously of her time, heart, and wisdom.

Outside of her many civic commitments, Alison was an avid Boston sports fan and a lover of tennis — frequently traveling with Sam to grand slam events around the globe, from Wimbledon to the U.S. and Australian Opens. Yet, her favorite simple pleasure was taking frequent walks through Boston Common with Archie at her side, savoring the beauty of the city and the joy of quiet moments.

To know Alison was to be touched by her kindness, her humor, her deep sense of purpose, and her fierce love for family and community. Traveling the world with Sam or Leslie brought her great joy and leaves behind a legacy of shared laughter, unforgettable adventures, and a lifetime of beautiful memories.

She lived fully, gave generously, and loved deeply. Alison will be missed beyond words but remembered forever in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known her.

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