Dorothy Howes

1926 - 2024

Dorothy Howes

Greenfield, MA - Dorothy Ruth "Dottie" (Tacy) Howes, 97, of Greenfield, formerly of Leyden died Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at Charlene Manor.

Born in Winchester, NH, May 9, 1926, she was the daughter of Rodger J. Tacy and Olive (Kendrick) Tacy. She attended Winchester schools and graduated from Thayer High School in 1944, and Perry Kindergarten Normal School, Boston, MA in1948, and Keene State College with a BA of Education in 1972.

Her teaching career began and continued in Greenfield schools, serving both as kindergarten teacher beginning in 1948 and later as Title I Reading Specialist until her retirement in1983. While on leave from teaching to raise her children, she was the Leyden Greenfield Recorder correspondent.

Dottie was a member of the Guiding Star Grange in Greenfield where she met George Howes of Leyden, who became her husband on Nov. 24, 1951. Through the Grange, Dottie and George developed deep, lifelong friendships with a group of other couples who became their extended family, "the Gang".

Living in Leyden, Dottie was very active in community affairs. She was a longtime member of the Leyden United Methodist Church, sang in the choir, was involved in fair booth and church supper activities, served as Sunday School teacher, Treasurer of the Memorial Fund, and the Women's Society of Christian Service. She acted as trustee of the Robertson Memorial Library and, along with her husband, led the Leyden Loggers 4-H club and was awarded Lion's Club citizen of the year 1988.

Dottie enjoyed square dancing with the Trail Town Twirlers and was active in other organizations after moving to Greenfield in 2001, including the Mill House Association, TOPS, and Red Hat Society. She had a love for serving and caring for others, creating experiences that enriched the lives of countless group members over the years.

Dottie enjoyed Forest Lake in Winchester beginning in her youth at the family cottage, Camp Dottie Lu, and into her retirement years at Forest Lake Campground where she could "see the water". Her favorite hobbies and activities included ceramics, crafting, playing cards and bingo, and singing with friends and family. At Charlene Manor she was the good morning greeter, continuing to make a difference in the lives of others.

Dottie was predeceased by her loving husband, George, of 55 years and her brother, Luther Tacy. She is survived by one son, Edwin and his wife Linda of NH; two daughters, Pam Messer and her husband Don of Gill and Susan Alfano and her husband Tony of TX; four grandchildren, Jenny Messer and her fiancé Mark Blais, Nathan Messer and his partner, Larissa Kidder, Jeremy Wood and his wife, Tracy, Kyle Wood and his fiancée DanNell Bowden; two great grandchildren, Eli Messer and Jace Wood; one great-great granddaughter, Aaliyah DelRosso. She is also loved and survived by Gary Wood, Bethaney Messer and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held at Kidder Funeral Home, 1 Parker Ave. in Northfield, on Dottie's birthday, May 9th from 2:00-3:00pm followed by a memorial service; burial will be private.

Memorial donations may be made to Charlene Manor Residents Activity Account, 130 Colrain Road, Greenfield, MA 01301, or Leyden United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 15 West Leyden Rd, Leyden, MA 01337.