Dorothy K. Mitchell

FUNERAL HOME

Richardson-Gaffey Funeral Home

382 First Parish Road

Scituate, Massachusetts

Dorothy Mitchell Obituary

Somerville Dorothy K. Mitchell, of Somerville, formerly of Scituate, on August 16, 2008 age 93, after a long illness. Wife of the late Richard J. Mitchell. Born in Wellsville, NY she was raised in Bradford, PA and lived in Scituate for 45 years before moving to Somerville 2 years ago. She enjoyed watching the Red Sox, knitting and the company of her cat Sooty. Loving mother of Pamela Mitchell of Somerville and Elizabeth Giacomozzi of Scituate. Sister of Maxine Keane and Richard Ketchner both of Bradford, PA. Grandmother of Kate, Ted and Andrew Giacomozzi all of Scituate. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Funeral service at Richardson-Gaffey Funeral Home, 382 First Parish Rd, Scituate on Tuesday, August 19 at 11 a.m. followed by burial in Cudworth Cemetery, Scituate. Visiting hours omitted. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimers Association, 311 Arsenal St, Watertown, MA 02472.

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Published by The Patriot Ledger on Aug. 18, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Dorothy Mitchell

11 Entries

Pam Mitchell (Daughter)

August 31, 2008

My Mother told me stories of her childhood during the Depression when her family would travel to Wellsville, New York for visits with her Aunt, Uncle and cousins who had a dairy farm there. Food was rationed during the Depression, but at the farm it was plentiful and they enjoyed wonderful dinners made with the vegetables grown there. The family also had a big chicken dinner every Sunday and my Great Grandmother was the person who selected the chicken that would be dinner that night.

My Mother often mentioned her love for Big Band music and talked about the wonderful times she shared with girlfriends during World War II. They would save their money and then drive out to Virginia Beach, where they would share a motel room together. At night they would dance all night with handsome service men dressed in uniforms to famous big bands like Tommy Dorsey and Glen Miller in a big ballroom for $1.50. The ceiling of the ballroom was all lit up with red, white and blue lights in the shape of an American flag.

My Mother moved to Boston in the late 1940's and lived on Phillips Street in a basement apartment on Beacon Hill that she shared with her roommate, Barbara. Barbara was dating my Uncle Robert and one night he stopped by for a visit with his Brother, Richard. That's how my parents met. They were married on August 18, 1951.

We lived in Newton, Massachusetts until the "toll road" as it was called back then (now the Mass Pike) was going to be built and many houses on Richardson Street, where we lived, were to be torn down to make way for an exit ramp. We moved to Scituate in 1960.

I recall a funny story that my Dad told me about my Mother back in the 70's, when she went to our family doctor in Scituate Harbor for removal of an ingrown toenail. He bandaged it up and told her not to get it wet.

Afterwards, my Mom and Dad ran into a friend who worked with my Father, who had a boat docked in the harbor and invited them on board for a drink. When it was time to leave, my Mother went down the ladder the wrong way, with her back to it, lost her footing and fell in the ocean!

My Dad stood helpless on the pier watching the ripples in the ocean and wondered if he should dive in after her. Seconds later, my Mother emerged to the surface of the water. However, the first thing he saw was her hand grasping her purse.

Mom said she hit the bottom of the ocean before she floated up to the surface. She returned to the doctor's office dripping wet and said, “I think my toe is wet". The doctor took one look at her and replied with a laugh, "It will be just fine". A few weeks later, my Parents were at a yard sale and found a book titled, "The Bottom of the Ocean" and it was written by Elizabeth Mitchell (my Sister's maiden name). They bought it because it had special meaning to them.

My Mom was a talented seamstress and she could knit just about anything. She had always wanted an Irish knit sweater, but they were expensive, so she purchased the yarn and a pattern and knit herself one. It took her many months and the stitches were complicated, but when it was finished, you'd think that it came directly from Ireland.

Her specialty was to knit personalized Christmas stockings for all the new babies of friends and family. They were made with white, red and green yarn and adorned with a Santa, a wreath and a Christmas tree, all decorated with special sequins and topped off with a bell on the toe. It is a special keepsake that will inspire fond memories of her to many people every Christmas season.

She was a wonderful cook and one of her recipes was printed in a cookbook that a Boston radio personality compiled of his listeners. I collect cookbooks and was fortunate to find a copy of “Dave Maynard's Soups, Stews, and Casseroles” on Ebay. It is one of my favorite cookbooks because of my Mom's contribution to it.

She wrote a notation before her recipe in this cookbook that reads: "A few years ago, I made this casserole for some friends who were having a family gathering, and I delivered it to their house, leaving it with the other dishes that were collecting on the table. A short time later, I phoned my friends and advised them to be sure to serve it bubbly hot, but they informed me that the guests had not only devoured it without waiting for it to be heated, but they had all asked for the recipe".

My Mom was a special person and I have found it comforting to share these memories of her in this guest book. If you have a favorite memory or story about my Mother, please share it with us. I would love to read them.

Janice (Wheeler) Trahan

August 21, 2008

Pam it has been many years since your Mom welcomed me into your home in Scituate. She loved it when the "gang" would come over after school. She was a very loving woman when I knew her and you and she loved you and Liz so much.
Blessings and Peace....Janice

Paul Oberlander

August 19, 2008

Dear Pam,

Sorry to hear about your mother's passing -- Milton sent me the e-mail notice.

Sincerely,

Paul Oberlander

Paula Tedesco

August 18, 2008

Dear Pam, Liz & Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Dorothy was a very special lady and we are honored to have known her. The kids Christmas stockings will always have a special meaning to them and us. She lived a long life and everyone who knew her will have fond memories of her.
Our special love,
Bobby & Paula

Ruth McMahon

August 18, 2008

Dear Pam and Liz,
My thoughts are with you both. I have so many memories of Dottie and Dick, our mothers' long close friendship, visiting you in Newton and Scituate, the 10-Aider sales, and so much more. Know that she/they will always be with you.
With love,
Ruthie

John and Dara Carberg

August 18, 2008

We have very fond memories of Dorothy and Dick, our former neighbors on Jefferson/Washington Lane, Scituate. They will always be in our hearts and prayers.

Sean Murphy

August 18, 2008

Pam,
So sorry to hear of your loss. You made the last 2 years of her life comfortable and dignified. She is in a better place watching over you, Sooty and the B.

Jan Boyle

August 18, 2008

Dear Liz and Pam,

I am so very sorry that your Mom has passed on. She was a wonderful lady. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. May you find comfort knowing that she is now with your Dad at peace.

Love Jan

Elena Viveiros

August 18, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Deborah Swift

August 18, 2008

Liz, sorry to hear of your loss our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. If there is anything we can do please let us know.

Deb & family

The Staff of Richardson-Gaffey Funeral Home

August 18, 2008

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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