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Dorothy Peirce Obituary

Dorothy Louise Peirce 1935-2011 PERU, VT Dorothy Louise Peirce, 75, of Peru, Vt., died on February 28, 2011 at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington. She was born on July 15, 1935 in Quincy, Mass. She grew up in Squantum, Mass., and attended North Quincy High, '53. After graduating from Brown University in 1957, Dorothy married Richard Peirce that same year, and while she began teaching in Williamsburg, Va., her husband set sail with the Navy ROTC. When Richard's service commitment ended, they went to Geneva, Switzerland, in 1961, to teach at L'Ecole Internationale for eight years. Dorothy and Richard returned to Chadwick School in Palos Verdes, California in 1969. Eventually, Richard became Headmaster at Ethel Walker School, in Simsbury, Conn., and Dorothy presided over the academic office. Some seven years later, this effective team took over the Administration of Forman School in Litchfield, Conn., Richard as Headmaster again and Dorothy as Academic Dean. The school flourished under their guidance, and then Richard died from stomach cancer. After she served as interim head, Dorothy set out once more, moving to Scituate, Mass. in 1987, working with Head Peter Binelli at Thayer Academy in Braintree. In 1988 Dorothy returned to Forman to work with Headmaster Peter Henry, then on to Woodhall School in Bethlehem with Sally Woodhall for another stint. Her final years were spent in Dorset, Vermont at the Long Trail School with founder and Head, David Wilson and his wife, Rene. Dorothy lived in Peru, Vt., when she retired; she became a trustee at Peru Congregational Church as well as a trustee at Flood Brook School, the local regional elementary program. She and close friend/partner, Peter Henry, also watched over Burr and Burton Academy in Manchester, Vermont, where Peter's father was Headmaster for 26 years, and helped celebrate the school's 175th Anniversary in 2005. This abbreviated history reveals Dorothy's deep commitment to education and to young people. Dorothy was considered an expert in curriculum development, though she comfortably wore "many hats." Dorothy would not write her obituary. Another, much younger Brown graduate would say of this much admired woman, "No Fuss." So, while Dorothy was recognized by many to be a marvelous educator "tireless and brilliant" she was most loved for showing us an exceptional human being, full of warmth and laughter and the notion of service. Dorothy Peirce leaves an older brother, Stan Young, who lives in West Salem, Ohio, and a younger brother, Tom Young and his wife, Marie, who live in Plymouth, Mass. They, in turn, have children, and nieces and nephews who adore their great Aunt. FUNERAL NOTICE: A Memorial Service is planned for April 2, 2011 at the Peru Congregational Church in Peru at 11 a.m. A luncheon will follow at the Peru Town Hall. Dorothy will be interred with her husband Richard in Scituate, Mass. Brewster Funeral Service in Manchester, VT has been entrusted with the care of Dorothy's funeral arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dorothy's memory may be made to either the Long Trail School or to Flood Brook School for Specialized Development for Teachers c/o Brewster Funeral Service PO Box 885 Manchester, VT 05255.

Published by Bennington Banner from Mar. 10 to Mar. 11, 2011.
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My wife, Leigh Rader, and I worked with Dorothy for many years at The Forman School. It was a very happy and fulfilling time of our lives, and she was a large part of making it that way. A sharp mind, a warm hostess, a tireless worker--she was inspiring in many ways.

Tim Shaw

March 11, 2011

My husband, Bill Day, and I taught at Forman from '83 - '85, two full years and three or four summers. It was a great life, and I admired and respected Dorothy very much. She was a great, steady hand at the helm, and deeply respected by faculty and students. Her dedication was second to none. May she rest in peace, and may her memory be for a blessing. -- The Rev. Kate Lufkin Day

March 10, 2011

I worked for and with Dorothy Peirce from 1986 to 1989 at The Forman School. She and Richard hired me to start Forman's computing program and begin integrating computers into Forman's curriculum. While she was no computer wiz she totally understood what these tools might do to change the experience of having a learning disability in an academic environment and she supported my work completely.

I also worked with Dorothy at The Woodhall School and again, we worked very well together to help integrate technology into their academic curriculum which she helped design.

Dorothy wasn't only competent as a school administrator, she was also the most gracious hostess and I remember numerous parties that she and Richard hosted in their warm house across the street from Forman's campus.

Working with Dorothy changed my life and I will always remember her fondly.

Richard Wanderman

March 10, 2011

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Funeral services provided by:

Brewster & Shea Funeral & Cremation Services

34 Park Place, Manchester Center, VT 05255

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