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BORN
1939
DIED
2021
Dorothy Nelson Obituary
She was married to the late Ernest L. Nelson in 1961 and had two children – the late John Nelson and Dorothy Zahir. She raised her family in Malden and spent more than half her life living along Eastern Ave. where she became lifelong friends with her neighbor (and eventual roommate) – Pauline White.
Prior to retiring, Dorothy worked nights at Mellon Bank and Bank of America.
Making lasting connections was a common side effect of Dorothy's unique personality and she made fast friends with everyone she met. She was often found at local coffee shops surrounded by friends with a welcoming smile and joke.
Dorothy became a widow at a young age, but in her grief developed a resourcefulness that was admired by all who met her. Often sporting an oversized sweatshirt, sandals, and tattered jeans, Dorothy would spend her time working on home improvement projects – at her house or at her grandchildren's homes. Completely self-taught, she knew more about replacing doors, fixing windows or stopping a leaky faucet than most contractors. In her later years, she resorted to handcrafting dollhouses for her grandchildren.
Dorothy was fiercely devoted to her family, she loved spending time with her grandchildren and in recent years her great grandchildren. Her family, along with everyone who knew her, will miss her deeply.
Dorothy is survived by her daughter Dorothy; her grandchildren Alisa Marra and husband Dan Marra, LeeAnn Martino, Samantha Hemenway and husband Arthur Hemenway, Tanvir Zahir, and Gabriella Gimas; her great grandchildren Sean Marra, Devin Marra, Violet Marra, Rose Marra, Mia Martino, Viviana Martino, Maddox Torres and Declan Torres.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 12 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Church Malden, MA.
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Memories and Condolences
for Dorothy Nelson
4 Entries
Maria L. Arone
March 19, 2021
She was a special friend and a lovely person. Always smiling and joking around. I will miss you my friend.
Rose and Don LaForge
March 11, 2021
Dottie was our next door neighbor and best friend to my husband Donald. During the summer her and Pauline would come over to our yard for coffee and a barbacue. We will miss her, she always had wonderful stories of her growing up with all her siblings. Dottie made the most beautiful doll houses that she made for her grandkids. May you rest in peace, you will be remembered.
John King
March 11, 2021
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Regina Linert
March 10, 2021
Aunt Dottie loved God & her family. She had a dynamic personality making every family event memorable from birthday parties to camping adventures!!! She will live on in our hearts forever!
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