Dorothy Frazer Carpenter

1926 - 2018

Dorothy Frazer Carpenter

Burlington - Dorothy Frazer Carpenter was born June 17, 1926 in Rockville Center, N.Y. and grew up in Long Beach, N.Y. a short walk from the white sand beach and ocean of the south shore of Long Island. She graduated from the Long Beach public schools and the University of Vermont. She was a member of several honor societies, an editor of the UVM Cynic, and did graduate work at the University of South Carolina.

In September of 1947 Dotsy (or Duck as she was called by many friends) married Torrey Carpenter. They lived and raised their children in Burlington, for many years on Cliff Street before moving to her present home on So. Prospect St.

In 1965 Dotsy began teaching Home Economics at Edmunds Middle School, retiring in 1988. She was active in the Burlington Education Association. Over the years, in addition to teaching and raising a family, she served on the boards of the Elder Education Association, Burlington Meals on Wheels and the UVM Alumnae Association. She was a long time Meals on Wheels driver and route coordinator.

Dotsy was a member of the College Street Congregational Church for over 70 years, and a former deacon and church clerk. She chaired and co-chaired many auctions and flea markets at the church. There was always a supply of merchandise for those sales. "Stuff happens" was her flea market motto.

Dot was also a founding member of "The Stockettes" a woman's stock club that received national publicity in the early 1990's. The club was founded on the premise that one can never be too rich or too thin. That goal was never reached. In its stead was 24 years of the richness of friendship and laughter which was far more important.

She was enthusiastic about many things. Dot loved to travel, especially the European rented house trips with the other Carpenters, John and Connie. She loved to cook, read, go antiquing, garden, play duplicate bridge, walk the beach and swim in the ocean which she did for her 90th birthday. Dotsy loved to sit on the deck of her camp "Ben View" on Lake Carmi or at Cape Cod; especially the times when all four children, their spouses, the five grandchildren and the grand dogs were there for a summer reunion. Dorothy, as her father called her, was very proud of her Irish heritage and being "first generation". But most of all she cherished her family and friends. "Life has been good to me" was an oft repeated phrase. Even as she grew older she made many new friends through bridge, church and her exercise class. "Friendship is a precious gift, cherish all your friends" she would say. She hopes her last journey will unite her with Torrey, Sis, and so many dear friends.

Dotsy died on June 15, 2018 with loving care and support from the wonderful staff and volunteers of the VNA Respite House. She leaves behind her four children and their families: Sarah Carpenter and Torrey Barrows of Burlington; Case and Judy (Deforge) Carpenter of Burlington; Rink, Colleen (Cannon), Sarah and Frazer Carpenter of Lake Stevens, WA; and Sam, Sharon (O'Shea), Brian and Gwen Carpenter of Westport, CN. Aunt Duck had 8 nieces and nephews and families who she thoroughly enjoyed. Dot's husband Torrey, her parents Richard and Sarah Frazer, and her sister Marion Pepper predeceased her.

There will be a celebration of Dotsy's life on Monday, July 23rd, 2:30 p.m. at the College Street Congregational Church, Burlington. A reception will follow at the Burlington Country Club. Donations in her memory can be given to the College Street Congregational Church, 265 College St., Burlington, VT 05401 or the Fletcher Free Library, 235 College St., Burlington, VT, 05401.

Funeral arrangements are by Corbin and Palmer www.corbinandpalmer.com/.