Dorothy McWhinnie

ANDOVER — Dorothy "Dottie" (White) McWhinnie, 77, of Andover, lost her courageous battle with lymphoma on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008, surrounded by her loving family. Dottie showed what a special person she was to all who knew her, and even in her last days was the most gracious and dignified, conquering all limitations.

Dottie was born on Sept. 3, 1931 in Boston and spent her childhood years in Boston, before moving to Reading. She graduated from Reading High School in 1949. In her childhood years she loved field hockey and basketball. Her first job was at F. W. Woolworth in Reading. She was also later employed by L.B. Evans Co., Webster Electric, American Power Devices and Raytheon, where she retired from in 1995.

Dottie moved to Andover in 1953 after marrying Robert E. McWhinnie. He later died in 1986. She spent the rest of her life in the BallardVale area. She was a faithful and devoted member of the BallardVale United Church where she was a member of the women's guild, and previously taught Sunday school. She also was a member of two "Red Hats" groups, whom with she loved to play cards and dominoes. Dottie loved to knit, crochet, sew and do needlepoint. Many of her loved ones have pieces of her homemade creations. She also spent years interpreting for the deaf through Deafness Resources.

Her life was filled with the joy of family and friends and each day till the end brought her pleasure and peace and the deep rewards of love and friendship. She found the things that mattered most to her and that gives her family a deep sense of satisfaction. She was especially admired by her oncologist, Dr. David Fisher and the entire Dana Farber / Brigham & Women's Cancer Center Team.

She is survived by her devoted husband of eight years, Richard Deveau. Daughters, Nancy and her husband Tony Farinacci of Walpole, Linda and her husband Bob DeLucia of Lawrence and son Robie McWhinnie of Andover. Grandchildren, Michael, Heather and Kevin Kirkpatrick and Nicholas and Kate-Lynn DeLucia and most precious and special grandson, Matthew, who resided with her and helped care for her until the end, five great-grandchildren, brothers, Roy and Phyllis White, David and Carole White, Robert White, Albert Spindler and sister Lorraine and Carl Pridgen, her 96-year-old mother-in-law Mabel McWhinnie, aunts, uncles, in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.

ARRANGEMENTS: Calling hours will be held in the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 390 North Main St., Andover, Friday, from 4 to 8 p.m. Her memorial service will be celebrated in the BallardVale United Church, 23 Clark Road, Andover, Saturday at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are most welcome to attend. Burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney St., Boston, MA 02115.