Dorothy Appel

Dorothy Appel, of Sharon, MA, passed away on May 17th, 2026 at 102 years of age.

She was the devoted daughter of Leon and Augusta Brenner and the 5th of 11 siblings.

Beloved wife of the late William (Bill) Appel. Loving mother of Neal Appel and his wife Barbara, Karen Appel, and Diane Appel.

She was the cherished grandmother of Melissa Appel-Nahmias and her husband JP Nahmias, and Julia Appel and her husband Aaron Wenner, and great grandmother to 5 great grandchildren, Rose, Maya, Lily, Briyah and Elijah.

From a very early age, Dorothy knew she wanted to be an artist. To that end, she succeeded beyond her wildest dreams. She amassed an impressive assortment of artwork over the years. Specializing in watercolors, oils, wood cuts, pen-and-ink studies, and pastels, Dorothy's works grace the walls of collectors, museums, and galleries.

Born in Boston on Dec. 22, 1923, Dorothy grew up in Somerville. As the fifth of 11 siblings – three girls and eight boys – Dorothy was always surrounded by family and friends. Dorothy met her husband, Bill, on a blind date, which turned out to be quite fortuitous: they were married for 66 happy years.

Dorothy and Bill were very involved with the local Sharon community. They both were active members of the Sharon Creative Arts Association; Dorothy created and taught art; Bill was immersed in the theater. In later years, Dorothy and Bill would hire themselves out as Mr. and Mrs. Claus for Christmas holiday celebrations. Since they didn't have any commitments over Christmas, they wanted to spread the joy of the holiday season to others.

Dorothy created works of art in her garage studio, where numerous unfinished portraits or sketches were always on display. Her home was always a gallery of her remarkable artwork.

Dorothy taught art to private students almost every day in Brookline and Sharon. She was a popular teacher, connecting with students of all ages. Her advice to aspiring artists: "If you're not satisfied with a painting, look at it with fresh eyes until you can see it from a different perspective. You'll be surprised at how quickly the focal point can shift."

Dorothy was a kind, strong, independent, loving, and gentle woman who will be missed by all those whose lives she touched.

A funeral service will be held at Schlossberg Family's Chapel on the Hill, 824 Washington St., Canton, MA, on Tuesday, May 19th at noon. Dorothy will be interred at Sharon Memorial Park following the service honoring her memory.

Shiva will be held immediately following the burial through 6PM at the home of Neal and Barbara Appel in Brookline, MA, and continuing from 4-7PM on Wednesday, May 20th.

Expressions of sympathy in Dorothy's memory may be made to a charitable organization of your choice.

A funeral service will be held at Schlossberg Family's Chapel on the Hill, 824 Washington St., Canton, MA, on Tuesday, May 19th at noon. Dorothy will be interred at Sharon Memorial Park following the service honoring her memory.

Schlossberg Memorial Chapel and Chapel Hill, LLC. has been entrusted with the arrangements.