Dorothy R. (Craig) Rhodes

SHREWSBURY - Dorothy R. (Craig) Rhodes, of Shrewsbury, died at home on Saturday, October 5, 2024 with family at her side. She was 88, only days away from her 89th birthday. 

Dorothy R. Craig was born October 29, 1935 in Worcester a daughter of the late Ray and Mary (Campbell) Craig. Raised in Worcester, she was a graduate of the initial North High School with the class of 1956 and later attended the former Salter Secretarial School in Worcester. 

A longtime Shrewsbury resident, she worked as a Clerk Supervisor for over twenty-five years at the Worcester District Court in the office of the late clerk magistrate, Thomas Noonan. Dorothy loved making her house a home and keeping her yard and gardens in pristine condition. She was an avid amateur ornithologist, observing and cataloging the many birds who would often visit her little oasis on Neptune Drive. A tea cup enthusiast she was always on the hunt for the right addition to her countless teacup sets.

Dorothy was a strong advocate and active in the mother’s PKU Support Group. This disease affected her twin sons, John and Craig, and like any mother, she became committed to learning about its treatment. Because of her experience and knowledge, Dorothy was selected to be resource mother by Boston Children’s Hospital, and she helped many young and pregnant mothers throughout New England. She was instrumental in developing a helpful cookbook for families living with the genetic disease. A friend of Bill W, she achieved over 40 years of continuous sobriety and helped many women as a part of her recovery. 

She leaves her sons, Robin Alan Rhodes (Julie M. Doig) of Worcester, twin sons, John W. Rhodes (Marie Mercurio) and Craig F. Rhodes, both of Shrewsbury; her grandsons, Bryce Trani (Nicole) and Brad Trani (Jennifer Lynch); great-grandchildren, Nina, Adam, Jackson and Parker Trani; her former daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Vella (Paul) of Shrewsbury; also survived by six first nieces and nephews. Dorothy was predeceased by her former husband, Frederick L. Rhodes, Jr. and sister, Eleanor Landry (late Jerome). 

Family and friends will honor and remember Dorothy’s life by gathering for a morning wake on Saturday, October 12th in Saint Mary's Church, 640 Main Street, SHREWSBURY from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by her funeral Mass celebrated at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. John’s Food for the Poor Program, 44 Temple Street, Worcester, MA 01604 or https://www.stjohnsfoodforthepoor.org/

Arrangements by James + John Heald of The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street, Waltham.