Dorothy Ellen Vanderpool

Brookfield NH-Dorothy Ellen Vanderpool passed away after a short period of failing health, on Thursday, May 9, 2024, with family by her side.
Born on May 4, 1938, in Maynard, MA, she was the daughter of Walter and Mary (Dickey) Hensel.
She grew up in South Berwick and had fond memories of spending time on the Salmon Falls River. Dot graduated Salutatorian from Berwick Academy in 1956. She raised four children in Dover, NH. She had a decades-long career at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, primarily working in the Supply Department.
Upon retiring from the Shipyard, she was able to travel with Doug to many different places; some favorites being Canada, England, and Scotland. Dot enjoyed being outdoors. Winters were spent skiing and snowshoeing, while many summer days were enjoyed with family at Lake Wentworth and driving up to the Kancamagus Highway.
Not one to sit idle, she enrolled in college classes focused on writing as well as becoming an LNA, working part-time in nursing homes caring for the elderly.
As much as she enjoyed being on the go, she was a self-proclaimed "home body". She enjoyed doing different projects around her house and especially loved gardening. When she wasn't busy in her yard, she was reading books and knitting blankets. She enjoyed playing card games with family and friends. An avid animal lover, Dot with her husband provided a loving forever home to many rescued dogs and cats.
Many holidays and family celebrations were hosted by Dot in her home. While she would be the first to tell you that she hated to cook, she was known for her baking. "Grammy's cupcakes" were a request at every get-together and often led to a few of her grandchildren getting into trouble when they ate too many.
Dot found great joy in being a part of her children, grandchildren and eventually great grandchildren's lives. From school to sporting events, she did her best to be present, supporting them in their endeavors. Sleepovers rooted in love at Gram and Grampa's were a frequent weekend event for many of the kids over the years. Notable memories include playing card games, ski trips to King Pine, watching movies, going out to eat, and sharing many laughs.
Dorothy lived a full life. She persevered through difficult times and she used her faith to embrace the positives around her. She will be deeply missed.
She was predeceased by her parents, Walter and Mary Hensel, her daughter Lorraine Martel, son, Douglas Vanderpool and her Sister-in-law, Monica Hensel.
Dorothy is survived by her loving husband, Douglas W. Vanderpool; her children, Lawrence Locke and wife Judy, Albert Locke and ex-wife Becky, Kenneth Locke and wife Heidi, Heidi Moore and husband Jeff, Walter Vanderpool and wife Renee; grandchildren, Lyndsay Salantri, Stefanie Berry, Heather Blood, Eric Locke, Jessie Tierney, Anthony Vanderpool, Sarah Stevens, Samuel Stanley, William Stanley, Andrew Vanderpool, Austin Vanderpool and Mackenzie McHatton along with 17 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her beloved brother, Walter Hensel, as well as several close nieces and nephews.
Services will be held on Thursday May 16, 2024, at St. Martin Church, 120 Maple Street, Somersworth NH 03878 at 10:30am, with an hour of visitation from 8:30am-9:30am at Tasker Funeral Home.
Burial will take place on Friday, June 14, 2024, at 3pm at NH Veteran's Cemetery located at 110 Daniel Webster Hwy, Boscawen NH 03303.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Dorothy's name to the Pope Memorial Humane Society located at 221 County Farm Rd, Dover NH 03820.