Dorothy Ethel Beote

Dorothy Ethel (Sullivan) Beote, 92, of North Yarmouth died peacefully February 1, 2022, with her family at her side at Pine Point Nursing home where she had been residing since August. Dorothy, or Thea, as she was also known, was born June 8, 1929 to Francis Leo Sullivan and Dorothy Ethel (nee Shortsleeves) Sullivan in Malden, Massachusetts, the first daughter and fifth child of eleven children. She completed her education in Massachusetts, overcoming polio and even danced for President Roosevelt in celebration of polio survivors. Dorothy moved to Yarmouth with her family in the mid- 1950s. While living in Yarmouth she met and married Joseph O. Beote and resided there for many years.

She dedicated her life to her family, often hosting large gatherings whether in the summertime pool-side, or the holidays, often seating 25-30 people at her table. Dorothy was known for lending a helping hand to family, whether with financial support or opening her home to those that needed a place to live. In the 1970s and 1980s, she and her sister Bernice ran the local thrift shop, often donating clothing to those who didn’t have. If Thea had it, she shared it with those that needed it, often going without herself.

She was a parishioner of the then-Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Yarmouth, which she and Joe supported for many years including transporting nuns for CCD classes, teaching CCD, and successfully organizing several church fairs.

Dorothy loved genealogy research and was fiercely proud of her Irish heritage. She and Joe took many trips to the Canadian Maritimes to explore his ancestral background, and even took a trip to Ireland in the late 80s, exploring the land of her heritage.

She loved all animals, and throughout the years had dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, birds, chickens and guinea pigs. At one point there were three dogs, seven cats and a horse at their home along with 11 people.

Thea was fiercely competitive, whether in a game of Trivial Pursuit, Michigan Rummy, or a political debate. Oh, how she loved a good debate, on any topic.

Her granddaughter summed up Thea: “Life is always better with a dog on your lap. Being shy and soft spoken is overrated, and to laugh often and loud.”

Dorothy is survived by her children Joseph P. Beote and his wife Rebecca (Mills) of Gray, her son Sean M. Beote and partner Donna Pendleton of North Yarmouth and daughter Carrie Gianattasio of North Yarmouth; grandchildren Joe, Rachael, Conor and Brendon Beote, Dominic and Dante Gianattasio; great-grandchildren Colin, Silas and Phoebe Beote; her sister, Ruth Sullivan Murphy; sisters-in-laws Lucille Sullivan and Frances Sullivan, and many, many nieces and nephews.

She is pre-deceased by her husband Joe, her parents, and 9 siblings: John, James, William, Robert, and Francis Sullivan; Mary Sullivan Ballard, Mildred Sullivan, Bernice Sullivan Merrill and Philip Sullivan.

At her request, there will be no services.

A Celebration of Life and internment planned for the spring can be found at lindquistfuneralhome.com or her online memorial site at dorothy-ethel-beote.forevermissed.com.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her Dorothy’s name to the animal shelter of your choice. Private interment and a Celebration of Life will be in the spring.