Dorothy O. Dobson

Dorothy was born in Saponac on Jan. 17, 1935, to Coleman and Gertrude Bean Shorey. When Gertrude died less than two years later, Dorothy was adopted by her maternal aunt and husband, William and Bertha Bean O'Brion, and moved to Southern Maine. The bulk of her childhood was spent attending Windham and Portland schools, but she ultimately was a Falmouth resident for more than 50 years.

At the time of Dottie's marriage to Richard 'Dick' Dobson, on June 20, 1953, she was working at the famous Rine's Department Store on Congress Street, and she later worked as a dental assistant. Dorothy's true joy, however, was the mothering her three children and their friends. Later, she and her husband co-founded Ocean Breeze Hair and Skin Care Salon in South Portland, a place she truly loved working.

She was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star, at Corner Stone Masonic Lodge in Portland, and particularly loved serving as Esther and The Chaplain. She and Dick were also active participants in the Jaycees of Maine. They loved boating, and spent many days cruising around the islands of Casco Bay, in Boothbay Harbor region, and between Maine and Florida.

In her early retirement years Dot volunteered at OceanView in Falmouth, driving the van for the residents, and it was there that she made her home after Dick's death.

Dorothy was an artist; she loved drawing and oil painting, and flourished at any creative project. She enjoyed sewing, counted cross-stitch, chocolate, playing Scrabble, making puzzles, chocolate, reading and kitty-cats (and a couple of special dogs who were drawn to her loving heart!).

Most of all, she cherished her three children, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She ended her life with great pride that she finally had the strength to quit smoking, about 10 months ago.

Dorothy is survived by three children, Kathleen J. Dobson and Roberts Esposito of Raymond, Gary R. Dobson and his wife Andrea Adler of Falmouth, and Jeffrey W. and Celia Dobson of New Gloucester; her six grandchildren, Matthew, Benjamin, Jeffrey Jr., Elizabeth, Christopher, and Andrew, plus their spouses; and the amazing great-grandchildren, Addison, Colby, Brayden, Lauren and Cayden. She is also survived by her brother, Philip O'Brion of Jay, her brother, Walter Shorey and wife Dorothy of Zephyrhills, Fla. and Burlington; and by many very dear brothers and sisters-in-law; as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express gratitude to the wonderful staff of Gosnell Hospice House, in Scarborough, for the exceptional care and comfort provided to all of them during Dorothy's final days.

Visiting hours in Dorothy's honor will be held on Sunday, Jan. 12, from 1-3 p.m., at the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland, followed by a celebration of life reception at Dot's favorite restaurant, Bruno's Restaurant, 33 Allen Ave., in Portland.

For further information and to sign Dot's guestbook, please go to www.jonesrichhutchins.com.

In lieu of flowers, Dorothy would be most touched and ever grateful for donations made in her memory to:

The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portlandm P.O. Box 336, Westbrook, Maine 04098-0336 or online via this link: http://www.arlgp.org/donations/ memorials/.