Homemaker and pro bowler who enjoyed traveling and serving her church

NORTH READING — Dorothy E. (Walkup) Standley, 88, of North Reading, passed away at her home on Thursday, July 25, 2024, with her family by her side. She was the beloved wife of the late Robert D. Standley.

Born in West Springfield on August 6, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Paul E. and Helen (Ray) Walkup. She was raised in North Reading and was a graduate of Reading Memorial High School, Class of 1954.

Dorothy worked as a waitress for Sailor Tom’s Restaurant in Reading and for the family-owned Candlewood Lanes in North Reading. She was also a homemaker and a loving mother of five children.

Dorothy was known for her faith and strong love for God. She enjoyed traveling, including several trips to Israel, Alaska, Jordan and Egypt. She enjoyed ceramics, sewing, nature and she especially loved her pets. She was a pro bowler on the Eastern Mass. Women’s Pro Bowling League and she also loved to waterski.

Dorothy was a lifetime and active member of the Trinity Evangelical Church in North Reading, where she served on many committees. She was also very compassionate and cared for many family members and others. She has been a resident of North Reading for the past 80 years.

Family members include her loving sons, William Standley and the late Robert K. Standley; daughters, Cheryl Douty and her husband William “Bill” Douty, III, Brenda Standley and Diane Trombly and her husband James Trombly; her late brothers, Edwin and Paul  Walkup; her sister, Helen Sweet of Virginia and her niece, Susan Vail; two grandchildren, William Douty IV and his wife Jennifer and Heather (Douty) Normandie and her husband John; and three great-grandchildren, Leo Normandie, Skye and Cassidy Douty.

Her funeral was held on Wednesday, July 31 at 10 a.m. at the Trinity Evangelical Church, 105 Haverhill Street, North Reading. Calling hours were held on Tuesday, July 30 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St., North Reading. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. 

Memorial donations may be made in her memory to the Trinity Evangelical Church, 105 Haverhill Street, North Reading. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit Croswellfuneralhome.com.