Published in the November 19, 2015 edition.
MELROSE — Dorothy A. (Campbell) O’Toole, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully at D’Youville Senior Care in Lowell on Monday, Nov. 16.
Dorothy was born in Somerville on Jan. 6, 1922, the daughter of the late William and Eva (Gladu) Campbell. She was raised in Woburn where she graduated from Woburn High School. On Aug. 24, 1947, she married William O’Toole and they settled on Messenger Court in Melrose to raise a family of three children.
Dorothy, or “Dot” as she was known, kept herself busy with volunteer work and a variety of part time jobs. She was active at Most Blessed Sacrament Church where she was a member of the Women’s Guild and was a daily parishioner for many years. Generous with her time, Dot was a frequent volunteer with the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital Gift Shop, Melrose Council on Aging, driver for F.I.S.H, and was the chairwoman for the Melrose Camp Fire Girls. She enjoyed the activities at the Milano Senior Center and dutifully helped prepare the newsletter every week. Dot also enjoyed meetings with the Melrose Garden Club, Melrose Women’s Club and her favorite, the Melrose Bowling League where she served as Secretary and President.
Dot and Bill enjoyed years of square dancing together, playing bridge with friends and traveling when they could. Dorothy was always busy with something but when she was home she liked having her kids and their friends home with her. The house was always open for neighborhood families and the backyard hosted many cookouts, baseball games and pool parties. She enjoyed her peonies and geraniums in the backyard and making her famous apple pie to the delight of family and friends.
Dot was a strong and independent woman with a kind heart. According to Dot, everyone received a gift even when not your birthday and birthday cakes were made no matter your age. With her friendly nature and outgoing personality, she never hesitated to join a new group or make a new friend. She enjoyed Sunday brunches with the ladies from the neighborhood and looked forward to bowling nights every Wednesday for over 30 years. The matriarch of the family, Dot ably filled her role as family caretaker and provider for 93 years. She will be missed but lovingly remembered by her family and friends.
The O’Toole family wishes to thank the staff at D’Youville Senior Care for the care they provided for Dot, especially to her special friend and care provider, Marissa.
Dorothy was the beloved wife of the late William J. O’Toole, with whom she shared 54 years of marriage. She was the devoted mother of Maureen Hanlon and her husband Edward of New Hope, Minn., Carol Sullivan and her fiance Stephen Dente of Londonderry, N.H. and Thomas W. O’Toole and his wife Nicole of Littleton. She was predeceased by her son-in-law, Bob Sullivan. She was the cherished grandmother of Joyce Thomas, Michelle Borland, Patrick Hanlon, Robert Sullivan Jr., Steven Sullivan, Liam O’Toole and Colin O’Toole. She was the loving great-grandmother of Lilly, Owen, Bryce, Kendra, Bobby and Spencer Grace. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends will gather in honor and remembrance of Dot’s life for visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Thursday, Nov. 19 from 4-8 p.m. and again on Friday at 9 a.m. before leaving in procession to Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield where her funeral Mass was celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment in St. Patrick Cemetery, Stoneham. For directions or online tribute visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
