Retired RN who was active in local civic organizations and an avid knitter
DANVERS — Dorothy Teresa (MacDonald) Carlson passed away peacefully in Danvers on October 24, 2022 with her family by her side. She was 93 years old.
Dorothy was born to Catherine (Stanley) and Angus MacDonald in Woburn, where she attended St. Charles School and met her husband, the late Edward A. Carlson, to whom she was married for 58 years. Graduating with a registered nursing degree from Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Medford, Dot served as an RN for over 45 years, mostly working as a surgical nurse at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, Winchester Hospital and New England Memorial Hospital.
In addition, she served as a blood donor volunteer and cancer drive volunteer. After retirement, Dot returned to work for a private practice, and when she and Ed then moved to Maine, she continued working there. She loved to tell stories about her early days in nurse’s training, studying and working for $10 a shift. She continued nursing throughout her life while raising three girls and providing medical advice to any neighbor or friend who might ask for help.
Dottie was active with local civic organizations in town such as the League of Women Voters, hosting meetings, coffee hours and luncheons. She was an avid knitter, crafting sweaters, vests, many mittens, coverlets and baby blankets. She enjoyed playing bridge, cheering for the Sox and watching Jeopardy, as well a little golf and hosting family gatherings.
Her family will never forget the many holidays, unexpected guests and schedules she graciously managed and welcomed over the years, inclusive of the many dogs and pets that were always a part of their family life. She was always viewed by those who knew her, even briefly, as such a lovely and nice lady.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Edward, her sister Mary and brother Jackie. She will be dearly missed by her sister Carleen Colburn of Melbourne Beach, Fla., daughters Linda Roland along with her husband John of Trout Lake, Washington, Kathleen Ferguson of Danvers and Thyra Carlson of Danvers. Nana Dot will be sadly missed by her granddaughters Emily Saenger and her husband Casey and Gina Reppucci and her husband Scott Curley, and great-grandchildren, Hugo, Reid and Lorelei.
In lieu of flowers the family requests a kind donation be made to St. Jude’s Hospital for Children. Private services to honor Dorothy’s life will be held in the spring of 2023.
