OBITUARY: Dorothy “Dottie” Elizabeth (Richard) Gilgun, 96

Below is an obituary from Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home:

WOBURN, MA — Dorothy “Dottie” Elizabeth (Richard) Gilgun, at the age of 96, passed away peacefully at her home in Woburn on Saturday, March 30th, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Tignish, Prince Edward Island, and was raised in Wilmington, MA. She was the daughter of Howard and Lydia Richard. Dottie graduated from Wilmington High School in 1945 and Comptometer School in 1946. She went on to have a fulfilling career at the New England Telephone Company where she made lifelong friendships and memories.

Dottie and her best friend and husband of 66 years, Fred lived a true love story and she ultimately died of a broken heart after his passing last month. Together they raised six children in Woburn MA and later in life spent many years splitting their time between Falmouth, MA, and Naples, Florida. Dottie was a kind and gentle soul who was truly at her happiest in the presence of her family, who appreciated how special and loved she made them feel. Never having a negative thing to say and welcoming to all, gatherings at her home were special as she would beam with joy while singing and laughing or on the floor making puzzles and playing with her grandchildren. Dottie loved knitting afghans and mittens for each of her family members, spending countless hours in her garden with her flowers that grew so beautifully, she was teased as having a “green thumb”. She loved to be active spending time outdoors on long walks or playing a round of golf with her friends. Guided by her incredible faith and her affection for the blessed Mother Mary, Dottie lived a life of the highest moral character. Her faith directed her to volunteer as a Eucharistic minister and share her time with the St. Vincent De Paul organization.

Dorothy “Dottie” (Richard) Gilgun, beloved wife of the late Frederick V Gilgun. She is survived by one son, Frederick V. Gilgun, Jr., and his wife, Sharon, of Winchester, and five daughters: Dorothy Roscillo and her husband Anthony, Rosemary Maher and her husband Robert, all of Woburn, Patricia Harnan and her husband, Thomas, of South Boston, Elizabeth “Libby” Coveno and her husband, Michael, of Charlestown (formerly of Burlington), and Regina Ryan and her husband, Michael, of West Falmouth (formerly of Winchester). She also leaves behind her beloved 17 grandchildren: Elizabeth, Michael, Katherine, Jacqui, Danielle, Kathleen, Jay, Jack, Caroline, Mary, Kate, Luke, Rose, Owen, Faith, Thomas, and Patrick, and her great-grandson, Thomas. She is also survived by her sister, Pauline Conlin, and her brother-in-law David Gilgun, and was predeceased by her siblings: Leonard Richard, Robert Richard, and Earl Richard.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Thursday, April 4th, at 12PM at St Barbara’s Church 138 Cambridge Rd, Woburn, MA 01801. Interment in Calvary Cemetery, Winchester. Relatives and friends were invited to calling hours, Thursday, April 4th, St Barbara’s Church 10:15 AM-11:45 AM. Remembrances may be made to Mission of Deeds, 6 Chapin Ave, Reading, MA 01867. Arrangements are under the direction of the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn, MA 01801.