OBITUARY: Dorothy R. (Washburn) Crosby, 94

Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:

WILMINGTON, MA — Dorothy R. (Washburn) Crosby, “Dotty”, age 94, a long-time resident of Reading, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2024, at Winchester Hospital.

Dotty was born on February 8, 1930, in Cambridge, MA; she was the dear daughter of the late Joseph H. and Gladys I. (Dykens) Washburn. She was raised and educated in North Reading and a graduate of Reading High School with the Class of 1947. Dotty went on to continue her education graduating with an Associate Degree in Art from the Boston Art School.

Dotty married “the love of her life” Robert Crosby in 1957; the couple settled in Reading, MA, over 54 years ago where they raised a wonderful family. Dotty was a devoted mother to her two sons and treasured her role as “Grandma and Great-Grandma”. Dotty loved to entertain; she and her husband Bob threw great Labor Day cookouts and pool parties where all were welcome. The couple shared over 64 years together enjoying family and friends and making many wonderful memories before Bob’s passing in March of 2022.

Dotty and Bob will be fondly remembered for their amazing ballroom dancing skills; the couple enjoyed being part of the dance crew at the Stardust Lounge in North Reading for more than fifteen years. They were beautiful to watch as they glided across the floor, always in sync, and had perfect timing.

Prior to retiring, Dotty worked as a Quality Control Inspector for the Compugraphic Company in Wilmington where she made many friends throughout the years.

In her spare time, Dotty enjoyed working in her gardens; she loved flowers and plants of all kinds. She also liked to keep her artistic skills sharp as she created beautiful gifts at her ceramic’s classes.

Dotty was a wonderful lady who looked forward to the time she spent with family and friends; especially her grandchildren whom she adored. She enjoyed getting everyone together for holidays and celebrations. Dotty will forever be loved and missed by all who knew her.

Dotty was the beloved wife of the late Robert L. Crosby, devoted mother of Robert L. Crosby Jr. & wife Donna of Tewksbury and Richard P. Crosby of Manchester Center, VT. Loving Grandma of Kelly Giordano & husband Mark, Kristin Kincaid & husband Matt, the late Christopher Crosby, Bandy Griffith, and Great-Grandma of Joey and Anthony Giordano and Ben and Jake Kincaid. Dear sister of Shirley McKenna, the late Helen Bartz, Robert Washburn and George Washburn. Dotty is further survived by many nieces and nephews and their families.

Family and friends will gather for a Visitation at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Monday, July 1st from 9:30-11:00 a.m. followed by a Service at 11:00 a.m. Interment Wood End Cemetery, Reading.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dorothy’s memory may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114.

To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.