OTTER CREEK – After decades of struggling with Alzheimer’s disease, Dorothy Anne Leonard Richardson died Jan. 25, 2008, at a local nursing care facility. She was born May 1, 1931, in Bangor, daughter of Charles W. and Emma (Hamm) Leonard. She graduated from Bangor High School in 1949 and graduated with an English degree from the University of Maine, Orono, in 1953. She was a member of Tri Delta Sorority and a Sophomore Eagle. Throughout her adult life, she continued to challenge herself academically. She was very proud of achieving her master’s degree in library science. She was the school librarian in Northeast Harbor and in 1968 helped establish the Mount Desert Island Regional High School Library, where she continued as librarian for many years. Being a school librarian brought her great joy, as it combined her love of books with being surrounded by young people. She was an active person who enjoyed tennis, gardening and horses. Golf was a passion and she was the recipient of many awards and trophies. Her community spirit was evident in her participation with numerous local clubs, organizations and Union Congregational Church. She was a lover of music and enjoyed playing in the bell choir. People will remember her loving, kind spirit, as well as her wonderful sense of fun and humor. Dorothy is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Paul Smith Richardson; children, Paula Richardson Gannon and husband, John, of Somesville, Gail Richardson Gee and husband, Steven, of Somesville and Peter Leonard Richardson and wife, Peggy (Miller), of Bar Harbor; seven grandchildren, Britt and Miles Emmons, Clare Gannon, Abigail and Molly Gee, Kelsey and Joseph Richardson; and a sister, Lois Barber and husband, Theodore, of San Diego. She was blessed with wonderful, loving care at Birch Bay Village, where she resided for her final years. Her family wishes to acknowledge the numerous individuals who have lovingly cared for her throughout her disease, in particular, Cheryl Dulong and Jeff Springer. In celebration of her life, her family proudly continues to be her voice against Alzheimer’s disease. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at United Church of Christ, Summit Road, Northeast Harbor, with the Rev. William “Mac” Bigelow Jr. officiating. The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorials be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 170 U.S. Route One, Suite 250, Falmouth, ME 04105. Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 1139 Main St., Mount Desert. Condolences may be expressed online at www.jordanfernald.com.
DOROTHY LEONARD RICHARDSON
