STEUBEN – Dorothy West, 81, a lifetime resident of the Milbridge and Steuben area, passed away Friday, June 1, 2012, in Ellsworth. Dorothy was born June 20, 1930, in Milbridge, to James and Agnes (Caine) Strout.
She grew up in the Milbridge area and as a youth went to work as a packer for Wyman’s blueberry and sardine operations. At age 18, she married Phillip West and they enjoyed 31 years of marriage together. In addition to her evening shifts at the packing plants, Dorothy would help Phillip haul lobster traps and tend her family’s vegetable and flower gardens during the day. She enjoyed her membership in Order of the Eastern Star and square dancing. After 31 years of service at Stinson Sardine, she was able to retire. A couple years after Phillip’s death in 1979, Dorothy met her life companion, Richard Pinkham. Together, they enjoyed traveling and sampling the fare at various eateries across Maine. One of Dorothy’s favorite destinations was Richard’s cottage at Ray’s Point.
Dorothy is survived by her son, Wayne West and his wife, Betty, of Steuben; partner, Richard Pinkham of Steuben; grandchildren, Amy Bolden of Mountain Top, Pa., Julie Parritt of Steuben and Nicole Wescott of Clinton; and five great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed her many nieces and nephews, and other family. Dorothy was predeceased by her husband, Phillip; her parents; her brothers, Herbert, Roy and Elwood Strout; and sisters, Kathleen Flaherty and Beatrice Robinson.
A graveside committal ceremony is scheduled 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 6, at Steuben Cemetery, Steuben, with the Rev. Owen Beal officiating. Arrangements by Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, Milbridge.