HAMPDEN – Dorothy Taylor Lawrie, 99, wife of the late Sidney John Lawrie, died April 11, 2013, surrounded by members of her family at her home in Hampden. She was born July 2, 1913, in Bridgeport, Conn., daughter of Joseph and Mary (Cox) Taylor.
Dorothy was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. Loyalty and commitment to family gave her great pride and fulfillment. With her twinkling eyes and adorable smile, she will be remembered as a great storyteller who enjoyed hosting family gatherings. She found joy and laughter in the spirit of competition during family events such as our “Summer Olympics,” charades, Pictionary, Password, trivia, pie in the face, spoons, darts and any other game a family member brought to the gathering. She also enjoyed the challenge of crossword puzzles and her evening Jeopardy show. Dorothy was a fabulous cook and famous for her English scones, or “stones” as the youngest members of the family would often say. Other signature meals included her meatballs, pumpkin bread and home made macaroni and cheese; all of which she carefully kept as the “secret” recipes. She was notorious for making sure her family never left her home with an empty stomach. Dorothy had healing hands and taught us the importance of working hard, keeping active and having pride in your family heritage. Dorothy was an avid sports fan and faithfully supported the Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, U.S. Olympic teams, Husson University and her family’s teams. Dorothy also possessed a deep love of nature, birds, the salt water and her many pets. Dorothy and Sidney lived for several years in Fairfield, Conn., where Dorothy worked in the order department in the nearby Pepperidge Farm Bakery. In 1965 Sidney and Dorothy moved to Lewiston where they purchased the M & W Awning Company and a home on Russell Street. They built their company with the help of key employees, Susan Lever and Brendan McMorrow, until their retirement.
Dorothy was predeceased by her husband, Sidney; parents, Joseph and Mary; and siblings, Joseph, Lewis and Rosemary. Dorothy is survived by her three daughters, Marilyn Rees and husband, James Rees, of Rock Hill, S.C., Susan Lever of Hampden and Christine MacGregor and husband, Donald Bruce MacGregor, of Naples, Fla.; grandchildren, Mary Rees-Nutter, Sarah Rees, Alison (Rees) Wensel, Susan (Lever) Piffath, Katherine (Lever) Jarius, Scott Lever, John Lever, Betsy (MacGregor) Webb, David MacGregor and Jill (MacGregor) St. Peter-Buzzell; great-grandchildren, Rebekah Nutter, Moriah Nutter, Larry Wensel, Crystal Piffath, Frank Piffath III, Taylor Piffath, Kyle Jarius, Cortney (Jarius) Allen, Branden Lever, Allarie Lever, Brooke Lever, Jennifer Lever, David Lever, Cameron Webb, Gordon Webb, David MacGregor, Kelsi MacGregor, Sidney St. Peter and Bruce St. Peter; and two great-great-grandchildren, Meah Jarius and the last great-great-granddaughter named after Dorothy, Dorothy Coco Yehle.
At Dorothy’s request, she will be cremated and a family celebration of her life will be held Sunday, June 30, in Hampden. In lieu of flowers, family and friends who wish to contribute in memory of Dorothy may do so to Husson University Sports Hall of Fame Room, care of Warren Caruso, Office of Advancement, Husson University, 1 College Circle, Bangor, ME 04401.
Dorothy Taylor Lawrie
