Obituary for Dorothy-Ann "Dottie" E. Doyle
In the wee hours of Wednesday, January 10th, 2024, the clouds burst into tears and the world as we know it shifted. Dorothy-Ann “Dottie” Elizabeth (Murphy) Doyle left this worldly life at the age of 78. She passed away peacefully in her home after a long battle with cancer. She was surrounded by family who helped her make the final journey into the kingdom of heaven.
Dottie is survived by her devoted husband Andrew Doyle Jr., sister Jayne Davis, and three married sons Andrew and Jennifer, Matthew and Marnie and Sean and Hilary. In addition to many sisters-in law, brothers-in law, nephews, and nieces, she held dear her seven grandchildren, Murphy, Penelope, Libby, John, Charlie, Caitlin, and Emily.
Dottie was born in Framingham, MA to parents Francis and Dorothy Murphy, the youngest of two daughters. She graduated from Framingham High School and went on to study radiation technology at Northeastern University. She would consider raising her three boys her most important success in life. A voracious reader, she spent her later adult life working at several libraries where she brought the gift of words and stories to children of all ages. She also worked for years at the Guild of St. Agnes, an agency dedicated to early education and childcare.
Those who had the privilege of knowing Dottie are all better because of it. She truly lit up the room with her big personality and you couldn’t help but get caught in the vortex of her positivity. The fortunate ones who called her a friend were on the receiving end of lifelong loyalty and love. Her tight circle of friends affectionately called the “Pearl Girls” are an army of women who would go on to share countless memories and carry any burden for one another. Dottie loved the game of tennis and played it passionately most of her life. She belonged to multiple tennis clubs where she expanded her catalog of friendship even more. She was fiercely proud of her Irish heritage and lived her life embracing a culture where the road will truly rise to meet you. She spent decades involved in the Worcester St. Patrick’s Day parade committee eventually and fittingly serving as The Mayor in 2015. Her longstanding membership in the Worcester Hibernian Cultural Centre, further galvanized her as a legend in the local Irish community. Her generosity extended into the non-profit community where she served on the board of directors for Dress for Success and The Oak Hill Community Development Corporation. She prioritized her family and would sacrifice anything to keep them feeling safe and loved. Some of her fondest memories were spent with her husband and three boys down the Cape enjoying the beach and salt air. There is likely no grandmother that lived who cherished her grandchildren more and the times she was able to dote on them as “Mimi Dot.” The love she gave her entire family was unconditional in every way. As a devout Catholic, she understood that this life was a path to God where there is no more pain and suffering.
The Doyle family would like to extend special thanks to several individuals: Amanda from enhabit Home Health was instrumental in keeping Dottie comfortable during her last battles; Beth and RoxAnn from the Hibernians for their endless visits with Dottie helping with her personal care and overall encouragement; Several Pearl Girls provided support above and beyond any expectations; Betsy, Ellie, Sharon, Lynn, and Molly all ensured that Dottie had constant companionship and the continued joys of deep friendship. There are countless others who the family owes a debt of gratitude to and will never forget the warmth that was extended during this challenging time.
Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 PM on Monday, January 15th at Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main St., Shrewsbury, MA. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM on Tuesday, January 16th at St. John’s Catholic Church, 44 Temple St., Worcester (kindly proceed directly to church, please), with burial to follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Shrewsbury. Relatives and friends are invited. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions are made in her honor to Mass Eye and Ear (https://giving.masseyeandear.org/). To make a gift by mail, please send your check payable to: The Foundation of the MEEI, Inc., 243 Charles Street, Development Office, Boston, MA 02114. Please call 617-573-3345 if you have any questions.
Dottie is survived by her devoted husband Andrew Doyle Jr., sister Jayne Davis, and three married sons Andrew and Jennifer, Matthew and Marnie and Sean and Hilary. In addition to many sisters-in law, brothers-in law, nephews, and nieces, she held dear her seven grandchildren, Murphy, Penelope, Libby, John, Charlie, Caitlin, and Emily.
Dottie was born in Framingham, MA to parents Francis and Dorothy Murphy, the youngest of two daughters. She graduated from Framingham High School and went on to study radiation technology at Northeastern University. She would consider raising her three boys her most important success in life. A voracious reader, she spent her later adult life working at several libraries where she brought the gift of words and stories to children of all ages. She also worked for years at the Guild of St. Agnes, an agency dedicated to early education and childcare.
Those who had the privilege of knowing Dottie are all better because of it. She truly lit up the room with her big personality and you couldn’t help but get caught in the vortex of her positivity. The fortunate ones who called her a friend were on the receiving end of lifelong loyalty and love. Her tight circle of friends affectionately called the “Pearl Girls” are an army of women who would go on to share countless memories and carry any burden for one another. Dottie loved the game of tennis and played it passionately most of her life. She belonged to multiple tennis clubs where she expanded her catalog of friendship even more. She was fiercely proud of her Irish heritage and lived her life embracing a culture where the road will truly rise to meet you. She spent decades involved in the Worcester St. Patrick’s Day parade committee eventually and fittingly serving as The Mayor in 2015. Her longstanding membership in the Worcester Hibernian Cultural Centre, further galvanized her as a legend in the local Irish community. Her generosity extended into the non-profit community where she served on the board of directors for Dress for Success and The Oak Hill Community Development Corporation. She prioritized her family and would sacrifice anything to keep them feeling safe and loved. Some of her fondest memories were spent with her husband and three boys down the Cape enjoying the beach and salt air. There is likely no grandmother that lived who cherished her grandchildren more and the times she was able to dote on them as “Mimi Dot.” The love she gave her entire family was unconditional in every way. As a devout Catholic, she understood that this life was a path to God where there is no more pain and suffering.
The Doyle family would like to extend special thanks to several individuals: Amanda from enhabit Home Health was instrumental in keeping Dottie comfortable during her last battles; Beth and RoxAnn from the Hibernians for their endless visits with Dottie helping with her personal care and overall encouragement; Several Pearl Girls provided support above and beyond any expectations; Betsy, Ellie, Sharon, Lynn, and Molly all ensured that Dottie had constant companionship and the continued joys of deep friendship. There are countless others who the family owes a debt of gratitude to and will never forget the warmth that was extended during this challenging time.
Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 PM on Monday, January 15th at Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main St., Shrewsbury, MA. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM on Tuesday, January 16th at St. John’s Catholic Church, 44 Temple St., Worcester (kindly proceed directly to church, please), with burial to follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Shrewsbury. Relatives and friends are invited. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions are made in her honor to Mass Eye and Ear (https://giving.masseyeandear.org/). To make a gift by mail, please send your check payable to: The Foundation of the MEEI, Inc., 243 Charles Street, Development Office, Boston, MA 02114. Please call 617-573-3345 if you have any questions.